Bisa Health application was developed by Bisa Technologies Ltd as a solution to address the disparity in access to healthcare using modern technology. Bisa which means ask in the Ghanaian language twi is a mobile platform that enables the public gain access to doctors and other healthcare practitioners using their mobile devices. The platform is beneficial for people who need medical care and advice but are unable to visit the hospital for various reasons such as cost, long queues at the hospital and the fear of stigmatization (especially for people who are exhibiting symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and are embarrassed to seek the needed treatment). Bisa Health focuses on enabling patients obtain medical attention at a reasonable price and at ease when needed. The startup targets to be the pioneer of telemedicine in Africa on two major fronts, firstly in information dissemination with regards to disease prevention and control and secondly, in connecting patients to doctors through the use of technology. In 2014, more than 11,000 people died during the Ebola crisis because of late detection and lack of information for the doctors to adequately deal with and control the spread of the disease. With use of the data gathered on the Bisa Health platform, whilst adhering to doctor – patient confidentiality, health experts will be able to detect outbreaks of diseases at an early stage and decision makers can also implement health policies that will improve healthcare delivery to people and communities. Bisa is a social enterprise to help drive the public healthcare delivery agenda in Ghana. The Bisa health platform currently serves as an opportunity for users to receive health information on the COVID-19 pandemic, check their symptoms and receive expert advice. The Bisa health application currently serves as a platform for the Ghana Health Service to follow up on COVID-19 patients being treated at home and also provides psychological support to survivors and health workers.
