Tanzania - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

MY DOCTOR aims to revolutionize healthcare access and delivery in Tanzania through innovative, compassionate, and accessible services. Our goals are to enhance health outcomes, empower individuals and communities, and prioritize comprehensive care for all

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

MY DOCTOR is a pioneering healthcare platform dedicated to transforming healthcare access and delivery in Tanzania. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality medical services through virtual consultations and in-home care. We leverage advanced technology to connect users with licensed doctors, psychologists, and nurses, ensuring personalized and compassionate care. Our goals include improving health outcomes by offering timely and accessible medical advice, treatment, and preventive care. We also focus on mental health, providing essential support through virtual therapy sessions. Additionally, we empower youth by offering employment opportunities to recent graduates and young professionals in the healthcare field. Through MY DOCTOR, we aim to enhance healthcare accessibility, reduce the burden on traditional healthcare facilities, and ensure that every individual, regardless of location or circumstances, has access to the best possible care.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

MY DOCTOR, by providing virtual consultations and in-home care by personnel around the area, ensures access to quality healthcare in remote and underserved areas. This also reduces long queues saving the service time to patients, reduces the strain on overcrowded hospitals and lowers hospital bills for long-term patients needing only nurse care at home. By addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals, MY DOCTOR employs licensed doctors, psychologists, and nurses who are not in employment, thus reducing the number of unemployed qualified youth. The platform also helps alleviate the fear of hospital visits by offering care in the comfort of patients' homes, encouraging more people to seek medical attention. We emphasize mental health support, providing essential therapy and counselling services. Lastly, it aids the government in serving its people more effectively by complementing public healthcare efforts. Also helps medical personnel to engage in other economic activities too.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Comprehensive Healthcare: Access a range of services including medical consultations, mental health support, and nursing care. Cost Savings: Reduce hospital bills by managing long-term care at home, where only nursing services are needed. Employment Opportunities: Provides jobs for licensed doctors, psychologists, and nurses who are in employment, reducing unemployment. Comfort and Privacy: Patients can receive care in a familiar and comfortable environment, reducing the anxiety associated with hospital visits. Improved Health Outcomes: Early detection and timely management of health conditions through regular check-ups and preventive care. Community Impact: Supports public health initiatives and complements government healthcare efforts, ensuring broader reach and also performing outreaches and health camps. Mental Health Support: Offers essential therapy and counselling services, addressing the critical need for mental health care.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

MY DOCTOR is dedicated to serving; individuals in remote or underserved areas who lack easy access to healthcare facilities but have doctors and nurses close; long-term patients requiring ongoing nursing care that can be managed at home, reducing hospital stays and costs; and the general population seeking convenient, reliable healthcare services without the need to travel, including those with mobility issues or busy schedules. Additionally, we focus on mental health patients needing accessible psychological support and therapy. The project also targets licensed doctors, psychologists, and nurses plus recent graduates, by offering them employment opportunities and practical experience. Furthermore, MY DOCTOR supports the government and public healthcare facilities by reducing patient load and enhancing healthcare delivery. Our mission is to create a healthier, more empowered society by ensuring equitable access to comprehensive healthcare for all these targeted beneficiaries.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-09-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

5

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

ALEXANDER NELSON MATOVELO Male, 26 years, Tanzanian B.A in Economics and Statistics Publicity & Digital Content Creator & Graphics designer, Volunteering & Event and Campaign organizing, Content creator and graphic designer Youth United Nations Association Tanzania Finance officer REVINAH REMIGIUS Female, 23 years, Tanzanian BSc in Computer Science Networking Intern TANESCO, Kinondoni-Dar es Salaam, Front End Designer FINHUB, Project Coordinator FINHUB, QA Intern CODEBLOCK, Mbezi Beach-Dar es Salaam, Software Developer CODEBLOCK LILIAN MATHEW KARIOKI BS in Psychology Female, 24 years, Tanzanian UDSM Directorate of Students Services, Youth of United Nations of Tanzania as EXCOM. Institute of Gender Studies (Gender Club Champion) Ladies Connect Program at UDSM as Communication Manager. Psychology Student Association (UDPSA) as Treasurer. DINA STEVEN Female, 22 years, Tanzanian MD 2 MUHAS Loving care Foundation, Medical Outreach ViaTanzania Medical Students' Association

