A new class of entrepreneur is emerging across the MENA region, trading stethoscopes and prescription pads for pitch decks and term sheets. Medical professionals, driven by a firsthand understanding of the healthcare system’s deepest challenges, are increasingly launching technology startups to create scalable solutions. Leading this chair are innovators like Dr. Raghda Rashad, an Egyptian pharmacist who co-founded the health-tech platform Azakeia.
This shift marks a pivotal moment for the region’s healthcare sector, as those with deep clinical expertise begin to build the very tools they wished they had in their daily practice.
From Prescription Pad To Business Plan
For many medical professionals, the move into entrepreneurship is born from a desire to address systemic inefficiencies that impact millions. Dr. Raghda Rashad experienced this directly while working as a clinical pharmacist, where she identified significant gaps in pharmacy management and drug dispensing. Instead of accepting the status quo, she launched Azakeia to automate pharmacy operations using AI.
This journey from clinician to founder is becoming more common. Doctors and pharmacists are leveraging their unique insights to tackle problems ranging from electronic medical records and patient communication to supply chain logistics and specialized medical services.
The Clinician’s Advantage In Health-Tech
Physician-led startups bring an unparalleled level of domain expertise and credibility to the table. Unlike traditional tech founders who may lack a nuanced understanding of clinical workflows, doctor-entrepreneurs have lived the problems they are trying to solve. This intimate knowledge allows them to design products that are practical, user-centric, and seamlessly integrate into existing healthcare environments.
Dr. Ayman Sabae, a family physician and CEO of the Shamseya for Innovative Community Healthcare Solutions, noted that while doctors are adept at diagnosis, they often lack business and management skills. However, their direct experience provides an invaluable foundation for building effective health-tech solutions that resonate with both patients and providers.
Navigating The Entrepreneurial Learning Curve
The transition from a clinical to a business mindset presents significant challenges. Many doctor-founders must quickly get up to speed on finance, marketing, technology development, and fundraising—skills not taught in medical school. The entrepreneurial path requires a different kind of resilience, focused on market validation and business growth rather than patient care.
To bridge this gap, a supportive ecosystem is crucial. Dr. Mohammed El-Mokhtar, founder of the Innova Medical Services platform, emphasized the importance of mentorship and collaboration. By partnering with co-founders who possess strong business or technical backgrounds, clinicians can create a well-rounded team capable of navigating the complexities of building and scaling a startup.
About Azakeia
Azakeia is an Egyptian health-tech startup that has developed an AI-powered, cloud-based platform for pharmacy management. The solution automates various pharmacy operations, including inventory management, dispensing, and sales analytics, helping to reduce costs, minimize errors, and improve overall efficiency for pharmacies.
Source: Medscape
