INCLUSIVE HEALTHCARE-An Interview with Weyak Founder AHMED ELSAYED
Please tell us more about Weyak and what inspired you to create it?
The GCC faces a lot of issues when it comes to healthcare. Patients can’t find their prescription in one pharmacy. The result is that he has to go to several pharmacies to find all the medication. Weyak is trying to replace the hassle of waiting in line at the pharmacy with the ease of just opening the door to get a prescription. We’re changing the model of pharmacies. We believe that traditional pharmacies are no longer relevant and we can make something better.
How did you learn about C5 Cloud 10 Scalerator and why did you enroll your medtech start up with them?
One of the main issues we faced once we started Weyak are the regulations. C5 supported us a lot by their communication with NHRA and enabled us to get the home medicine delivery approval in Bahrain. We became the first company which received approval in Bahrain and the GCC. They also provided us with a significant amount of exposure, connected us with mentors, investors and their partners specially AWS, which made it easier for us as a startup.
Why is it important for doctors, pharmacies and patients to be in close contact with each other?
We closed the loop between doctors, pharmacies and patients to improve patient and doctor convenience by giving the doctor the knowledge of the available medicines in the pharmacy for patient prescription. This is then delivered to the patient’s home directly. One of the main issues facing medical aid now is the availability of medication, it’s becoming a pain for patients to wait in line for long periods of time only to be told the medicine is out of stock, only to return to the doctor and ask for alternative medications. By closing the loop, patients can just go home and wait for their medicine to be delivered.
Just a few of our benefits:
1. No more wasting time in pharmacy lines.
2. No hassle, we get your prescription right from your doctor.
3. Relax while we bring prescriptions to your door.
4. Leave your doctor and go straight home to your family or back to work without delay.
What’s in the pipeline for Weyak?
We are working now to help patients stay adherent to their medication by setting reminders or get automated alerts through the App which is very easy to use for older adults who may lack experience with smartphones, computers or the internet.
What advice can you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those who want to do something related to Health & Wellness?
Believe in yourself. Have a clear vision for what you want to do and then do it. Challenge yourself and take the risk. According to Accenture research, healthcare consumers continue to show strong use of digital technology, with numbers rising each year. In fact, 75% of consumers surveyed said technology is important to manage their health. Specifically, patients want to see digital tools that allow them to access patients records, pay a bill, fill prescriptions, access test results, and schedule appointments. Therefore, there is an opportunity for providers
to differentiate themselves by offering new, technologically advanced services that satisfy consumer interests and expectations. From our experience, Bahrain is one of the best places you can start your dream in. The NHRA team led by the CEO of National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), Dr Mariam Al Jalahma, are very supportive and cooperative. They have a high level of communication and are very welcoming of new ideas that create a more positive experience for patients