Online Pharmacy and Healthcare Platform

In Africa, only 615 million people out of 1.3 billion Africans have access to the healthcare they need. Uganda’s Primary Healthcare (PHC) level of care makes up 85% of all healthcare facilities. It’s the first point of contact for 80% of the population and is designed to provide essential services and medicines in particularly in rural the setting (UBOS,2018). However, Uganda’s healthcare sector remains poorly developed and access to quality healthcare services remains an issue for most citizens. Uganda spend less than 10% of her Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) on healthcare (World Bank,2019). According to (WHO, 2018) the health system lack resources to recruit, deploy and retain human resources for health, particularly in remote localities; ensuring quality of the health care services delivered; ensuring reliability of health information in terms of the quality, timeliness and completeness of data; and reducing stock-out of essential medicines and medical supplies. This is worsened by emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to the rampant inappropriate use of medicines and irrational prescription practices and the inadequate control of substandard, spurious, falsely labelled and counterfeit medicines. The impact of non-functional PHC facilities is far-reaching and the lack of access to quality healthcare services is a major cause of low life expectancy with infant and maternal mortality rates at least 500% higher than the global average

Salanos is an online pharmacy & healthcare platform that provides access to medicines, healthcare information, and healthcare supply chain solutions (Laboratory services & Doctors) to the last mile patient. Our end to end online platform offer teleconsultation and medication delivery services, D2C last-mile delivery of pharmaceutical products, laboratory sample pick up and processing, vaccination services, and in-person clinical consultations. We own a pharmacy and two micro clinics to ensure the provision of end-to-end services in the same ecosystem. Users can connect with doctors virtually, describe the symptoms, and receive online consultation and prescribed medication for their health conditions. By signing up for free on Salanos wellness, patients get access to health trackers for their vitals, flexibility with speaking to a pharmacist or doctor (specialists inclusive) at any time, and a whopping reduction on medications, wellness items and laboratory testing – all of these is made seamless with just a push of the button.  Each clinic is fully digitalized: information is managed on three electronic systems: a medical record system, a sales and inventory management system, and a text messaging platform for both patient and stakeholder communications. Each clinic is operated by three health professionals: clinic officer, pharmaceutical technologists and community health worker.

Low-income informal settlement residents with an average income between USD 600 and 1800 per year. They are casual workers and small informal business owners (selling vegetables, chapati, shining shoes etc.), living in 10 by 10 feet accommodation, with a family of average 4 people per household. With living in conditions you expect in the informal settlement, predispose them to a lot of health conditions. They go to work in small nearby business centers so that they can earn money, invest in the future of their children and tend to spend a bit of their money on health care, so that they get back to work faster, their kids get back to school faster rather than spending an entire day at the government facility trying to access care. Our solution focuses on serving rural residents in rural villages of eastern Uganda. Our health platform and each micro clinic can serve more than 1,500 people / month. Simultaneously, many people, particularly in rural areas, continually lack access to healthcare services. Even when healthcare is available, the quality of care may be subpar due to a lack of resources and trained personnel, resulting in inadequate treatment and poor patient outcomes. As the name suggests, the main objective of the platform is to improve the quality of healthcare of Ugandans, by having a highly organized platform and community that truly cares. Users will access remote consultation with doctors, pharmacists, and other health professionals, accessing healthcare remotely, including telemedicine and online pharmacy.

I grew up in a rural Uganda, as a first born, I saw three of my siblings die within a week of birth because of lack of treatment. As a team we share a similar background and that’s why we are health professionals today. With this exposure, we gained competence and knowledge needed on how best to serve informal settlement residents. In our learning experience we provide a holistic result-oriented health care that focuses on patient outcomes: ensure the sick feel better. After treatment we follow up to ensure they are better and, if not, they are entered into case management.  This explains why in 2020 I decided to start partner and working in collaboration with suppliers, medicine distributors, local architects and contractors, referral hospitals to run sustainable model in my solution. Our team has experience in providing consultations, information, on-site diagnostics, and authentic medication leveraging on digital technology to improve effectiveness, lower cost, assure quality and facilitate scale. We are expert integrators and users of data to improve operations. We are leveraging tools such as Dimagi to build our field case management Apps, which we train community health workers on, so that they can screen close to patients and Jana Care’s diagnostic tools. Odoo: cloud-based sales and inventory management system so that we never stock out at our in-house pharmacy. electronic medical record for each patient, Telemedicine consultations with specialists, SMS platform that nudges patients through their care pathways ensuring that they follow-up when needed. 

We serve over 1500 monthly through our online pharmacy and clinic. 

