Healthcare access platform of SHINE
MedAccess
MedAccess is the healthcare access platform of SHINE. It lists more than 1,000 hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies in Cameroon, lets patients search by location, specialty, name or test, book consultations and home visits, and pay with MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, bank transfer or card. Providers list their services and manage referrals through the doctor app.
Healthcare within reach
Finding the right facility, getting an appointment and paying for care are three separate problems for most patients in Cameroon. MedAccess solves all three in one place. Its directory covers hospitals, pharmacies and laboratories across regions, divisions and towns; its booking system connects patients with verified providers for consultations and home visits; and its payment system accepts the mobile money that people already use.
MedAccess began in 2015 as a small initiative to improve access to care in rural Cameroon. It is now in beta on Android, piloting in the South West Region, with a healthcare credit scheme (care now, pay later) and integrated patient records in development.
What MedAccess does
MedAccess is the digital health division of SHINE. Its platform lists more than 1,000 hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies. A patient can find a facility or a specialist, book an appointment or a home visit, and pay by mobile money, bank transfer or card. The directory on the website is open to everyone. However, appointments and messaging live in the MedAccess User App, and doctors use the MedAccess Doctor App.
Why MedAccess exists
Three barriers keep people from treatment in Cameroon: finding the right facility, knowing whether a specialist is available, and paying for care. MedAccess addresses all three in one place. Moreover, because it is part of SHINE, what the platform learns becomes a research question for Sintieh Research Academy.
Where MedAccess stands today
The platform is in a pilot in the South West Region. The Android apps are in beta. You install them from the MedAccess beta page, and an iOS version is planned. Meanwhile, feedback from beta users decides what we fix and build next. Read the latest programme notes for progress.
MedAccess for facilities and partners
Hospitals, laboratories and pharmacies can list themselves free of charge. Likewise, doctors can join as providers at medaccess.shineltd.org. Health authorities, insurers and companies should use the partnership enquiry form.
How to reach us
You can write to info@shineltd.org at any time. Alternatively, call +237 680 338 598 during office hours, Monday to Friday. We reply within two working days. In addition, partnership and funding enquiries go to partner@shineltd.org, so that the right person answers. Questions about MedAccess are welcome.
Related pages
For example, the publications library lists peer-reviewed work by year and topic. Similarly, the programmes page describes current field programmes and courses. Finally, news and insight carries announcements and programme notes from SHINE and its divisions.
A note on our standards
First, every study has a written protocol and ethical approval before data collection. Second, we report results to the partner as well as to a journal. Third, testimonials appear only with the person’s consent. As a result, partners can rely on what SHINE publishes, and readers can check every claim against its source.
What the platform does
Facility directory
Search hospitals, pharmacies and laboratories by location, specialty, facility name or test. Use your location to find the nearest option.
Appointments and home visits
Book an in-person consultation with a verified provider, or request a healthcare professional to visit you at home.
Patient and doctor apps
The patient app for search, booking, chat and payment; the doctor app for availability, bookings, referrals and payouts. Android beta now; iOS to follow.
Secure payments
Pay with MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, bank transfer or card. Providers track earnings and request payouts in the app.
For providers
Register a practice, list a hospital, pharmacy or laboratory, publish availability and gain visibility with patients across the region.
Healthcare credit scheme
In development: get care now and pay later, so that cost is not the reason a patient delays treatment.
Patients can search the directory now. Hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories and doctors can register in minutes and are verified before going live.
Who MedAccess serves
- Patients looking for a hospital, pharmacy or laboratory near them
- Patients who want to book a consultation or a home visit
- Doctors who want to publish availability and manage bookings
- Hospitals, pharmacies and laboratories that want to be found
- Pharmacies on call for after-hours needs
- Health programmes that need facility data for planning
Pilot and roadmap
MedAccess is piloting in the South West Region of Cameroon with more than 1,000 facilities listed. The beta apps are installed directly from the MedAccess site. Next on the roadmap: the healthcare credit scheme, integrated patient records, iOS apps and expansion to other regions. Facility data from the platform also supports SHINE research on access to care.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we are asked most. For anything else, contact us and we reply within two working days.
Is MedAccess free for patients?
Searching the directory and booking are free. Patients pay only for the consultation, test or medicine, through the app or at the facility.
Which payment methods are accepted?
MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, bank transfer and card.
How do I get the app?
The beta apps are Android only for now, installed directly from medaccess.shineltd.org/beta-program. iOS is planned.
How can my facility be listed?
Use "List a health facility" on the MedAccess site, or register as a provider in the doctor app. Listings are verified before they go live.
Where is MedAccess available?
The directory covers facilities across Cameroon; booking and home visits are piloting in the South West Region.
Work with SHINE
We answer enquiries within two working days. Discovery calls take fifteen to thirty minutes, and a scoped proposal follows within five.