In many African countries, healthcare faces significant challenges due to infrastructure limitations and a severe shortage of medical professionals. The doctor-to-patient ratio in some areas is as high as 1:5,000, and regular health checkups are often neglected. Diagnostic services, which are essential for early disease detection, are especially lacking.
Healthtracka, a health tech company based in Lagos, is working to change this narrative. Founded by Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson and Victor Amusan in 2021, Healthtracka offers an at-home lab testing platform that aims to make health diagnostics more accessible. The company recently secured $1.5 million in seed funding, which will be used to expand its services across more African countries.
Dare-Johnson’s journey into healthcare innovation was deeply personal. After experiencing the loss of her father due to undiagnosed health issues, including diabetes and hypertension, she recognized the urgent need for more accessible health diagnostics. As a biochemist, she understood the importance of early detection, but it was the lack of timely healthcare in Africa that motivated her to start Healthtracka.
Despite the growth of telemedicine in Africa, many gaps remain in addressing healthcare needs, especially around diagnostics. For example, patients often need to visit physical labs for tests after teleconsultations, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Healthtracka solves this by offering a seamless service that brings lab tests to people’s homes, eliminating the need for in-person visits to hospitals or clinics.
Healthtracka’s platform allows users to schedule tests online, have their samples collected at home, and receive results via email within 48 hours. The tests available include fertility, STD screenings, COVID-19, and full-body checks. The company partners with accredited laboratories and phlebotomists to ensure quality services, and healthcare professionals review test results before providing recommendations or referrals.The company’s user base has grown rapidly, with over 100 phlebotomists now working across Nigeria, delivering nearly 7,000 tests. Its revenue has been increasing by 30% month on month. To further expand, Healthtracka is diversifying its offerings, including introducing subscription plans for consumers, providing B2B services for telehealth providers and hospitals, and expanding its footprint beyond Nigeria into Kenya and Ghana.
Healthtracka’s business model is evolving from direct-to-consumer services to infrastructure-building, aiming to empower healthcare providers with digital diagnostic tools. This strategic shift aims to make healthcare more accessible to the broader population and improve health outcomes across the continent.The funding round was led by Ingressive Capital and Hustle Fund, with angel investors including Flying Doctors and Alumni Angel Alliance. Investors believe in Healthtracka’s potential to transform healthcare in Africa, with a product that is affordable, high-quality, and timely.Healthtracka is also part of a growing movement of female-led startups in the African tech scene, with founders like Dare-Johnson leading the charge. The company’s success highlights the increasing role of women investors and founders in shaping the future of healthtech in Africa.
