Industries go remote, why can’t healthcare?

Access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for many Namibians, particularly in remote towns, farms and workplaces. While industries such as mining, energy, logistics and tourism have expanded deep into these regions, medical services have often lagged behind. OnCall, a Windhoek-based healthcare company, is addressing this gap by combining telemedicine, on-site clinics and pharmacy delivery to bring doctors and care directly to the people and workforces who need it most.Founded in 2016 and recently rebranded from Dr MacQ to OnCall, the company is transforming how medical services are delivered across Namibia and beyond. Led by founder and managing director Dr Armid Azadeh, OnCall was established to address a critical challenge facing many Africans: access to timely, affordable and reliable healthcare.According to Gideon Myburgh, commercial director at OnCall, the idea grew from first-hand experience of how distance, cost and overcrowded facilities prevent people from accessing care when they need it most.“Across Africa, millions of people still struggle to access basic healthcare,” Myburgh says. “Long distances to clinics, high costs and delayed treatment affect not only health, but productivity and livelihoods.”As sectors such as mining, energy, logistics and tourism expand into remote regions, traditional healthcare models have struggled to keep pace. OnCall emerged from the belief that healthcare access should be instant, affordable and supported by technology designed for African realities.A hybrid healthcare modelOnCall is a technology-driven healthcare service that provides 24/7 access to doctors, medication and medical support through its own omni-channel platform. Patients can access care via WhatsApp, phone calls, SMS, email, satellite phones or video consultations, ensuring services remain accessible regardless of location or connectivity.“Our purpose is simple,” says Myburgh. “We want to make quality healthcare accessible, affordable and convenient for every household and every workforce, especially in regions where access is limited.”Unlike many providers, OnCall operates as a fully integrated medical ecosystem, combining telemedicine, pharmacy partnerships, medication delivery, on-site workplace clinics, emergency response coordination and corporate health programmes.Serving households and industryOnCall serves both individuals and large workforces operating in challenging environments. Families benefit from quick access to medical advice and medication without long travel times or high private clinic costs. At the same time, companies in mining, farming, tourism, construction and logistics rely on OnCall’s on-site clinics and remote doctor support to keep employees healthy and productive.“What we discovered,” Myburgh explains, “is that people want care that is fast, trusted and accessible, whether they are at home or on a remote job site.”Since its early days as Dr MacQ, the company has evolved significantly. While it initially launched as an app-based service, OnCall adapted to local realities by shifting most patient interactions to WhatsApp. Today, around 90 percent of consultations take place on the platform, making the service truly omni-channel.The recent rebrand reflects this evolution, positioning OnCall as a doctor on call anytime, anywhere. The company currently employs six office staff, two nurses and 15 doctors, operating nationally from Windhoek.Looking aheadOver the next two years, OnCall plans to expand its reach across Namibia and into neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Botswana. In the longer term, the company aims to become a leading remote and workforce healthcare partner in Africa, investing in digital health innovation, AI-assisted triage and expanded hybrid care infrastructure.“Our vision is to shift healthcare from reactive to proactive,” Myburgh says. “By bringing care closer to people, we can improve outcomes and support healthier communities and workforces.”

Industries go remote, why can’t healthcare?

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-04

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Industries go remote, why can’t healthcare?

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-04

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