Thato Schermer, CEO of Zoie Health, shares her vision for EasyDoc, a revolutionary WhatsApp-based healthcare platform.
Thato Schermer, CEO of Zoie Health, says EasyDoc was designed for businesses seeking to provide affordable, accessible primary healthcare to their employees.
“EasyDoc makes connecting with private doctors as simple as sending a message. We wanted to bridge a gap we saw in healthcare for employees, especially those in underserved communities who often face significant barriers to access,” Thato explains.
“With EasyDoc, all employees need is WhatsApp. They can directly reach out to a doctor anytime for quick guidance on common health issues, book telephonic consultations, and even get sick notes and prescriptions where needed.”
The app’s WhatsApp integration allows employees to message doctors with everyday health questions or schedule a telephonic consultation for more in-depth concerns. Medication ordering is also available, with prescriptions delivered nationwide from Zoie Health’s pharmacy. This streamlined, end-to-end healthcare experience enables employees to access primary care without the need to leave their workplace.
“Not only does EasyDoc improve accessibility,” she says, “but it also reduces the cost and time barriers traditionally associated with healthcare. Employees don’t need to travel or wait in lines; they can simply reach out from their phone whenever they need support.”
What sets EasyDoc apart is its adaptability, says Thato, adding that beyond basic medical consultations, the platform offers add-ons tailored to the diverse health needs of the workforce.
“Employers can opt for dependents coverage, extending EasyDoc’s benefits to employees’ families, or add the mental health and lifestyle wellness package, providing access to mental health professionals, including social workers, counsellors and psychologists.”
She notes that the mental health add-on has been particularly popular.
“Employees appreciate that they can access support privately and directly through WhatsApp, without needing to go through a call centre. We’ve also included lifestyle management resources to encourage a well-rounded approach to health.”
The Chronic Care add-on supports employees with ongoing health conditions by sending their chronic medications to their homes every month via the Zoie Health Registered Pharmacy, while the Emergency Assist option offers 24/7 private ambulance access, providing rapid response in critical situations. An AI health coach, available at any hour, offers employees personalised health tips, encouraging proactive health choices.
Thato’s leadership at EasyDoc is closely aligned with the platform’s mission to foster accessible healthcare. “Our leadership strategy is centred on building a mission-focused culture. We hire individuals who are passionate about health equity, and we encourage innovative thinking by fostering continuous learning within our team.”
With an agile, purpose-driven culture, EasyDoc has been able to grow rapidly and maintain alignment between its people strategy and business goals. “We place a strong emphasis on openness and transparency,” says Thato. “Each team member understands how their work contributes to EasyDoc’s vision of expanding healthcare access across Africa. This shared mission keeps us all moving in the same direction.”
Meeting healthtech talent challenges
In the rapidly evolving health tech space, finding and retaining skilled talent remains a challenge, particularly for a mission-driven organisation like EasyDoc. Thato acknowledges that the industry at present is highly competitive and, as such, the industry would need people who understand both healthcare and technology.
“Our strategy is to create a mission-driven culture where our team members know their work is making a tangible impact on people’s lives. It’s this sense of purpose, coupled with opportunities for meaningful innovation, that helps us attract and retain passionate professionals.”
With EasyDoc, Thato and her team are redefining healthcare access in the workplace, offering businesses an opportunity to reduce absenteeism and enhance productivity by ensuring employees have easy access to health support. “By investing in healthcare access, businesses are also investing in their employees’ wellbeing and job satisfaction,” she emphasises. “When health becomes a priority, people are better able to show up and perform at their best.”
Feedback from employees who use EasyDoc has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’re hearing from employees who feel empowered to address health concerns early, which makes a real difference in their lives,” Thato says. “We’re also seeing that employees feel more valued and supported, which ultimately enhances job satisfaction and loyalty.”
A vision for inclusive healthcare access across Africa
Looking to the future, Thato is optimistic about the impact EasyDoc could have on healthcare across the continent. “Our mission is to transform healthcare access for underserved employees in South Africa and, eventually, throughout Africa,” she shares. “By scaling our WhatsApp-based platform, we aim to make healthcare accessible to everyone, especially blue-collar workers who face significant challenges.”
With its customisable plans and diverse add-on options, EasyDoc is positioned as a flexible healthcare solution for today’s workplace. “We want to empower businesses to take an active role in supporting employee wellbeing,” says Thato. “Through EasyDoc, companies can finally afford to provide quality healthcare for their teams, which in turn drives productivity and morale.”
In a world where convenience is key, EasyDoc offers a seamless healthcare solution that integrates with employees’ routines, making healthcare support not just accessible but also incredibly user-friendly. As Thato aptly puts it, “EasyDoc is healthcare simplified.”
