With the current pandemic, it’s not easy for Filipinos to take care of their health. There have been delays in seeking medical help due to fear of contracting the virus when they go out to visit a doctor’s clinic or a pharmacy.
Healthcare providers, on the other hand, are also facing a challenge, as they have to handle a tremendous volume of patients while making sure that everyone receives the appropriate help at the right time.
917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe, is collaborating with ACHealth to provide solutions to these problems. The collaboration resulted in HealthNow, an all-in-one health app that will help Filipinos get the healthcare they need anytime, anywhere.
With HealthNow, users will be able to consult a doctor through video, buy medicine for delivery, and book clinic and lab appointments. The mobile app will be powered by the assets of 917Ventures and ACHealth, which include KonsultaMD, FamilyDOC, Healthway, and Generika. The mobile app will be available for download in Google Play and App Store in August.
“When COVID-19 struck the country, there has been a massive shift in consumer behavior from passive to active participation in health, creating more demand for convenience and transparency,” said Issa Cabreira, 917Ventures Managing Partner. “Since it is our mission to solve the most prevalent problems plaguing the Philippines, we found it necessary to prioritize the delivery of healthcare to our fellow Filipinos who are in need of medical attention especially in this trying time.”
HealthNow was initially offered as a website that provided free video teleconsultation from volunteer doctors. Over 11,000 patient requests were received and more than 100 volunteer doctors were pooled from April to June this year. The pilot has since proved the need for patients and doctors to be digitally connected for better healthcare.
The contactless delivery of health services through telemedicine is advocated by the Department of Health (DOH) as a way to relieve hospitals of non-critical cases and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, especially among vulnerable members of society.