Financial Barriers: One of the biggest challenges we face is securing funding for research and development. Developing advanced algorithms and machine learning models requires significant financial resources. We hope that the Solve challenge can help us connect with investors who are interested in supporting innovative technologies like ours. Technical Barriers: Another major challenge we face is keeping up with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The field is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. We hope that the Solve challenge can help us connect with experts in the field who can provide guidance and support as we continue to develop our technology. We also have a deficit in team building, we believe great teams do great work. The physical or biological aspects of treatment are only one dimension of healthcare and wellness that do not always address root causes. We believe our participation in the Solve Challenge will help me rethink about refilling the missing link by focusing on delivering a holistic patient focused care and service for susceptible populations through attractive global business experts, local partners and professionals who will support our mission of reliable access to quality health care services as we build a strong team of health professionals serving needy communities. This will also help us to increase household income through 76% average saving using Salanos services relative to nearby clinics, online pharmacy and delivery of medical services. We hope our two clinics to attain over 95% sustainability, clinics revenue covering an increasing percentage of its operation costs through stocking- including a large initial pharmacy order, medical equipment, and consumables. I anticipate to network with individuals in different professional fields and share my life experiences in the health and telemedicine thus building long lasting friendship with a network of social entrepreneurs and global business experts from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Salanos Health offer a one-stop shop for affordable pay-per-use health services, products, and medicines. We are a safe, accessible first entry point into healthcare system through Online pharmacy and healthcare platform. Our solution provides remote solutions via our digital platform that allows its members to track their health including diagnostic tests and advice on what actions to take based on the analysis of the health information. With our two clinics, each is fully digitalized: information is managed on three electronic systems: a medical record system, a sales and inventory management system, and a text messaging platform for both patient and stakeholder communications. Each clinic is operated by three health professionals: clinic officer, pharmaceutical technologists and community health worker. The clinical officers are empowered with a clinical decision support tools to help recommend the right treatments and through telemedicine which connects patients with remote specialists when needed. Salanos lean staffing model, tech enabled clinics and efficient management systems keep prices affordable, while still providing high quality care delivered by a health professional whilst saving patients from private healthcare facilities operating illegally, often offering dubious consultations by unlicensed staff and selling drugs that are often counterfeit or expired.

Online pharmacies have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and accessibility. They allow patients to order prescription medications from the comfort of their own homes, without having to physically visit a brick-and-mortar pharmacy. However, not all online pharmacies are created equal, and some have been known to engage in illegal or unethical practices.

A new or significantly improved approach to the online pharmacy problem would involve a focus on transparency and safety. This could be achieved through measures such as:

1. Verification of Pharmacy Credentials: The online pharmacy should be licensed and registered with the relevant regulatory bodies in their jurisdiction. They should also display their credentials prominently on their website.

2. Prescription Requirements: The online pharmacy should require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider before dispensing medication. They should also verify the authenticity of the prescription and the identity of the prescriber.

3. Quality Control: The online pharmacy should source their medications from reputable manufacturers and distributors. They should also have processes in place to ensure that the medications are stored and shipped under appropriate conditions

By implementing these measures, an online pharmacy could differentiate itself from competitors and gain the trust of patients who are concerned about the safety and legality of ordering medication online. This could be catalytic in changing the market by setting a new standard for online pharmacy operations.

Our main goal is building a sustainable society in which every family has reliable access to affordable quality health Care. We share a fundamental belief that every person on this planet matters and deserves a chance to fulfill their human potential. Quality health care is a basic building block to achieve this. We want to improve the lives of 10000 lives and reaching 50000 lives for people living in under privileged communities by 2028 through leveraging technology in improving access to quality medicines and healthcare solutions by providing accurate and comprehensive information to users. We plan to achieve these goals by constantly updating our database with the latest information from authoritative sources and using advanced algorithms to deliver the most relevant results, expanding our operations to Kenya and Rwanda where there are inequality situations in healthcare system and forming partnership with local government to secure local authorizations to operate other 3 medical clinics and health centres to reach more vulnerably people. One of our key strategies for improving access to quality medicines is by providing information on generic alternatives to brand-name drugs. Generic drugs are often much more affordable than their brand-name counterparts, making them a more accessible option for many people. Provision of information on a wide range of topics, including preventative care, disease management, and treatment options. By providing accurate and up-to-date information on these topics, I can help users make informed decisions about their healthcare whilst making the business sustainable and providing more economic value to our patients. In terms of healthcare solutions, I aim to provide information on a wide range of topics, including preventative care, disease management, and treatment options. By providing accurate and up-to-date information on these topics, I can help users make informed decisions about their healthcare.

We shall know the success of our project through the following;

1. Access to affordable healthcare services: This will be measured by the number of individuals who can access  healthcare through our established facilities in rural areas, the number of healthcare professionals available per capita, and the distance patients need to travel to receive care. 2. Health outcomes: This will  be measured by the reduction in mortality rates, improvement in life expectancy, and reduction in the incidence of preventable diseases. 3. Patient satisfaction: This will be measured by conducting patient surveys and analyzing patient feedback to determine if they are satisfied with the quality of care they receive through our health services. 4. Timeliness of care: This will be measured by tracking the time it takes for patients to receive medical attention from the moment they arrive at a healthcare facility. 5. Cost-effectiveness: This will be measured by comparing the cost of delivering healthcare services in rural areas to urban areas and determining if there are any cost savings.

