MYDAWA, a revolutionary e-health solution has officially launched into the Kenyan market. The technology based service makes it possible for consumers to purchase high quality healthcare, fitness and wellness products on their mobile phones.
The platform, a first of its kind globally to provide an end to end solution with personalized authentication, offers customers the confidence of purchasing quality medicine in a reliable, convenient and secure way by enabling them to purchase authentic products. Its success would make MYDAWA a Kenyan led ‘Uber’ of health products.
Investment
MYDAWA is a Kenyan led solution to a global challenge. The service has the backing of Ion, an Irish private equity firm that has committed an initial Sh500 million ($ 5 million) to the business.
“We have a vision to bridge the gaps between healthcare providers (i.e. Drug manufacturers, doctors, pharmacists, Insurers) and consumers. As a health and wellness brand, we are committed to offering the best products, through our platform,” said MyDawa Founder Neil O’Leary.
MYDAWA products are secured by a unique and personalized authentication solution that consumers can use to verify authenticity of products from source. All while offering convenience and privacy to the consumer. It also offers value for money as it does not charge any service fees, transaction or delivery costs.
Speaking during the launch, Pharmacy Poisons Board (PPB) Deputy Director Product Evaluation and Registration Directorate Dr. Dominic Kariuki commended the MYDAWA team for the innovation saying that it will bolster the adoption of e-health solutions in Kenya.
“As a regulator we have been looking at ways we can support the private sector to develop innovative ideas and technology solutions that will improve the quality of life and deliver effective services for Kenyans,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, MYDAWA founder Neil O’Leary said the service is meant to enable consumers get quality drugs at affordable prices while eliminating some of the challenges experienced in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
MYDAWA will initially be available in Nairobi but will expand through the rest of the country later in the year. MYDAWA is also expected to expand its services to other countries as well as it is a digital solution to a global challenge.
PPB has welcomed the move saying that it will provide affordable access to pharmaceutical products especially for patients with chronic illnesses and who require long term medication. “We are proud of this innovation as it seeks to address some of the challenges experienced in the pharmaceutical industry and it also provides the much needed technological solutions in the healthcare sector.” said Dr. Kariuki.
Consumers can access the platform online or via the MYDAWA app, where they can purchase health care products or prescription drugs by uploading the prescription onto the platform. Payments are made via mobile money and the products are then delivered to a pharmacy of their convenience.
MYDAWA will initially be available in Nairobi but will expand through the rest of the country later in the year.
