As South Africa grapples with a mounting health crisis, a new approach to employee wellness is emerging. AsYouGo, pioneered by Unu Health, promises to transform how South Africans access, pay for, and experience healthcare. This innovative solution aims to address critical health challenges while enhancing productivity and well-being in the workplace.
Our country faces a significant health burden. Every hour, five people suffer heart attacks, and ten experience strokes. Daily, 215 South Africans succumb to these conditions, even though 80% of premature cardiovascular deaths are preventable. Hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, and elevated fasting glucose levels are rampant, contributing to the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes—the leading causes of death in the country.
In this context, Unu Health’s platform offers a glimmer of hope. Through advanced technology, Unu Health aims to democratise healthcare, providing critical services that can prevent and manage these life-threatening conditions.
Unu Health’s platform provides a suite of digital health services accessible via mobile devices.
Key offerings include:
Instant Health Consultations: Employees can connect with nurses or doctors via the app and a virtual clinic, receiving immediate medical advice and prescriptions without leaving their workplace or home.
Personal Health Scores: By inputting health information and getting it verified, users receive personalised health scores and tips, empowering them to track and improve their health.
Benefit Tracking: Employees can monitor their health benefits and optimise their use over time.
Nationwide Network: With access to over 3,400 private GPs, 8,000 specialists, and 3,500 pharmacies across South Africa, Unu Health ensures comprehensive coverage.
Unu Health’s technology extends to predictive diagnostics, utilising mobile face scans to help diagnose blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels which can provide early warnings for more serious underlying diseases. These tools represent the first step towards better health outcomes, promoting well-being and longevity.
“Traditional medical aid packages are costly, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Unu Health offers a more affordable alternative without sacrificing quality” explains Niel Kinsely, Head of Business Development at Unu Health. “For employers hesitant to make a financial commitment, the platform provides free access to its health care app, allowing employees to monitor their health and maintain their well-being. Virtual consultations with a nurse cost R95 and only R179 with a doctor”.
The convenience of digital health services can significantly reduce the need for employees to take extended time off work for medical appointments, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring that employees’ primary healthcare and general wellness needs are met.
Kinsley underscores the transformative potential of this approach: “Unu Health not only addresses critical health challenges but also enhances workplace productivity. It represents a practical solution for employers and a vital resource for employees”.
In addition to the AsYouGo solution, Unu Health also offers comprehensive health plans for employers seeking more robust solutions. The Unu employer dashboard integrates Human Resources and medical data, providing valuable insights into the health of the workforce. This tool supports targeted workplace interventions, reducing absenteeism and fostering a healthier, happier workplace.
As South Africa continues to navigate its health challenges, Unu Health’s platform stands as a beacon of innovation and hope. By making healthcare accessible, affordable, and efficient, Unu Health is paving the way for a healthier future for all South Africans. For more information about UNU Health and its Virtual Health offerings, please visit www.unuhealth.org.