Singapore-headquartered Doctor Anywhere has joined forces with conglomerate Equicom Group to launch a telemedicine platform in the Philippines.

WHY IT MATTERS

The joint venture, according to a press statement, will offer on-demand virtual consultations with healthcare providers and chronic care services via the Doctor Anywhere mobile app. Through the app, users can also book mental health counselling; store their medical history, health reports and other health-related documents; and order medications with free delivery within Metro Manila, the country's capital region. Licensed doctors can send electronic prescriptions and referral letters via the app as well.

The partnership will leverage the existing healthcare network of Equicom Group, which runs a health maintenance organisation (HMO) business and offers financial technology services in the country. They have already extended services to Equicom's employees earlier this year.

Doctor Anywhere said that moving forward, it will explore partnerships with HMOs, insurers and healthcare organisations around the Philippines to offer services for their members.

Since 2017, Doctor Anywhere has built a network of around 2,800 doctors and medical professionals serving over 1.5 million users across Southeast Asia. Aside from Singapore and the Philippines, it is also present in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam; the company has recently set up a regional tech hub in Bangalore, India.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Doctor Anywhere joins Naluri, a Malaysian digital health service provider, in entering the Philippine market this year after raising $5 million in a Series A funding event in June. There are existing telehealth players in the country, such as local platform mWell by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation and Medgate. 

In late August, Doctor Anywhere closed a Series C funding round where it raised SG$88 million ($65.7 million). The proceeds, it said, will be deployed for its expansion in its existing markets and entry into new markets, while enhancing its digital capabilities and raising its ability to deliver healthcare services.

ON THE RECORD

"The pandemic has brought to light the importance and usefulness of telehealth services, especially in the areas of chronic care and mental health support. We are proud to join forces with Equicom Group, combining our proven experience in launching digital healthcare solutions in Southeast Asia, with their unparalleled market insights and network in the country. By forming this joint venture, we hope to improve the access to quality healthcare services in the Philippines, to bring reliable and convenient healthcare directly to the public through their mobile devices," said Doctor Anywhere founder and CEO Lim Wai Mun.

"Our aim is to use technology to provide access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Filipinos. The joint venture will focus on developing innovative and personalised healthcare products to expand the service capacity of the healthcare system. We will drive coordinated healthcare for patients, with a focus on primary and chronic care," Equicom Group Chairman Antonio Go also stated.