Bringing pro healthcare training online

• In Southeast Asia, pharmacies play an important role as community health providers. Yet, efforts in continuing professional development (CPD) for pharmacists have been hampered by the fragmentation of the pharmacy network – it is costly and time-consuming to reach thousands of independent professionals, especially those in rural areas.
• This is where 500-backed digital health startup mClinica comes in with its app, SwipeRx. It has become the region’s largest online source of free and accredited CPD for the industry, eliminating the need for in-person attendance at training sessions.
• Accessible by 227,000 pharmacy professionals, 13,871 CPD units were completed on SwipeRx in 2021 alone, covering topics on tuberculosis, family planning, diabetes, COVID-19, and HIV.
• What’s next for the startup? Among its goals is to help pharmacists practice client-centered counseling and referral practices to promote quality care.
• Read the full article here.

Safeguarding gig workers’ health & wellness

• Gig workers in Singapore on 500-backed Grab now have access to a mental wellness program, thanks to a partnership between the superapp, mental health tech company Intellect, and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP).
• Leveraging Intellect and NP’s existing curriculum, the three companies curated a course aimed to improve and strengthen gig workers’ mental resilience and wellbeing on a personal and professional level through practical tools.
• The inaugural session in February was oversubscribed with close to 70 gig workers signing up. The program will run once a month.
• Charles Yee, Managing Director, Operations at Grab Singapore said, “Due to [drivers’ and driver-partners’] work conditions, [they] may find it challenging to access resources that can equip them with the right knowledge and know-how to look after their mental health…we hope to offer a structured and accessible program that will help our partners and gig workers better understand and  take control of their mental wellbeing.”
• Read the full statement from Grab.

Being different to make a difference

• With Grab’s acquisition of Jaya Grocer, and Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group) launching AirAsia Fresh, how does 500-backed e-grocer HappyFresh set itself apart?
• According to CEO Guillem Segarra, it is the value-for-money proposition and quality. “With free delivery, daily sales, and fresh produce, we stand for affordable yet high-quality online grocery shopping,” he said.
• Eco-friendly consumers will be happy to know that the startup partners with local food banks to reduce wastage in food and plastic.
• “Customers are also encouraged to do their part by choosing the ‘GoGreen’ packaging option during checkout,” Guillem added. “These all act as small steps in a much larger plan to enable a highly sustainable ecosystem.”
• Read the full article here.