Tech Trends: Nigerian Startup Launches DOCi App to Improve Healthcare

On this edition of Tech Trends on Channels TV, a news feature of DOCi App was shared with the viewers.

DOCi, a Nigerian-based healthcare platform has launched DOCi App which connects healthcare professionals to people that need medical advice and support. From the comfort of their homes and at the touch of a button, users can request an appointment with a doctor.

Like some other countries in Africa, access to healthcare in Nigeria can be challenging. Lack of sufficient personnel, painfully slow processes patients go through, not to mention the poor attitude of personnel are factors that have made a number of people boycott the sector, preferring to self-medicate or frequent non-medical practitioners.

DOCi App

The platform was established out of the need to close the accessibility gap of traditional channels. Founder of DOCi App, George Kobani explains,

“What we’re trying to do with DOCi healthcare is to solve the problem of healthcare accessibility. We realize that within our society, one of the biggest challenges is people’s ability to access healthcare when they need it and how they need it, and the ability to make choices as to what kind of care they want.

Typically now, the only choice that people have is driving, walking, or taking transportation to the closest health centers. That’s all you can do and whatever you see when you get there, you have to go with the flow. What we would like to do is to make it possible for people to have more choice in how they access healthcare.”

The healthtech platform is also an avenue for healthcare professionals to network and share tips with an intent to reduce waiting times, address problems of access, unpredictable cost, and choice of providers among others.

Medical and social impact

A recent innovation in Nigeria tackling health needs and challenges in the country using technology, DOCi healthcare app enables users to make decisions about the kind of healthcare professional that they want to see, the gender of the healthcare professional, even the language that they want to converse in. In sum, the app offers more choices and more flexibility.

The tech startup takes away the necessity of having to queue up to get a card to see a doctor. You book a doctor when the person is available. You get access to your preferred healthcare professional who either gives you a solution or points you in the right direction.

By merging healthcare with technology, the digital platform seeks to improve people’s access to healthcare. It also provides fast and reliable solutions to primary healthcare problems. In addition to bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, DOCi App also empowers professionals, creating another earning opportunity for them.

How it works

• Seamless and simplified process: You download the app on Play Store, sign in with Google, or any of your social media account. To set up your profile, you’ll need to provide basic information about yourself.

• Access to certified medical practitioners: To guarantee the authenticity of the digital platform, making it a safe and secure environment for users, the startup founders have a partnership with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). With this in place, only registered and certified professional healthcare providers who have been vetted are brought on board.

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