How is your business helping to solve the health, social, or economic challenges created by COVID19?
As seen in the current COVID-19 outbreak, often a rapid change in the response to a pandemic is required, making the ability to communicate with health workers across services crucial. The Vula platform was built to facilitate such communications. The COVID-19 pandemic propelled the adoption of Telehealth globally and our e-referral platform is ready to be incorporated in digital healthcare offerings. For example, in South Africa Vula provided the technology platform for the Drs-on-call helpline and channelled referrals for COVID-19 testing from the helpline and 4 other digital GP platforms. We are currently exploring how Vula can contribute to telehealth services in addition to facilitating referrals. Another lucrative opportunity is providing analytics and machine learning from data collected on our platform to support tracking the impact of the pandemic real time and support later research on prevention and treatment
Does your business contribute most to recovery, response, or resilience?
Resilience - we're improving the broader infrastructure for responding to pandemic outbreaks.,Recovery - we're positioned to support in the recovery of those directly affected.,Response - we're responding directly to issues caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak.
What is the stage of your product development?
I have a market ready product/service. I have sold to customers.
What strengths does your team bring? Include skills and personal experience with the problem.
Vula was founded by Dr William Mapham (previous vice-chair ofRuDASA and currently an ophthalmology registrar atTygerberg Hospital) following his experiences as a rural doctorand as a specialist. Vula has been developed with input from specialists and health workers within the Department of Health.In 2019 Ferdi Redelinghuys facilitator and builder of world-class technology management and product development teams joined Vula as Chief Technology Officer. Ferdi has since build an experienced in-house development team to enhance and maintained the Vula applications.Dr Anuschka Coovadia recently joined the Vula Team as Chief Commercial Officer to support Vula in marketing its E-referral and Telehealth offering. A qualified medical doctor herself Anuschka has experienced similar frustrations to William. Her experience as Head of Healthcare and Lifesciences for Africa at KPMG and other similar roles makes her instrumental in Vula expanding its offer in South Africa and beyond.
What countries do you operate in?
South Africa
Is your company headquartered in a US "Opportunity Zone"?
Yes
