winning online medical platform has launched a unique healthcare app that allows consumers to connect with doctors in real time for consultations through high-definition voice calling. The app, which is available to all users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is currently available on IOS and Android platforms and comes with features such as unlimited calls for the whole family for a nominal monthly subscription of 19.99 Riyal Saudi. With a database of over 20,000 doctors available in a range of specialties including family medicine, general practice and emergency medicine, the Altibbi app now enables patients to avoid the traditional visit to the doctor and access safe and effective medical care from the comfort of their homes. Available in both English and Arabic, the app can be used by pressing the ‘call doctor' button and typing one's query. The patient's questions will then be routed to the best available doctor and will be assisted with their diagnosis and medical prescription. To utilise the app, users can now download it from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Jalil Allabadi, founder and CEO at Altibbi said the app is a step towards reforming the patient-doctor journey. "It is like having your own private doctor who is available to you round-the-clock. The launch of the Altibbi app brings to life our vision of empowering residents in Saudi with smart accessible healthcare facilities. Digital health and telemedicine is growing at a tremendous pace and the Altibbi app is engaging consumers in this experience by offering virtual medical solutions and unlimited consultations at a simple click of a button." According to a recent whitepaper entitled "The Healthcare Triumvirate in the GCC", the Middle East will experience a significant rise in the use of healthcare apps. The whitepaper also states that around 80 % of the healthcare market will be driven by software and apps and one of the key factors driving this increasing use is the patients' desire to have better control on their own health. Commenting on the launch of the app in Saudi, Dr. Husain Jabbad, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at King AbdulAziz University Hospital in Jeddah said: "With the rising demand in consumers who want to take charge of their health coupled with the increasing price of healthcare services, an app such as Altibbi is emerging as a pioneer by redefining patient accessibility and engagement. By creating a platform where patients can get in touch with such a wide range of doctors at a minimal cost will help reduce the gaps in the healthcare industry and will also decrease the financial burden associated with accessing healthcare." Altibbi is also home to an app called ‘Altibbi Doctors' which is a physician-specific app that gives doctors the opportunity to meet and connect with other medical professionals and build a resume and profile that not only shows their professional accomplishments, but showcases their knowledge, expertise, and experience.
