New Egyptian App Will Get You a Doctor at Your Doorstep With the Touch of a Button

ElBalto is the new best thing when it comes to healthcare. Forget getting in the car and driving half an hour to the doctor while you’re practically coughing your lungs out. No, no, no, that’s all in the past. Elbalto is a user-friendly mobile app that easily allows users to consult licensed doctors by video chat, or book a same-day consultation.

“Currently, Egypt is suffering from a significant imbalance in the health workforce distribution, with doctors concentrated in the big cities and urban settings,” said co-founder and CEO Mahmoud Abdalla. “I was personally inspired when I became a father and had to go with my wife and newborn every other week for a doctor’s appointment to get answers to very basic questions, or to follow up on treatment. We were both struggling with time, effort, costs and logistics, let alone the inconvenience if we're working at the time or if the doctor cancels the appointment, which is sadly common.”  Mahmoud thought to himself, “that ain’t right!”, as a metaphorical light bulb appeared over his head. There had to be a better way – and he was determined to provide the solution. This is how ElBalto was born.

When you’re feeling under the weather, you can now video chat with licensed and customer-rated doctors and get a consultation right there on the spot. You don’t even need to leave those silky bed sheets, or get out of those comfortable pyjamas. This is all possible thanks to the blend of technology and Mahmoud’s vision to revolutionise healthcare in Egypt, and even in the region as he is already thinking of future expansion. That’s just one function of the app, though. If it’s something a little more serious you’re suffering from, and an online video chat just won’t cut it, you can book a consultation right there and then, without even needing to speak to anyone. I can’t wait to get sick again. Well, not really, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about trying this app.

If you need an online consultation, you can simply search for the specilisation you require, and easily book one of the many doctors available. For pediatrics, for example, the price is EGP 95 per consultation. I would've spent as much on my Uber on the way to the doc. 

For home visits, you put in your location just like with Uber, and pick from either a doctor, nurse, nurse aide, or physiotherapist. You then choose what medical specialization you need, like cardiology for example, pick the payment method, and you're good to go. 

At the moment, ElBalto’s specialisations include psychiatry, paediatrics, nutrition, and gynaecology, and home visits are currently limited to orthopaedics and cardiology, though the founders are determined to cover more specialisations in the near future. This app is sick!

The app is now available on iOS and Android.

Main Image from Dar Al Shifa Hospital