Project OpenHealth

In a world where health information is abundant yet unevenly distributed, our health-tech startup emerges as a beacon of equity. We are committed to addressing the global challenge of limited access to accurate, affordable, and culturally sensitive health information, particularly in underserved communities. This innovative solution not only strives to transform individual health outcomes but aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and presents a scalable, self-supporting business model.

Problem Statement:

OpenHealth aims to address the critical issue of healthcare accessibility and quality by leveraging AI technology. The problem is twofold: first, there’s a vast amount of health information available online, which can be overwhelming and unreliable for individuals seeking guidance on health issues. Second, there’s a significant gap in the standard of care provided(the ratio of health-professionals to patients in Africa) is comparatively low resulting in many individuals facing barriers to accessing quality and affordable health services.

Solution Overview:

Our solution, an AI-powered chatbot, provides accurate, comprehensive health information and diagnostic solutions. It’s designed to simplify the process of obtaining health advice, making it more user-friendly and trustworthy. By focusing on prevention rather than treatment, OpenHealth seeks to lower healthcare costs and improve overall health outcomes.

Possible Impact:

The impact on product users is substantial. OpenHealth’s chatbot empowers individuals to become the CEOs of their health, providing them with immediate access to reliable medical guidance. This not only enhances the user’s ability to manage their health proactively but also has the potential to reduce the strain on healthcare systems by decreasing unnecessary doctor visits and encouraging preventive care practices.

By integrating features like telemedicine, skin disease diagnosis, and healthcare management, OpenHealth is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry. It promises to deliver a more personalized, accessible, and cost-effective healthcare experience, ultimately contributing to a healthier global population.

Target Markets:

Our target markets include underserved communities in developing regions, multilingual populations seeking diverse health information, and collaborations with healthcare providers and organizations. This strategic approach diversifies our user base and potential partnerships.

Addressable Market:

Primary Market:

The primary Market we will address consist mainly of students. Here, we provide AI diagnosis to individuals through our chatbot that have answers to all medical questions.

The goal of this is to provide everyone with access to concise and accurate health information.

Secondary Market:

The second addressable market is to act as an online healthcare management platform; working in collaboration with companies that offer health insurances and HMO to their employees.

This include managing employee’s health, appointment scheduling, medical visits, tele-medicine etc.

The goal of this is to reduce absenteeism, enhance productivity; thereby improving the standard of care for everyone.

A major advantage we have is that we the founders are all medical students with technical skills and the desire to build better health infrastructure in Africa and Nigeria; but our major competitive advantage is that as the team lead, my unfair advantage is that I am the target customer of my own startup. I am solving my own problem, so I have key insights into the pain points of my customer segment.

Given that we are at an early stage in developing our prototype,  we are working to strategically allocate the initiate a pilot test phase. Our work is currently focused on 

• Development and refinement of the initial prototype based on preliminary research and expert consultations.

• Implementation of a pilot program with a select group of users to gather detailed feedback on the chatbot’s functionality, usability, and content accuracy.

My team and I hope 'Solve' can help us better understand market penetration; especially the Africa's Healthtech Ecosystem.

Scaling OpenHealth involves expanding the database of health information, incorporating more languages, and enhancing AI capabilities. The market opportunity is vast, given the growing internet penetration in Africa and the universal need for health information. Targeting urban and rural areas alike, OpenHealth aims to become the leading source of health information on the continent.

Our goal with applying to Solve is to help us achieve the vision for OpenHealth.

OpenHealth's approach is innovative in its integration of AI to personalize healthcare on a global scale. Unlike traditional online health resources, OpenHealth's AI chatbot dynamically interacts with users, offering tailored diagnostic insights and health information. This personalized touch not only enhances user experience but also improves the accuracy of health-related guidance.

The platform's focus on preventive care through AI is novel, as it anticipates health issues before they escalate, potentially reducing the need for in-person consultations and easing the burden on healthcare systems. By prioritizing prevention, OpenHealth aligns with the shift towards sustainable healthcare models that emphasize long-term well-being.

