Proper healthcare still remains out of reach for much of the world’s population; this is especially true in Pakistan, the world’s 5th most populated country. Fortunately, an innovative group of tech startups are using technology to provide the country’s disadvantaged citizens with life-saving medical attention and treatment.
From physician search engines to pharmacy benefits management systems, the following are 13 healthcare startups you need to know about in 2017 and beyond.
Marham is a healthcare platform that offers a variety of services: a health forum featuring Q&A with qualified doctors, physician search, online appointment booking, and more. The offerings covers all of Pakistan’s major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Pakistan, to name a few.
Pakistan is currently 9th amongst the world’s most obese countries; to combat this epidemic, Nutright has developed a personal weight loss offering especially for Pakistanis that combines a fitness app and a personalized diet/weight loss plan. The first of its kind in the country, the solution works without having to visit a fitness center, gym, or nutritionist.
Mytabeeb’s app gives users immediate access to an expansive network of doctors and healthcare professionals, anywhere in Pakistan. The app features over 3,000 doctors and 60 hospitals from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and other locations.
EzPz Sehat is an online healthcare portal and search engine that matches patients with the proper doctors or medical professionals. The solution also allows users to conveniently book appointments with one click.
Dawaai.pk is an online pharmacy and healthcare portal that delivers quality medicine direct to the customers’ doorstep in a short amount of time. The company offers 15% discount on orders when selecting an online payment option.
FindMyDoctor has developed an app for helping patients find a qualified doctor and book appointments—all from one interface. The company also offers lab testing at home services (currently available in Karachi).
As its name implies, Pharmapedia Pakistan is a wiki app for medical drugs available in Pakistan. The solution provides information such as pricing, dosage, side effects, brands, alternative medications, and more.
doctHERs is a digital healthcare provider that specializes in medical solutions targeted at women, as well as programs like its initiative to create clinics in underserved areas of the country, among others. The company is supported by various public/private entities, non-profits, and corporations: The United Nations, MIT, USAID, Unilever, Ashoka, and General Electric, to name a few.
E-NovatRX has developed South Asia’s first e-pharmacy benefit management system. In collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the company aims to give all Pakistanis access to pre-discounted, quality medicine and healthcare services.
MyZindagi’s app allows users to receive medical diagnoses directly from their smartphone. Users simply download and install the app to get connected to a doctor instantly; expert advice, diagnoses, medication, and labs are only a few swipes/taps away—even for citizens living in remote areas of Pakistan.
Sehat is an online pharmacy and a medical etailer that offers fast door-to-door delivery of prescriptions throughout Pakistan. The company offers both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Healthwire develops apps for streamlining clinic and hospital management—its Praxis offering is a digital practice management platform, while Cursik is a comprehensive hospital management solution. The company’s solutions are trusted by over 10 hospitals across 7 cities.
ProCheck helps fight the circulation and accidental use of counterfeit medication with its medicine authentication app—users simply send the code printed on the packaging via SMS; a confirmation message is sent if the medicine is deemed legitimate. The solution offers an anti-counterfeiting application, as well as a remote plant management solution and data analytics tool for combating counterfeits on the market.
In short, Pakistan’s healthtech startups are blazing new paths for the healthcare and medical industry—be sure to keep an eye on these innovative startups in 2017 and beyond.
Muhammad is a technical writer and blogger based in Sambrial, Pakistan.