‘The health tech startups have recorded immense success in the last eight years. A report by Techpoint Africa showed that Nigeria’s health tech startups experienced a boost in funding activities, second to financial services. These health tech startups raised about $32.5 million across seven deals’
FAST-paced technology environment has enveloped Africa in the past decade, and it has affected all sectors of life on the continent. One of these is the healthcare industry, which has given birth to many startups.
The health tech startups have recorded immense success in the last eight years. A report by Techpoint Africa showed that Nigeria’s health tech startups experienced a boost in funding activities, second to financial services. These health tech startups raised about $32.5 million across seven deals.
The adoption of technology by healthcare startups has had positive impacts, some of which includes;
* Easy purchase of drugs from online platforms.
* Provision of health insurance at fingertips.
* Telemedicine and
* Medical consultation from the comfort of your home.
All these advancements have dwarfed the traditional healthcare system. They have made life easier for people and reduced the risk of people contacting germs when they visit hospitals.
Although the health tech startups have a long way to go, eight of them are making waves in the industry. These are:
WASPITO
Waspito released in April 2020 is a revolutionising health tech startup founded in Cameroon. It is an app that brings both the users and doctors together. Their service ranges from telemedicine, drug delivery, and consultation.
Waspito aims to use the application to provide loyal Africans with affordable and accessible quality healthcare services. It got about 30,000 sign-ups despite its lack of advertisement, and it has also been able to successfully draw the attention of several investors like the French mobile operator, Orange.
mPharma
Created in 2013 by an outstanding Ghanaian entrepreneur, Gregory Rockson, it is an online pharmacy that stocks several drugs for different health complications. It came out to solve problems faced by most Africans when it comes to purchasing drugs. Through their platform, they have found a way to reduce the purchase price of drugs for their users.
According to their website, their innovations have helped over 40,000 patients to make savings on expensive medicines.
This innovative tech is available in six African countries. They also have 155 hospital partners, 850 pharmacies and drug stores, and two million patients. Its customers are expected to grow as they operate. To add to their remarkable achievements at the peak of the pandemic, they were able to close a $17 million deal with the British International Investment.
54gene
54gene is a top-of-the-line health technology startup that discovers drugs, diagnose molecules and conduct clinical trial programmes. The goal of 54gene is to unlock scientific discoveries as well as improve diagnostics and treatment outcomes within the African community.
It was founded in 2019 by Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong. It is located in Lagos, Nigeria, and Washington, DC, USA.
LifeBank
Lifebank was launched in 2016 by Temie Giwa Tubosun. It is a medical delivery service that transports medical supplies like blood, oxygen, and medical samples that are rare to find across Africa. Its main mission is to make sure blood is available when needed.
This award-winning health tech startup is available in only two African countries at the moment and they have moved over 25,000 products and have saved over 10,000 lives. Lifebank has won several reputable awards and funds. The startup has appeared on global news media like CNN, Google, Bloomberg, etc.
Healthlane
It is a tele-consultation platform that was established in Nigeria in 2020. The app provides appointments and booking for patients. It has interactive tools that help patients manage their lifestyles and give tips on how to achieve health and fitness goals.
The app offers services such as; body analysis, heart health, diabetics check, kidney check, and liver check. Healthlane is fast and accessible. Some of its tops investors are CRE Africa, Y Combinator, and Musha investors.
Rema Medical Technologies
Rema Medical Technology is an innovative startup that is created for medical practitioners to exchange their knowledge and feedback with each other. The app contains thousands of medical studies and research papers.
It prides itself as the number one medical community in Africa with over 10,000 plus verified doctors, available in 20 plus countries and it is 100 percent secured. They have also been featured on several media outlets like BBC Africa.
Safermom
This is a revolutionary health tech startup that was built to help mothers on their journey through pregnancy and early baby care. It was founded in 2014, in Lagos, Nigeria.
It provides nursing mothers and pregnant mothers with important health information through SMS in the three top languages in Nigeria (Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo.)
This special feature makes it very helpful for mothers who don’t have access to good maternity healthcare, and it breaks the barrier of the language challenge.
Helium Health
Helium Health is a cutting-edge technology that transforms and improves how records are kept and managed in hospitals. Helium health services range from electronic medical records management, telemedicine, financial management, and administration.
This health tech is trusted by more than 300 providers, it is used by 5,000 health professionals and it manages over 165,000 patients monthly. It is located in Lagos, Nigeria, and in 2020 the CEO Adegoke Olubusi raised a $10 million Series A round.
These tech startups have in their little ways contributed to the net worth of the health sector on the continent, especially in West Africa, and all eyes are on them to help boost the continent’s healthcare delivery.
Comments are closed.