How the Pandemic Affected a Healthcare Startup

We talked to Haris Aghadi of Meddy on how to find the best doctors in Qatar and here is what he said about it.

First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times? 

Haris Aghadi: Thank you for asking! We’re doing well. Of course, the pandemic has impacted everyone, and we are no exception. Things are slower than usual, and we’re following all the SOP’s, waiting to get vaccinated, and taking precautions. 

Tell us about you, your career, how you founded Meddy.

Haris Aghadi: I am just another ambitious man on the quest to influence and better the healthcare industry by providing ease of treatment for all. This company was initially a passionate college project with a teammate that grew into what it is today. Prior to that, I interned at Microsoft, evangelizing their products and did project management at Vodafone. 

How does Meddy innovate? 

Haris Aghadi: Meddy strives for creativity and out-of-the-box ideas. We have a culturally and academically diversified remote team from over 11 countries across the globe. The team is constantly discussing new ideas and approaches, and to us, there is never a wrong suggestion. We are constantly working on innovating the product for the consumers based on trends, user needs, and technological advancements. 

How does the coronavirus pandemic affect your business finances?

Haris Aghadi: Initially, we hit a tough rock, and like most established companies and startups, to stay afloat, we worked diligently and put in the extra effort. Unfortunately, we had to make some difficult decisions based on the circumstances, but now we’re back on track, and the financial situation is stable. 

Did you have to make difficult choices regarding human resources, and what are the lessons learned?

Haris Aghadi: It was difficult to let some team members go; however, a lot of thought was put into it, and later on, we did hire more suitable candidates. I think that the universal lesson learned by everyone is that no matter how much the human nation strives, something as tiny as a microscopic virus can put us all on a halt. It is only wise to be prepared and take it one day at a time. 

How did your customer relationship management evolve? Do you use any specific tools to be efficient?

Haris Aghadi: At Meddy, we have always put the customer first – whether it’s the patient, the doctor, or the clinic. During the pandemic, the communication became virtual. The patient care team dedicated to addressing all the potential patient’s concerns has always been a phone call away. However, during the last few months, everyone geared up to guide the users on how to best use the telemedicine feature. Our management team got the clinics on-board as we rolled out the doctors’ application within a time span of two weeks. So yes, there weren’t any communication barriers. 

Did you benefit from any government grants, and did that help keep your business afloat?

Haris Aghadi: No

Your final thoughts?

Haris Aghadi: The past year has been a stressful one, but as a company with candidates from over eleven countries across the globe, we have strived hard to make healthcare more accessible during the trying times – all while caring for our mental wellbeing. We’re all in this together. 

Your website?

www.meddy.com