Tanzanian Startup LyfPlus Revolutionizes Healthcare Access with Telemedicine Services

To address the challenges faced by Tanzania's healthcare system, LyfPlus, a Tanzanian startup, has introduced an innovative telemedicine platform that offers affordable and convenient healthcare services.

Founded by William Mduma, LyfPlus aims to streamline the healthcare experience by leveraging virtual consultations, medical testing, and e-prescriptions.

Mduma's personal experiences, particularly witnessing his mother's permanent disability due to delayed medical intervention, inspired the creation of LyfPlus.

Speaking to Disrupt Africa, Mduma highlighted the critical issues plaguing the healthcare landscape in Tanzania.

The low ratio of healthcare professionals to the population leads to overwhelmed hospitals, long queues, and extended waiting times, with patients enduring 5-7 days to book appointments and waiting 6-8 hours on appointment days.

LyfPlus addresses these challenges through its mobile and web platform, offering integrated services such as virtual physician consultations, medical testing, and e-prescriptions.

This approach allows patients to access essential health services instantly and conveniently, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional healthcare models.

Launched in 2019, LyfPlus has already onboarded approximately 200 specialist doctors and partnered with 40 health facilities across Tanzania.

The platform enables patients to book specialist appointments virtually in less than four minutes, saving up to $20 on consultation costs.

The startup focuses on providing continuity of care, particularly for pregnant women and chronic illness patients, leading to improved intervention times, quicker detection of conditions, and better overall health outcomes.

LyfPlus has gained recognition by securing $80,000 in pre-seed funding and grants.

Additionally, the startup was selected as one of the ten participants in the Startupbootcamp AfriTech ASIP accelerator.

Beyond Tanzania, LyfPlus has conducted feasibility studies in Kenya and Uganda as part of the "East Africa Cross-Border Telemedicine Platform" project.

Mduma expressed confidence in the market-entry strategy crafted through project partnerships, positioning LyfPlus as a leader in the telemedicine space across East Africa.

LyfPlus adopts a sustainable revenue model by charging patients between $5 and $16 for physician consultations and earning a five percent commission on tests conducted by its partner test facilities.

The startup's success in addressing healthcare challenges and improving accessibility highlights the transformative potential of telemedicine in the region.

Tom Jackson / Disrupt Africa