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.instagram.com/mydoctor.tz?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

MY DOCTOR strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for No Poverty by addressing healthcare accessibility and economic empowerment. By providing virtual consultations and in-home care, it aims to reduce the financial burden of travel and hospital bills, particularly benefiting low-income families who often cannot afford frequent travel to far health facilities. Our platform employs licensed doctors, psychologists, and nurses who are not in employment, thus creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment among qualified youth. This economic empowerment helps lift families out of poverty by providing stable incomes. Furthermore, by ensuring that healthcare reaches underserved and remote areas, we improve overall health outcomes, enabling communities to be more productive and financially stable. Through these efforts, MY DOCTOR contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting economic growth.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by promoting overall health and well-being, which are closely linked to food security. By providing accessible healthcare, we ensure that individuals, especially in underserved areas, can receive medical advice on nutrition and diet, essential for preventing malnutrition and related diseases. Our platform includes education on proper nutrition, encouraging healthy eating habits that can improve food utilization and nutrient absorption. Additionally, by employing local healthcare professionals and creating jobs, we enhance the economic stability of communities, enabling families to afford nutritious food. Healthier individuals are also more productive, contributing to agricultural and economic activities that support food security. Through these integrated efforts, MY DOCTOR helps build resilient communities with the knowledge and resources to achieve and maintain food security.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

MY DOCTOR significantly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-being by making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and comprehensive. Our platform offers virtual consultations and in-home care, ensuring that quality medical services are available to everyone, especially those in remote or underserved areas. By providing timely medical advice, preventive care, and mental health support, we help in the early detection and management of health conditions, reducing the burden of disease and improving overall health outcomes. Also, therapy and counselling services address the critical need for psychological well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education by integrating health education into our services and fostering a culture of continuous learning among healthcare professionals. By providing communities with essential health knowledge through our online platforms and in-person outreach, we empower individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being, which directly supports educational outcomes. Healthy children are more likely to attend school regularly and perform better academically, while healthy adults can engage more effectively in lifelong learning opportunities. Furthermore, MY DOCTOR creates employment opportunities for recent graduates and young professionals in the healthcare sector, providing them with practical experience and continuous professional development. We offer training and educational resources to our team, ensuring they stay updated with the latest medical advancements and best practices.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to Gender Equality by ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and creating opportunities for women in the healthcare sector. By providing virtual consultations and in-home care, we address barriers that women, especially in remote or underserved areas, often face in accessing healthcare. This includes challenges related to mobility, time constraints, and social norms that may limit their ability to seek medical advice. Our platform offers specialized health education and support for women's health issues, including maternal health, reproductive health, and mental well-being. By focusing on these areas, we empower women with knowledge and resources to take control of their health and make informed decisions. Also, MY DOCTOR actively hires female healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and psychologists, promoting gender diversity in our workforce. This serves as a platform for professional growth and leadership development in the medical field

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to Clean Water and Sanitation by integrating health education focused on hygiene and sanitation into our services. Through virtual consultations, in-home care, and community outreach programs, we educate individuals and families about the importance of clean water, proper sanitation practices, and hygiene to prevent waterborne diseases. Our health education initiatives will include voicing community needs for clean water but also guidance on safe water storage, handwashing techniques, and the proper use of sanitation facilities. By raising awareness about these crucial practices, we help reduce the incidence of illnesses such as diarrhoea, cholera, and other infections that are linked to poor water quality and sanitation.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating employment opportunities and fostering economic stability in the healthcare sector. By hiring licensed doctors, psychologists, and nurses, including recent graduates, the platform addresses unemployment among qualified youth, offering them stable, rewarding careers. Through our services, we also support the local economy by enabling healthcare professionals to work within their communities, reducing the need for migration to urban centers for employment. This localized employment strengthens community ties and ensures that economic benefits remain within the community, promoting regional development. Moreover, MY DOCTOR’s emphasis on preventive care and health education reduces the economic burden of healthcare costs on families, allowing them to allocate resources to other essential needs, thereby improving their economic situation.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

