Windsor-Essex digital health company looks to increase access to care

(Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)

A Windsor-Essex based digital health company is stepping up to tackle one of the region’s biggest challenges, access to healthcare.

ONHealth Alliance has officially launched ONRx, a new patient-centric digital healthcare platform designed to connect patients with licensed doctors under one virtual roof.

“I think it’s got a lot of potential for growth in our community and across Canada,” said Keren Riddell, interim CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital who attended the launch in support.

The platform allows users to sign up online and connect with a physician at a time that works best for them.

“Anyone can get on to a platform, sign up, connect with the physician at the time that works for them,” explained Rakesh Naidu, CEO of ONHealth Alliance.

From there, the process can move quickly.

“You can get prescription; you can be sent for diagnostics and whatever else that is needed. If you need a referral, all that can be done on the platform,” Naidu told CTV News.

ONHealth Alliance is also partnering with local pharmacies to arrange medication delivery, aiming to provide what Naidu feels is a seamless experience.

“We wanted to make sure that it is full care. Care that is provided and it’s easy and the access is there,” he added.

The platform is being piloted in partnership with the UHC Hub of Opportunities, where clients have access to a dedicated room to connect virtually with physicians.

Aneta Markovska, a client at the UHC Hub, has tried the service and praised its ease of use.

“Saves a lot of time,” she said.

“I share my medical history, my medical problem and why I require to see the doctor and from that he said he will send referral to the other physician, so I find that is very good,” Markovska added.

The UHC sees hundreds of weekly visitors at its food bank, many of whom do not have a family physician.

“Many of those individuals have indicated that they don’t have a family doctor so now they’ll be able to come in and go to the room that you saw earlier and utilize that virtual platform,” said June, a representative with the UHC.

With thousands of people in the region without a family doctor, the benefits of the platform extend beyond individual patients.

Riddell said it could also ease pressure their emergency rooms.

“Everybody knows we can have prolonged wait times in the emergency department so rather than sitting in emerge for hours you can just connect with a physician online,” Riddell said.

Tecumseh mayor Gary McNamara said newcomers often call town hall for medical guidance.

“That’s why I’m here. I think it’s something that I’m going to relay to my staff. Let’s direct them in this area. At least that gives them an opportunity and hope that their issue can be dealt with.” McNamera said.

ONHealth, in partnership with the UHC, has launched a six-month pilot project to gather data and assess how the platform can be scaled more broadly across the region and beyond.

Ontario MPP Andrew Dowie said he’s encouraged by the collaboration.

“Very encouraged to see this one here and all the partnerships that exist so this may very well be the regional provider,” Dowie said.

Residents can sign up online at onrx.ca.