Online Consultations Functionality (Beta)

Today, I will continue sharing what Sequoia v1.5.1 will include, focusing on the new Online Consultation functionality. You can read the first part here.

The idea of offering anonymous consultations emerged some time ago. Regardless of how advanced the app is, it cannot fully understand a user’s health condition or provide 100% accurate recommendations.

This led to the development of the “Ask a Question to a Doctor” feature.

How Did the “Ask a Question to a Doctor” Feature Work?

Users could select a topic, describe their case, and, if needed, attach a photo. A Sequoia specialist would review the query and provide a response within 72 hours.

While the feature functioned as intended and received questions, the volume was lower than we expected. This prompted us to explore ways to improve it.

How Did the Idea of Adding Consultations Arise?

The answer came unexpectedly. During our participation in conferences—seven of them this year—we met many individuals, including those who had relocated from their countries. Many faced challenges in accessing qualified medical support.
Several factors contributed to these difficulties:

• No medical insurance
• Long waiting times
• Most significantly, language barriers.

Even advanced English is not always enough, as doctors in countries like Spain may not speak it.

When I asked how they resolved these issues, many mentioned turning to social media to find specialists. Others tried local doctors but often did not receive adequate help and had to return to their home countries for offline appointments.

We asked ourselves: Why not address this untapped market?

Global Statistics on Access to Basic Medical Services

According to WHO, about 2 billion people worldwide face difficulties accessing basic healthcare. The reasons include inadequate medical infrastructure, high costs, a lack of qualified personnel, and geographical challenges, especially in rural and remote areas.

Additionally, approximately 930 million people spend over 10% of their income on healthcare. This financial burden leads many to avoid visiting doctors altogether.

How Can Sequoia Address This Issue?

Sequoia can offer quick, qualified, and relatively affordable consultations with specialists who speak your language.

What Opportunities Does This Open for Sequoia?

This functionality is significant for us because it also introduces B2B opportunities. Sequoia will evolve from a male sexual health app into a comprehensive men's health platform. While retaining our current features, we will expand to include various health specialists and provide advanced technical solutions for both specialists and users. 

How Will the Feature Work?

Currently, the feature is in beta. The initial release will include:

• A list of specialists
• Detailed profiles for each specialist
• The ability to book appointments

When a request is submitted, our team will contact the user to confirm the date and time and provide payment details.

Interested in Joining Sequoia?

If you or someone you know provides health consultations (sexual, mental, or general health), has the necessary qualifications, and is interested in collaborating with Sequoia, please reach out via social media or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sources: 

Universal health coverage (https://www.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage#tab=tab_1). Accessed 25 Nov. 2024

Universal health coverage (UHC) (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)). Accessed 25 Nov. 2024