The Ugandan-based startup clinicPesa is launching a micro-savings platform that will help its users set aside a certain amount of funds for their healthcare which will solve the limited access to health insurance.
ClinicPesa was originally formed last year. The startup allows its users to pay their medical bills and purchase needed drugs at any clinic, hospital, or pharmacy that is officially registered on the platform.
There are two mobile money services available, Airtel and MTN, that allow users to set aside their money. Business heads are also able to save money on behalf of their employees.
Healthcare institutions highly benefit through the platform when they register. They will receive money instantly every time a purchase is made by a patient while choosing them.
Chrispinus Onyancha, the CEO of clinicPesa, said, “The goal is to close the gap of the innumerable uninsured East African Community citizens with respect to healthcare and medication coverage using IT, as well as to enhance cross border health protection to support the EAC Common Market protocol.”
Onyancha was motivated to launch this startup after falling ill last year. He was unable to afford the medical bills that time. He was blessed that the doctor ended up treating him and letting him pay later, but not everyone will be given that opportunity.
The startup is waiting for its pilots to be completed before making a rapid expansion across Africa. The problem of very little access to Healthcare insurance exists all over Africa and Onyancha intends to fix this problem.
The plan is to run the services in Uganda and Kenyas to get a feel of how to proceed before spreading out across the East African partner states first.