Telemedan is a Chad-based start-up founded in 2021. It addresses the critical issue of healthcare access in undeserved and remote regions. They use innovative solar-powered telemedicine kiosks. These kiosks are transforming healthcare delivery in Chad and across Africa.
They are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as ECG machines, stethoscopes, oximeters, and ultrasound probes.
Innovative Solutions for Remote Healthcare
Telemedan’s solar-powered kiosks enable teleconsultations, connecting patients in rural areas with healthcare professionals in more connected regions. Recognising that many individuals in remote areas lack internet access, the start-up has also developed a USSD-based mobile application. This app allows users to schedule consultations and access vital health information without needing an internet connection.
“Our goal is to make healthcare affordable, accessible, and scalable. We want to ensure no one is left behind. This is especially important in areas with limited infrastructure,” said CEO Abakar Mahamat in an interview with Disrupt Africa.
Mahamat emphasised the barriers many face in rural areas, including high travel costs, limited access to specialists, and poor infrastructure. Telemedan’s solutions aim to eliminate these obstacles and provide accurate, efficient, and community-centered healthcare access.
A Unique Value Proposition
While other African health-tech start-ups like Helium Health, Babyl Rwanda, and mPharma are also working to improve healthcare access, Telemedan stands out with its:
- Solar-Powered Kiosks: Ensuring functionality even in regions with unreliable electricity.
- Community-Based Approach: Collaborating closely with local populations to ensure the kiosks meet their specific needs.
- Comprehensive Medical Kits: Offering diagnostic tools that enable accurate and effective teleconsultations.
“Uptake has been positive, with high demand from local communities and healthcare workers,” Mahamat noted. “Our kiosks have seen consistent use in rural areas. The teleconsultation service is rapidly being adopted in regions with poor access to specialists.
Feedback from both patients and healthcare providers has highlighted the kiosks’ ease of use and effectiveness.”
Recognition and Future Goals
Telemedan has received funding through a mix of grants. The company collaborates with various organisations. These include the Ministry of Health of Chad , the BJKD Foundation the UNDP, and the World Bank. The startup was recently named a finalist for the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize. This prize awards US$1 million to innovative, game-changing companies.
“Being selected as a finalist for the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a significant milestone for Telemedan,” said Mahamat. “This recognition highlights the impact we’ve made in improving healthcare access in undeserved communities. It underscores our commitment to innovative solutions for sustainable development.”
Telemedan is transforming healthcare delivery in Chad. It combines technological innovation, a community-focused approach, and sustainable business practices. This transformation sets a benchmark for the rest of Africa.
As the startup continues to grow, it expands its reach with solar-powered telemedicine kiosks. These kiosks offer a scalable and impactful solution. They tackle one of the continent’s most pressing challenges: fair access to quality healthcare.