Our online pharmacy and healthcare platform has the potential to revolutionize the way people access and receive medical care. By providing a convenient and accessible platform for patients to purchase medications and consult with healthcare professionals, these platforms can help improve patient outcomes while reducing costs. One of the primary benefits of online pharmacy is their ability to provide medications at a lower cost than traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. This is because online pharmacies do not have the same overhead costs as physical stores, such as rent, utilities, and staffing. As a result, they are often able to offer medications at a lower price point. In addition to cost savings, online pharmacies also offer greater convenience for patients. Patients can order medications from the comfort of their own home and have them delivered directly to their doorstep. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have mobility issues where access to physical pharmacies may be limited.

Online healthcare platforms can also provide patients with greater access to medical professionals. Patients can consult with doctors and other healthcare providers via video conferencing or messaging platforms, allowing them to receive medical advice and treatment without having to leave their homes. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who live in areas where access to medical care is limited or who have difficulty traveling due to health issues. Overall, online pharmacies and healthcare platform have the potential to improve patient outcomes while reducing costs and increasing access to medical care. However, it is important for patients to ensure that they are using reputable platforms that adhere to strict safety and privacy standards which we provide. We interviewed 140 rural residents who often face numerous barriers to accessing healthcare, including geographic isolation, lack of transportation, and limited availability of healthcare providers in Masindi, we learnt that people who cannot access healthcare would prefer a range of healthcare services that are easily accessible, affordable, and of high quality. Finally, rural people who cannot access healthcare would prefer telehealth services. Telehealth involves the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely.

Our online telemedicine software is the backbone of any telemedicine consultation platform. It enables us to connect with patients for medical and clinical solutions remotely via video conferencing, audio calls, or instant messaging. It is secure, reliable, and easy to use for both patients and healthcare providers.

Electronic Health Records (EHR): Our platform enables digital records of patient health information that can be accessed by our authorized healthcare providers from anywhere at any time. EHRs help to improve patient care by providing a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, medications, allergies, and lab results.

Pharmacy management: Our platform enables pharmacy management is used to manage the inventory, dispensing, and delivery of pharmaceutical products. It helps to streamline the process of prescribing and delivering medications to patients.

Lastly, we use  Artificial Intelligence (AI): We use to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. AI-powered tools can help healthcare providers to diagnose diseases more accurately, predict treatment outcomes, and personalize treatment plans based on individual patient data.

We work with people of different gender and from diverse cultural backgrounds including community leaders and healthcare advocates to ensure that their services are tailored to meet the needs of the communities they serve. We carry out training in cultural competence as we work to create a welcoming environment for patients from diverse backgrounds. We play a big role in addressing health disparities by providing access to care for underserved populations. Providers should work to identify and address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, including those related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We carry out holistic tannings among women making sure that our telemedicine platform is easy to use and accessible, providing education and training on how to use the technology, and offering support for patients who may be unfamiliar with the technology and available to all members of the community, as we help to improve health outcomes for women in rural areas. As a team we work together to have inclusive and people centered solutions.

With our Online Pharmacy and Healthcare Platform operate as intermediaries between patients and healthcare providers. We work with over 1500 monthly households whom we offer a wide range of services, including online consultations with doctors, prescription delivery, and medication management. We typically generate revenue through fees charged to patients and other healthcare providers. We operate two clinics to make the business sustainable however we lack equipment to provide standard healthcare services. We also charge patients a fee for each consultation with a doctor or specialist, while others offer subscription allowing patients to access a certain number of consultations per month or year. We also generate revenue by selling over-the-counter medications or health-related products directly to consumers. We directly offer prescription medication delivery services, generating revenue through markups on the cost of medication. Rural residents often face numerous barriers to accessing healthcare, including geographic isolation, lack of transportation, and limited availability of healthcare providers. Our overall business model of an online Pharmacy and Healthcare Platform is centered around providing convenient and accessible healthcare services to patients while generating revenue through various means. Salanos health platform typically offer lower prices for medications compared to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Additionally, telemedicine services can be less expensive than in-person consultations, as they eliminate the need for travel and reduce overhead costs for healthcare providers.

One of the ways to become financially sustainable is to offer a wide range of products and services that cater to the needs of the local population. This will include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, medical equipment, and supplies, as well as telemedicine consultations with healthcare professionals to achieve our goal of reaching 50000 lives.

We shall establish 3 micro clinics and partnering with other local healthcare providers such as hospitals, to offer integrated services that complement our existing offerings. This will continue to build trust and credibility among the local population while also increasing revenue streams for the online pharmacy and healthcare platform.

We shall have a fundraising team with expertise in fundraising strategies to support and optimize our operations, we therefore focus on raising investment capital through grants and service contract to NGOs as we leverage technology to streamline operations and reduce costs to contribute to financial sustainability. We shall improve using automated inventory management systems, digital marketing strategies, and our telemedicine platform to reduce overhead costs while increasing and maximizing revenue streams.