TeleAfya Mobile app wants to connect patients with local doctors for medical assistance
A new mobile application that seeks to connect patients with doctors for medical assistance has been launched in Nairobi. Known as TeleAfya, the app, will allow patients to access medical care givers remotely through text, video calling or messaging by simply using their smartphones.
“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,” TeleAfya app founder, Vincent Chepkwony, says.
“Through the TeleAfya App, we hope to build a network of medical care givers and patients to solve the health care crisis in Kenya.” he added.
So how does the app work? Well, a patient will have to download the app from Google Play Store for Android. Once they log in, they can books a medic on the platform and depending on their workload, a request is accepted or rejected and the patient is able to monitor and is able to request for an alternative health worker. Once a healthcare provider accepts a patient’s request, TeleAfya hands over control to them enabling the caregiver to consultant with the patient through text, call or video.
TeleAfya also has Dispatch Centres across the country that will also allow patients without smartphones can visit the and they will be matched with available medical professionals.
Chepkwony says that he is partnering with existing shops, schools, pharmacies and churches to act as TeleAfya Dispatch Centers to ensure patients without smartphones are not left out of the services.
He added that the app and dispatch centers intend, in the long term, to solve the congestion problem in available hospitals across the country and localize routine care through 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 and marketing director Dorothy Ogega.
Medical professionals can also register on the mobile app to be able to offer their services in their respective counties.
The duo said that their mission is to make healthcare accessible especially to disadvantaged communities.
The app will also use the Pandemic Integrated System (PIS) for tracking Covid-19 Suspects and Contacts Tracing System to ensure public confidence and safety.
TeleAfya is currently only available on Google Play Store for Android users (Download it here). iPhone compatibility for the app and the PIS are currently in testing phase before being rolled out.
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