LAHORE: AugmentCare, a complete healthcare app that connects patients with doctors, pharmacies and laboratories, has raised $1 million in seed capital – a remarkable feat that has not been achieved by many Pakistani start-ups. The Lahore-based company has successfully enticed local and international investors in East Asia and is planning to use its acquired capital to increase its team and expand its operations nationwide. Team AugmentCare aspires to change lives by providing access to high-quality healthcare. AugmentCare currently has approximately 30,000 patients registered on their platform but the app also offers a breath of fresh air for doctors who can gain access to a large pool of patients from all over the country. There are 125 doctors on the platform from Lahore and Karachi, with the numbers growing consistently, and international doctors expressing interest as well. Sharing his thoughts, CEO Hyder Mumtaz said, “We believe in a digitally connected Pakistan and while other aspects of our lives are ruled by technology, there is no reason that healthcare shouldn’t be. We aim to continue to innovate and use the capital we have accumulated to improve the healthcare experience and also generally contribute to the economy of Pakistan.” In order to do so, AugmentCare has recently launched its patient app for Android on Google Play Store, which will soon be available for iOS as well. The founders of AugmentCare, Hyder Mumtaz and Ahmed Shuja, have ample experience in healthtech in the UK, Australia and the Middle East. AugmentCare’s beta pilot project was conducted at LUMS – a renowned and world-class research university in Lahore, where students were given access to medical professionals via the platform. More than 25 percent of the student body signed up on the app and used it at least once. Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Ahmed Shuja explains how AugmentCareis a comprehensive, high-convenience, and easily accessible healthcare app. “AugmentCare has been designed for humans. For doctors, their staff, pharmacists, pathologists, insurers, from CEOs to HR personnel (corporate accounts), and everyone else in the healthcare ecosystem. With one thing in mind, anyone and everyone can be a patient too. As a patient, your electronic health record is safe with us and easily shareable with your doctor. You can find the right doctor to have an online video or real world appointment, compare and order the right medicines or lab reports right at your doorstep, and so much more!” AugmentCare is eagerly anticipating growth into other cities in Pakistan and collaborations with reputable partners. Currently working with Fazal Din, one of the largest retail chains of pharmacies in Pakistan, Sehat, a reputable online pharmacy, Shaukat Khanum, one of the most prominent and widespread laboratories in Pakistan, Chughtai Labs, another well-known laboratory chain, TPL, an established insurance provider, and other businesses – they welcome further opportunities for partnerships as well. With an aim to revolutionise healthcare in Pakistan, touch lives and provide a means to a healthier, happier future, team AugmentCare strives to create an impact far and wide. Published in Daily Times, November 5th 2017.