DoctorOnCall, a Malaysia-based digital health platform by Health Digital Technologies Sdn. Bhd, has partnered with Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd (Merchantrade), which will allow Merchantrade Money application’s users to access online consultations with accredited doctors and e-pharmacy, purchase medication safely and have them delivered conveniently.

Merchantrade Money users just have to click on the icon "talk to a doctor" and "e-pharmacy”, following a consultation. Merchantrade, which was founded in 1996, is a Malaysia-based money services business, digital payment service and mobile virtual network provider.

At the end of February, DoctorOnCall signed a MoU with Celcom, Malaysia’s oldest mobile telecommunication provider to explore innovations in the digital health space such as embedding DoctorOnCall plan(s) into Celcom digital offerings, MobiHealthNews reported. Merchantrade is an affiliate company of Celcom, as listed on their website.

Last October, Singapore-headquartered telehealth startup Doctor Anywhere and ViettelPay, part of Vietnam's largest mobile carrier Viettel, partnered to bring a full suite of online healthcare services to ViettelPay's more than 6 million registered users throughout Vietnam.

For telehealth and digital health platform companies, partnering with insurance companies and digital payment companies are a good way of expanding user base, not just within local markets but also potentially reaching regional markets.

“We truly believe this initiative will provide the growing number of our customers with better access to healthcare services and to address any urgent medical needs conveniently and quickly.

“Our users could be overseas or in remote areas, therefore having DoctorOnCall directly on Merchantrade Money will give them the convenience and timely medical care they need, wherever they are,” said Ramasamy K. Veeran, Founder and Managing Director, Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd in a statement.

Maran Virumandi, the cofounder of DoctorOnCall said, “With this collaboration, we believe we are the first medical platform player to collaborate with an e-wallet player.

“Currently, DoctorOnCall has over one million monthly active users, and this new partnership will allow our 'Online Clinic' to serve Merchantrade Money's extensive customer base. With this collaboration, we are also able to provide a new and innovative healthcare experience to close the gap of the underserved areas.”