4 min read
AugmentCare (AC), a complete healthcare app that connects patients with doctors, pharmacies, and laboratories, has raised $1 million in seed capital – a remarkable feat that has not been achieved by many Pakistani startups.
The Lahore-based company has peaked the interest of local and international investors in East Asia and is planning to use its acquired capital to increase its team and expand its operations nationwide. Team AugmentCare aspires to change lives by improving healthcare conditions and rectify the numerous problems associated with accessing and receiving high-quality healthcare.
AugmentCare currently has approximately 30,000 patients registered on their platform but the app also offers a breath of fresh air for doctors who can gain access to a large pool of patients from all over the country. There are 125 doctors on the platform from Lahore and Karachi with the numbers growing consistently, and international doctors expressing interest as well.
Sharing his thoughts, CEO Hyder Mumtaz says, “We believe in a digitally connected Pakistan and while other aspects of our lives are ruled by technology, there is no reason that healthcare shouldn’t be. We aim to continue to innovate and use the capital we have accumulated to improve the healthcare experience and also generally contribute to the economy of Pakistan.” In order to do so, AC has recently launched its patient app for Android on Google Play Store which will soon be available for iOS as well.
The founders of AugmentCare, Hyder Mumtaz and Ahmed Shuja, both have ample experience in healthtech in UK, Australia, and the Middle East. When they met, they discovered that they shared an enthusiasm for improving healthcare conditions and making healthcare accessible worldwide, but decided to begin with Pakistan. Hence, AugmentCare’s journey began in mid-June 2016, as Ahmed and Hyder identified several gaps in the provision of convenient and accessible healthcare in the country and devised a solution.
AugmentCare’s beta pilot project was conducted at LUMS – a renowned and world-class research university in Lahore. Students were given access to eight medical professionals via the platform, including a mental health professional – a speciality that was highly demanded and popular amongst this young and tech-savvy market.
Over 25% of the student body signed up on the app and used it at least once – amplifying the importance of using technology to simplify healthcare. Now, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Ahmed Shuja explains how AugmentCare is a comprehensive, high-convenience, and easily accessible healthcare app.
“ AugmentCare has been designed for humans. For doctors, their staff, pharmacists, pathologists, insurers, from CEOs to HR personnel (corporate accounts), and everyone else in the healthcare ecosystem. With one thing in mind, anyone and everyone can be a patient too. As a patient, your electronic health record is safe with us and easily shareable with your doctor. You can find the right doctor to have an online video or real world appointment, compare and order the right medicines or lab reports right to your door step, and so much more!
AC’s experience has been eventful as bottlenecks and challenges did exist. However, the company’s progress has been commendable. AC is eagerly anticipating growth into other cities in Pakistan and collaborations with reputable partners. The company is currently working with Fazal Din, one of the largest retail chains of pharmacies in Pakistan and Sehat, a reputable online pharmacy. It is also collaborating with Shaukat Khanum and Chughtai Labs, two of the largest laboratory networks in the country. TPL, an established insurance provider and other businesses are also partners, while AC welcomes further opportunities for partnerships as well.
With an aim to revolutionize healthcare in Pakistan, touch lives, and provide a means to a healthier, happier future, Team AugmentCare strives to create an impact far and wide.
