AG and Proximus join forces by investing in Belgian video consultation platform Doktr
Insurer AG is acquiring a stake in Doktr, the Belgian video consultation app. Proximus, which launched it in 2021, is also participating in this investment. Together with MC (Mutualité Chrétienne) and Solidaris, these are four major Belgian players investing in the development of a hybrid healthcare model.
While the transaction, which is subject to approval by the relevant authorities, is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, the objectives are clear: to actively build a broad, inclusive healthcare ecosystem in Belgium through collaborations with insurers, mutual insurance companies, and other players in the wellness and healthcare sectors.
For Jan Van Wijnendaele, Managing Director of Doktr, this is an important step towards accessible healthcare for all in Belgium. “Thanks to our open ecosystem model, we continue to focus on access to general practitioners and mental health care, as well as the health of employees and the long-term sick.”
Doktr will be able to expand its services to employers and their employees by focusing on prevention, autonomy in care, and long-term patients. Finally, it will expand and develop the digital platform with the aim of offering an optimal experience to the end user—in particular through a wider range of healthcare providers, chat features, and digital medical triage.
Medical deserts
For several years now, access to general practitioners has been under pressure in certain regions of the country. This is particularly the case in Wallonia. According to the latest figures published by the IWEPS, nearly one in two Walloons lives in an area underserved by general practitioners.
The very rural province of Luxembourg, the south of the province of Namur, and the Hainaut region are among the most problematic areas, with the population living furthest away from any general practitioners. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a doctor who still accepts new patients or to get an appointment quickly.
Complementary solution
“Doktr has been part of our offering since 2023,” recalls Benoit Halbart, Managing Director AG, Employee Benefits & Health Care. “Becoming a shareholder in this 100% Belgian start-up, alongside major Belgian players in technology and healthcare, will enable us to support the acceleration of hybrid healthcare provision. We want to be a player in healthcare innovation!”
The insurer is thus demonstrating its conviction that teleconsultation can be a flexible and intelligent complement to physical consultations in primary care, not only for general practitioners but also for other healthcare providers such as psychologists. “Video consultations can also save time for general practitioners and patients when discussing minor issues that can easily be monitored online,” adds Elise Derroitte, Vice President of Mutualité Chrétienne.
Over 400,000 downloads!
So, it’s a new phase. “Since the app was launched, our ambition has been clear: to use technology to improve the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare,” says Renaud Tilmans, Enterprise Telco Services & Ops Lead at Proximus. “This investment marks a new phase in our commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable digital healthcare ecosystem.”
A study conducted by Doktr and AG shows that nearly half of Belgians are open to video consultations as a complement to physical care. No less than 97% of Doktr users say they are satisfied with their experience. At the time of the announcement of AG’s arrival, the platform had recorded more than 400,000 downloads since its launch.
