Daily Times

KARACHI: Telenor will consider launching its digital health service ‘Tonic’ in Pakistan if it succeeds in Bangladesh, Daily Times has learnt. Recently, Telenor unveiled its first move to improve healthcare in emerging markets, with the introduction of its digital health service Tonic in Bangladesh.

Sajid Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Telenor Health, responding to a question, said ‘We have decided to focus on Bangladesh in the initial phase. However if this is a success in Bangladesh, we will consider launching it in other countries as well, including other Telenor markets’. In Pakistan, Telenor is already looking into some smaller scale Health initiatives, added Rahman.

Tonic is one of the first digital offerings to connect the dots across the healthcare ecosystem and address the full spectrum of wellness and health needs through a mobile-based integrated digital service. From prevention-focused digital content to phone-based primary care information to financial assistance (discounts and insurance) for hospital care, Tonic focuses on each member’s unique health needs and is designed to provide incentives that promote greater health over the long term.

“Harnessing technology in order to address basic health challenges is an area of growing interest for Telenor, especially in countries like Bangladesh,” said Sigve Brekke, President and CEO of Telenor Group. Currently, Telenor serves more than 185 million customers across Asia.

Tonic Doctor enables members to access high quality and immediate medical advice on basic health topics via phone at any time, any day, at an affordable rate of BTk 5 per minute, without the traditional barriers of distance, cost, or safety concerns. Tonic Doctor is designed to decrease the healthcare burden on the brick and mortar system. Tonic Discounts offers exclusive discounts up to 40% on key services at more than 50 popular hospitals across Bangladesh. Via a quick SMS with the partner code to 789, Tonic members can access care at a lower cost.

Tonic Cash provides members Tk 500 if they have been hospitalised for three consecutive nights or more, paid directly to a member’s mobile banking wallet. Members can claim Tonic Cash up to four times a year, and this facility can be availed for any disease or ailment. It is in partnership with local insurance partner Pragati Life Insurance Limited.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Telenor had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work for the socio-economic progress of Pakistan. Their main aim would be to support initiatives in the fields of health, governance, education and agriculture.