Furthermore, OpenHealth's commitment to democratizing healthcare information addresses the inequality in health education and services. Its AI-driven platform is designed to be accessible to anyone with internet access, breaking down barriers to quality healthcare and contributing to a more informed and healthier society. This approach not only serves individual users but also has the potential to impact public health on a larger scale.

Preliminary research, including surveys and interviews with potential users, has highlighted a significant demand for reliable health information. Many Africans rely on unverified internet sources or informal advice, often leading to harmful health decisions. This feedback underscores the need for a trustworthy, easily accessible platform for health information.

OpenHealth’s idea will resonate widely due to its direct response to the urgent need for accessible and reliable healthcare. The relevance of OpenHealth is underscored by the growing demand for AI in healthcare, which is set to revolutionize care delivery, diagnostics, and patient management. With AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data, OpenHealth can offer personalized care plans, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enhance patient outcomes.

Solutions will be evaluated based on accuracy, cultural relevance, user-friendliness, scalability, and potential impact on health outcomes. Success will be measured through user feedback, usage metrics, and improvements in health indicators in target communities.

Moreover, the platform’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting good health and well-being, positions it as a socially responsible innovation with the potential for a significant positive impact on global health systems. OpenHealth’s approach is not just a technological advancement; it’s a step towards a more equitable and efficient healthcare future.

OpenHealth leverages a broad set of information technologies to transform healthcare. Our core technology encompasses the following components:

1. AI Algorithms:

   • Purpose: To provide accurate medical guidance and diagnostics.
   • Functionality:
     • Analyze symptoms, medical history, and available data.
     • Offer personalized health recommendations.
     • Enhance diagnostic accuracy.

2. eHealth Infrastructure:

   • Purpose: To store and provide personal medical information online.
   • Functionality:
     • Securely store user health data.
     • Enable seamless access for users and healthcare providers.

There are three people on the team.

Roddiyyat who is the CEO; her role involves: 

Leading the company

Driving strategy, growth and innovation

Is the public face of the company

Develops the plan to building a scalable and sustainable business.

Focuses on Client Acquisition 

Gets the company funding and Investment

AbdulHameed who is the CIO; his role involves:

Coordination of product manufacturing and delivery

Manages operational aspects of the market penetration.

Use unique skill set of Business and Technology to execute roles as CSO and COO

AbdulQuddus who is the CTO; his role involves:

Driving product development and profitability

Creates and Manage company technical roadmap

Ensures company manages IP property

I got the idea of OpenHealth in 2022, but we started working on concept design in 2023.

As a young female leader and also the team lead; I'm acutely aware and conscious about embracing diversity and inclusion with my team members and future recruits.

Business Model and Scalability:

1. Freemium Model:

   - The freemium model allows free access to essential health information, ensuring inclusivity. Premium features, personalized consultations, and advanced insights are offered through subscription plans, creating a revenue stream.

2. Licensing and Partnerships:

   - Collaboration with healthcare providers and organizations enables the integration of our chatbot into existing healthcare systems, fostering sustainability through licensing agreements and strategic partnerships.

3. Target Markets:

   - Our target markets include underserved communities in developing regions, multilingual populations seeking diverse health information, and collaborations with healthcare providers and organizations. This strategic approach diversifies our user base and potential partnerships.

4. Social Impact Metrics:

   - Metrics for success include increased health literacy, reduced health disparities, and positive changes in health outcomes. Continuous monitoring and user feedback loops drive iterative improvements.

5. Community Engagement:

   - Establishing community forums and educational programs fosters engagement, creating a sense of ownership and trust within the user community.

While our primary goal is to revolutionize healthcare accessibility, sustainability is crucial for lasting impact. Here's how we plan to make money and ensure our venture thrives:

How We Plan To Make Money:

Firstly, we're leveraging a freemium model, granting free access to essential health information. But for those seeking premium features, advanced insights, and personalized consultations, we offer subscription plans. 

Secondly, we're tapping into the power of partnerships. Collaborating with healthcare providers, insurers, and wellness brands opens avenues for mutually beneficial arrangements. By integrating our chatbot into existing healthcare systems, we create value for both users and partners, fostering long-term sustainability.