Digital health startup, Cardo Health, launches telemedicine app in SA

Cardo Health, founded by Tobias Strålin (a former McKinsey Partner and European start-up practice leader) has launched Kena Health in South Africa.

For the early detection and treatment of health conditions, easy access to primary healthcare is crucial. Today, however, Africa has the lowest patient-to-doctor ratio in the world with 0.23 doctors for every 10,000 people, compared to 84.2 doctors in the most developed countries. Digital solutions offer a great opportunity to bridge this gap, offering affordable and high-quality care to millions of people.

The Middle East and Africa telemedicine market size is estimated to grow from USD 3.86 billion in 2021 to USD 6.44 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 10.80% over the next five years.

With single-digit health insurance coverage in sub-Saharan Africa, Kena Health targets the millions of uninsured citizens who are dependent on stressed public health systems using a B2C freemium business model. The platform offers on-demand and scheduled consultations with nurses, general practitioners, and mental health professionals.

South Africa is the launch country for the telemedicine app with further roll-out in several other African countries expected in the near future.

The popularity of telemedicine spiked during the Covid-19 pandemic, growing 78 times in April 2020 according to Mckinsey & Co. With many of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a rapidly increasing smartphone and internet penetration, investors are turning to Africa as a major growth opportunity for such high-demand services. Kena Health aims to become the leading digital health player in the Sub-Saharan African region.

“With an excellent team, proven technology, and growing traction, Kena Health has great potential to become the leading digital health player in Sub Saharan Africa while making a truly positive change for millions of people,” said Tobias Strålin, Founder and CEO at Cardo Health.

Read more: New telehealth solution delivers essential services to rural areas

Featured image by Jacob Lund from Adobe Stock