TeleAfya: Mobile app launched to help patients request for medical care

Kenyans can now access medical services much more conveniently following the launch of a mobile application that connects patients to doctors for medical assistance.

Patients with smartphones will now be able to request for a medical care provider from wherever location they are through the TeleAfya App launched on Friday.

Medical professionals will be able to register on the TeleAfya App to offer their services in their respective counties and patients with smartphones will request for said services by logging onto the app.

Coming at time when the healthcare systems are facing unprecedented pressure following the Covid-19 outbreak, TeleAfya Founder Vincent Chepkwony says the app, which is available on Google Playstore will help in tackling the crisis.

“Now more than ever, we need to bridge the gap between healthcare access and delivery by connecting local medical professionals in each county with local patients especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Through the TeleAfya App, we hope to build a network of medical care givers and patients to solve the healthcare crisis in Kenya,” said TeleAfya Founder Vincent Chepkwony.

TeleAfya facilitates connection between a patient and medical care provider who are in close proximity to the each other.

A patient books on the platform, and depending on the workload of the caregiver, requests get accepted or rejected – which the patient monitors on the system and is able to request for an alternative medical care provider.

When the healthcare provider accepts the request, TeleAfya hands over control to them, enabling the caregiver to consult with the patient through text, call or video.

In the case of patients without smartphones, TeleAfya is partnering with existing shops, schools, pharmacies and churches to act as TeleAfya Dispatch Centers. The centers will facilitate care between patients with no internet connectivity or smart phones but have a regular phone, while simultaneously solving the congestion problem in hospitals and localizing routine care that can be handled by certified medical professionals.

“TeleAfya is going to foster easy communication with people in mashinani. Just like M-Pesa, TeleAfya will be that account that has everything about your health. As long as you have your phone, your health is in your hands, literally,” said TeleAfya Co-founder & Marketing Director Dorothy Ogega.

“TeleAfya’s mission is to make healthcare accessible especially to disadvantaged communities. Through our disruptive technology platform, we make it possible for people with limited mobility, such as new parents, time-strapped professionals and the elderly, to still be able to receive excellent medical help they deserve,” added Mr Chepkwony.

TeleAfya is also on-boarding the Pandemic Integrated System for tracking Covid-19 Suspects and Contacts Tracing System. The system brings confidence to the community and workplaces by establishing a Return-To-Work testing criteria for healthcare workers as well as private and public employees.