Dubai-based patient to doctor video consultation startup ‘Health at Hand’ raises $4.1 million in seed funding

Health at Hand, a yet to be launched digital health startup has raised $4.1 million in seed funding. The Dubai-based startup has raised this investment across two seed rounds, with $3.1 million of it coming in the latest round. Founded by Charlie Barlow, Health at Hand is a patient to doctor video consultation platform.

Launching on Sunday 22^nd October at 8am, Health at Hand claims to be the first dedicated patient to doctor video consultation platform in UAE. They like to think of themselves as Uber for healthcare bringing on-demand doctors right on your screen whenever you need them. The startup connects patients with doctors through its mobile apps that are available for both Android & iOS. Users can download the app, create an account and have a video call with the doctor they choose after making payment within the app.

Charlie Barlow, Health at Hand’s founder and CEO states: “Healthcare is one of the most defensive sectors, yet has seen relatively little technology disruption in the Middle East. Our aim is to democratize primary healthcare by putting the patient’s experience first: our app offers huge benefits in terms of convenience and quality. This user focus resonates with our investors, along with the promise of digital healthcare. There is no doubt that video consultation and the wider telehealth industry are key to the future of primary healthcare.”

The startup aims to make it easy for patients to access a highly trustworthy doctor whenever they need one. All the doctors on Health at Hand’s platform are Western-trained and highly qualified from top tier local clinics, the startup claims.

Their platform has been developed by an experienced team, some of whom have worked on Careem’s tech. The latest investment will be used to further develop their core technology platform and to integrate a subscription-based model for insurers and companies. The startup also has plans to introduce e-prescriptions and home-delivery of medicines.

Leading investor Simon Charlton comments: “Telehealth is an attractive sector, providing clear benefits to patients, corporates and insurers alike. Health at Hand is well positioned to drive forward a shift in the healthcare industry.”

Earlier this month, another Dubai-based digital health startup Altibbi had raised $6.5 million in Series B investment. Altibbi also provides access to on-demand doctors but through in-app audio calls only for now. It would be interesting to see how these startups fare against each other in the near future.