Egyptian Health and Wellness Platform Esaal Secures $1.7 Million to Expand Across the Middle East and North Africa Region

Developing markets like Egypt are facing a significant challenge when it comes to accessing medical consultation services. One of the primary reasons behind this is the low doctor-to-citizen ratio, which stood at 1:2,000 as of 2018. The consequences of this shortage can be seen in the long queues that form outside government hospitals.

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The Rise of Doctor-Booking and Consultation Apps

However, the changing habits brought about by the pandemic have led to a significant increase in the adoption of doctor-booking and consultation apps across Egypt and the wider MENA region. One such platform that has witnessed immense growth is Esaal, which recently announced a $1.7 million seed investment from A15.

Esaal’s Unique Approach

Esaal is not just limited to providing consultations on physical health; it also addresses problems in other segments, such as mental health and nutrition. The platform has enlisted over 350 consultants who provide services via an app (text, video/voice calls, and in-person visitations). Users can access these services by paying with cash, credit cards, Vodafone, or Fawry.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis

According to reports, there is a growing mental health crisis among MENA populations. A staggering 35% of people experience frequent stress, while 29% suffer from depression. Obesity records have also hit new highs among adults. The stigma associated with going for therapy or talking about issues affecting their mental state is one of the primary reasons why most people hesitate to seek help.

"There is high demand when it comes to needing to talk to someone specialized in mental health," said Fadi Doss, Esaal’s founder and CEO. "But most people have a fear of going physically to a center or talking about their issues with others."

Esaal’s Plans for Expansion

Esaal expects a revenue CAGR of around 50% to 60% between 2021 and 2025. The company plans to penetrate more countries in the region, having already launched services in eight countries. "There’s huge potential going deeper inside every country we are currently in and penetrating more countries in the region," said Doss.

The Potential for Growth

The market potential is enormous, with multiples upon multiples of growth expected in the coming four or five years. Esaal plans to achieve this by expanding its services, developing new features, and hiring more talent.

Conclusion

Esaal’s unique approach to providing medical consultation services has resonated well with customers in Egypt and the wider MENA region. With a growing demand for mental health services and a low doctor-to-citizen ratio, there is immense potential for growth in this market. As Esaal continues to expand its services, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates the challenges of scaling up while maintaining quality.

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