Gupshup, a leading conversation cloud platform, in collaboration with Meta, the Sudan Medical Specialization Board, and the non-profit organization Shabaka, recently announced the launch of a telemedicine chatbot service. This innovative solution is designed to provide healthcare access to Sudanese refugees residing in Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Djibouti, and other neighboring countries.
The initiative is driven by the aim to bridge the healthcare gap faced by Sudanese refugees, who have been displaced due to ongoing conflict and violence in Sudan. Over 8.6 million individuals have been forced to leave their homes, with many finding refuge across borders.
Gupshup highlighted that the telemedicine project is focused on addressing the critical healthcare needs of approximately 800,000 Sudanese refugees who currently have limited access to essential medical services, particularly in Egypt and its surrounding regions. With the new chatbot, patients can now conveniently interact with healthcare providers through WhatsApp, streamlining the process of obtaining medical assistance.
The chatbot’s promotion involves the collective efforts of participating doctors and Shabaka, a pioneering diaspora consulting group. Upon providing initial details, patients are directed to a triage team comprising healthcare professionals who evaluate their medical issues and then connect them to one of the more than 18 specialty doctors participating in the program.
This telemedicine chatbot provides refugees with an omnichannel experience, enabling them to communicate with medical experts through any internet-connected device, while ensuring security and compliance with regulatory standards. Currently, the chatbot supports both Arabic and English, with plans to expand language options based on user demand.
Beerud Sheth, founder and CEO of Gupshup, expressed pride in contributing to this humanitarian effort, emphasizing the significant impact that conversational AI and the widespread use of WhatsApp can have on the lives of refugees facing adversity. He reaffirmed Gupshup’s commitment to leveraging technology for social good and supporting humanitarian initiatives globally.
Dr. Sara Ibrahim Abdelgalil, senior advisor and project lead for Telemedicine at Shabaka, acknowledged the successful integration of Sudanese medical professionals into the telemedicine program, facilitated by the partnership with Gupshup and Meta. This collaboration has been instrumental in providing essential healthcare services to civilians affected by the war and facing challenges in accessing healthcare.
