Bridging gaps in healthcare: WhiteCoat’s vision for Indonesia and beyond

Singapore-based digital healthcare provider WhiteCoat Global recently announced its expansion into Indonesia by acquiring telemedicine company Good Doctor Indonesia. According to WhiteCoat founder and CEO Bryan Koh, this union will enable the firm to serve as the first and single touchpoint for all regional health needs.

In an interview with e27, Koh shares more insights into the deal and Southeast Asia’s healthtech sector.

Excerpts:

Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia. What specific challenges and opportunities do you anticipate in expanding WhiteCoat’s operations in such a dynamic and diverse market?

Indonesia is a vast and complex market, offering tremendous opportunities for growth alongside significant challenges. The country’s large and young population is increasingly tech-savvy, which aligns well with WhiteCoat’s digital healthcare services.

However, Indonesia’s geography presents obstacles to accessing healthcare in remote and rural areas. This creates opportunities for platforms like ours to bridge the gap, providing medical consultations and medication fulfilment to underserved regions.

WhiteCoat has a strong omnichannel healthcare model. How do you plan to balance the expansion of both digital and in-person services as part of your regional growth strategy?

Our strategy revolves around seamless and borderless access to care, both digitally and in person.

Telemedicine offers unparalleled accessibility and convenience. However, certain cases require in-person visits and physical examinations. To address this, our digital platform serves as the first point of contact, with conditions managed remotely online. Cases requiring in-person care are triaged to our network of physical providers, such as clinics and hospitals.

Also Read: One doctor for every family: Good Doctor wants to make healthcare accessible for all Indonesians

In markets like Indonesia, where healthcare access is a challenge, we are expanding our physical network through partnerships with brick-and-mortar providers. This approach allows us to scale rapidly and meet the health and wellness needs of our users more effectively.

You’ve highlighted WhiteCoat’s commitment to technology-driven care. How do you see advancements in AI, data analytics, and telemedicine shaping the future of your healthcare offerings?

AI and data analytics are poised to revolutionise healthcare delivery, enabling a more personalised and proactive approach to patient care.

At WhiteCoat:

• AI-driven diagnostics and decision-support tools will integrate care models across digital and in-person channels, providing practitioners with real-time insights to inform clinical decisions.
• Data analytics allows us to harness patient data (with strict privacy controls), identify healthcare trends, and tailor our services to meet the specific needs of various populations.

These technologies will enable us to address current healthcare demands and anticipate future ones, ensuring we remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Now that you’re working with over 130 insurers and 7,500 corporate partners, how do you plan to leverage these partnerships to scale WhiteCoat’s services and improve accessibility?

Our partnerships provide direct access to a diverse population base across Southeast Asia. We leverage these relationships by:

• Developing targeted healthcare plans for underserved communities.
• Offering affordable telemedicine services as part of corporate wellness programs, reducing costs for employers while improving access for employees.
• Introducing microinsurance policies to make preventive and medical care more affordable.

Additionally, we work with insurers to encourage regular health screenings, followed by virtual consultations that empower users to manage their health proactively and efficiently.

The recent funding round led by Raffles Family Office and participation from MDI Ventures and The SoftBank Vision Fund is a significant boost. How do you plan to allocate these funds to strengthen WhiteCoat’s regional presence?

Also Read: WhiteCoat closes a tranche of Series B round, poised to break even in Singapore

The funds will be used to:

• Accelerate growth in existing markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
• Enter at least two additional markets through partnerships and selective M&A opportunities.
• Invest in technology, including GenAI for preventive diagnostics and treatment, upgrading digital health infrastructure, and expanding data analytics capabilities.

What initiatives are you planning to increase access to affordable healthcare for uninsured communities in Southeast Asia?

We’re focusing on:

• Creating low-cost telemedicine plans with our payer partners.
• Collaborating with NGOs and local governments to provide subsidised telemedicine consultations.
• Working with insurers to pass on cost savings to the broader public, making healthcare services more affordable and accessible.

WhiteCoat’s partnerships with insurers and corporates have been key to your success. How do you plan to evolve your B2B strategy post-acquisition?

Our B2B strategy focuses on:

• Deepening relationships with partners by offering customised wellness solutions and value-added services.
• Expanding into new care verticals to drive user volume efficiently.
• Using AI and data analytics to enhance our Think Well mental wellness program and other insurance products, ensuring partners and members derive maximum value.

As the healthcare industry undergoes rapid transformation post-pandemic, what trends do you see emerging in Southeast Asia’s healthcare landscape, and how is WhiteCoat positioning itself?

Key trends include:

• Increased adoption of digital health solutions for primary care, specialist care, and wellness.
• A growing emphasis on preventive care and mental wellness.
• Demand for integrated healthcare ecosystems, providing a seamless experience across digital and physical touchpoints.

WhiteCoat is capitalising on these trends by expanding our digital-first platform, incorporating mental wellness solutions, and ensuring comprehensive care across both digital and physical channels.

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