How this health tech start-up is disrupting traditional healthcare delivery in South Africa

Quro Medical, a digital health tech start-up based in South Africa, is changing the game in healthcare delivery by offering hospital-level care to patients in the comfort of their own homes. Dr. Vuyane Mhlomi, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quro Medical, discussed the pioneering hospital-at-home solution in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. The innovative approach aims to relieve the overburdened healthcare system in South Africa and provide better patient outcomes at a lower cost. The concept behind Quro Medical's model is to provide hospital-level care to patients without requiring them to visit traditional brick-and-mortar facilities. Patients are monitored using wearable technology, such as chest biosensors, that collect vital sign parameters like heart rate, temperature, ECG, oxygenation levels, and more. This real-time data is transmitted to a command center staffed by clinical professionals who can intervene at the earliest signs of clinical deterioration. If necessary, emergency medical services can be deployed to provide timely interventions. Beyond monitoring, Quro Medical offers a range of in-hospital services at the patient's home, including IV medication, fluids, antibiotics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and laboratory tests. This comprehensive approach not only enhances patient experience but also leads to faster recovery times compared to traditional care settings. Dr. Mhlomi emphasized that their solution is responsive to the needs of the community and addresses the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. In terms of the business model, Quro Medical collaborates with medical aids, insurance companies, and cash-paying patients to make their services accessible. The company's reimbursement approach is aligned with traditional hospital funding models, making it easier for patients to access hospital-level care at home. By creating a direct relationship with funders and strategic partners like Alight Healthcare, Quro Medical ensures sustainable growth and value for both patients and healthcare providers. One of the key aspects of Quro Medical's success is its adaptability to the local environment, including challenges like power outages and connectivity issues in South Africa. The company has implemented redundancies and robust data pipeline processes to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, even during load shedding. This resilience bodes well for Quro Medical's expansion plans across the continent and other emerging markets, where innovative healthcare solutions are in high demand. Looking ahead, Quro Medical is focused on rapid scaling and expansion to reach more patients in need of quality healthcare services. The company is also developing additional products to address South Africa's high burden of disease and reduce hospitalizations, which are a significant cost driver in the healthcare system. With a clear vision and a determination to revolutionize healthcare delivery, Quro Medical is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.