MY DOCTOR significantly contributes to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by integrating advanced technology into healthcare delivery. Our platform leverages telemedicine and mobile health technologies making healthcare services more accessible and efficient. This technological innovation not only enhances the quality of care but also sets a new standard for healthcare delivery in Tanzania. By developing a robust digital infrastructure, MY DOCTOR supports the growth of the health tech industry, fostering innovation and encouraging the adoption of digital solutions in the healthcare sector. Our platform also promotes the use of electronic health records, improving data management, patient tracking, and overall healthcare coordination. MY DOCTOR also creates opportunities for collaboration between healthcare providers, tech developers, and educational institutions, driving research and development in medical technologies and practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to Reduced Inequalities by making healthcare accessible to all, regardless of geographic location, socioeconomic status, or mobility constraints. By offering virtual consultations and in-home care, our platform ensures that individuals in remote and underserved areas receive the same quality of healthcare as those in urban centers. This approach directly addresses the disparity in healthcare access and outcomes. Our services are designed to be affordable, reducing financial barriers that often prevent low-income families from seeking timely medical attention. Additionally, by providing employment opportunities to qualified but unemployed youth, including recent graduates, MY DOCTOR helps bridge the employment gap, fostering economic equality. We also focus on vulnerable populations, including women and children, by offering specialized health education and support, ensuring they receive the care and attention they need.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities by enhancing healthcare accessibility, promoting public health, and supporting local economies. Our platform provides virtual consultations and in-home care, reducing the need for travel and decreasing the burden on urban healthcare facilities, thus promoting sustainable urban living. By offering comprehensive health services, including mental health support and health education, MY DOCTOR fosters healthier communities, which are more resilient and capable of sustainable growth. Healthier populations contribute to the overall well-being and productivity of cities and communities, supporting their sustainable development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering health equity, promoting social stability, and supporting the development of robust healthcare systems. By providing accessible and affordable healthcare services, our platform ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location, can receive quality medical care. This reduces health disparities and contributes to social justice. By improving public health, We help to create more stable and peaceful communities. Healthier populations are more productive and less likely to experience the social unrest that can arise from unmet health needs and inequities. Our platform also supports strong institutions by working alongside governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance healthcare delivery systems. Through partnerships and collaboration, we help build capacity within local healthcare institutions, improving their ability to serve the community effectively and equitably.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

MY DOCTOR contributes to Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery. Our platform brings together healthcare professionals, technology experts, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to create an integrated healthcare system. By partnering with local healthcare providers, we ensure that our services are tailored to meet community needs effectively, leveraging local expertise and resources. Collaborations with educational institutions and medical schools allow us to offer training and employment opportunities to recent graduates, enhancing their skills and integrating them into the healthcare workforce. We will also work with technology companies to develop and implement innovative health solutions, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, improving service delivery and patient outcomes.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

MY DOCTOR's innovative approach to healthcare delivery addresses critical societal needs while generating economic value and supporting environmental sustainability. Our integrated, technology-driven platform ensures that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and comprehensive, making a significant impact on the communities we serve. By focusing on preventive care, mental health, and local employment, we contribute to the overall well-being and economic stability of our society, aligning with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

In Tanzania, potential competitors for MY DOCTOR include organizations like Tiba Home Health, Ada Health, Maisha Telehealth, and the Ministry of Health's telemedicine initiatives. MY DOCTOR distinguishes itself through its comprehensive healthcare approach integrating telemedicine, in-home care, mental health support, and community health education. Our emphasis on technology-driven accessibility, affordability, and holistic care sets us apart, alongside our commitment to empowering local communities and addressing healthcare disparities effectively.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

I'm not initiating actions within my community. However, promoting the role of female entrepreneurs is crucial for empowering women economically