Health at Hand, the newly launched Dubai-based patient to doctor video consultation platform, has now raised more than $4 million across two funding rounds. The investment will be used to further develop the Health at Hand core technology platform, integrating a subscription-based model for insurers and corporates along with the introduction e-prescriptions and home drug delivery.

Health at Hand’s board of directors boasts one the most influential telehealth doctors in the world, Dr. Pat Basu, a founder and former Chief Medical Officer of Doctor on Demand, the leading US-based video consultation platform. Doctor on Demand itself has raised over $90 million in VC funding with Google Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and Richard Branson amongst its investors.

Health at Hand is the first dedicated video consultation platform of its kind in the GCC. Developed by an experienced team, some of whom worked on the Careem technology platform, the tech startup has a strong foothold in the local entrepreneur community, as members and mentors at DMCC’s Google-partnered hub, Astrolabs.

Telehealth, the remote provision of healthcare via telecommunication technology, is the fastest growing on-demand sector in the world, after transportation. Forecast to grow to $12 billion globally by 2022, the healthcare sector is set to become a digital-first industry.

Health at Hand joins the growing number of regional tech disrupters as it sets out to transform the GCC healthcare landscape, in the same way telehealth providers have revolutionised primary care in the US.

Charlie Barlow, Health at Hand’s founder and CEO said: “Healthcare is one of the most defensive sectors, yet has seen relatively little technology disruption in the Middle East. Our aim is to democratize primary healthcare by putting the patient’s experience first: our app offers huge benefits in terms of convenience and quality. This user focus resonates with our investors, along with the promise of digital healthcare. There is no doubt that video consultation and the wider telehealth industry are key to the future of primary healthcare.”

Leading investor Simon Charlton said: “Telehealth is an attractive sector, providing clear benefits to patients, corporates and insurers alike. Health at Hand is well positioned to drive forward a shift in the healthcare industry.”