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ValiHealth - Bridging Healthcare Disparities
Welcome to our Founder Spotlight series, where we showcase the brilliant minds behind the startups in our Black Valley accelerator programme.
In this blog, we spotlight ValiHealth, a healthcare technology company dedicated to enhancing healthcare equity and access. The company aims to tackle challenges in patient safety and operational inefficiencies within the healthcare system. ValiHealth's core focus is on creating innovative solutions that address these healthcare challenges and drive positive change within the industry.
Their first mission — revolutionise healthcare by making quality medication accessible to everyone. Regardless of their background or circumstances.
Meet the founders, Valentina Abi Osman and Ali Habib. They share with us their journey, motivations, and vision for transforming the healthcare industry.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your startup, ValiHealth?
Valentina: I'm a junior doctor and a clinical entrepreneur with a strong commitment to advancing healthcare equity and access. As the inclusivity and diversity representative for foundation year students in the East of England region, I've been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion, bringing a unique perspective to the table.
Ali: My career has spanned prominent roles within the UK government, KPMG, and my current position at UNICEF. I also founded an NGO focused on conflict resolution. Our vision is to create positive change and make healthcare more accessible for all.
Q: What were the key factors that brought you to this point in your journey with ValiHealth?
Valentina: With over five years of experience as a pharmacy dispenser and advisor, I've gained a profound understanding of the challenges in patient safety and operational inefficiencies within healthcare. It's this unwavering dedication that fuels my role as the CEO of ValiHealth. Here, I'm focused on developing innovative solutions and driving positive change in the healthcare industry.
Ali: My inspiration stems from my father's dedication to nation-building during his tenure as a government minister, and my personal experiences witnessing the consequences of system failures. My mission is to turn the page on the past and forge a brighter future. Guided by a lifelong commitment to advocating for the rights of marginalised communities, I, alongside Valentina, co-founded ValiHealth. Additionally, we're in the process of establishing the ValiHealth Foundation, dedicated to ensuring equitable access to medication as an undeniable right, rather than a privilege.
Valentina: Our journey at ValiHealth has been driven by a combination of factors, including clinical Experience, Passion for Equity, Expertise in Conflict Resolution, Desire for Positive Change, and Innovation and Impact. My background as a junior doctor and role as an inclusivity and diversity representative provided me with firsthand insights into healthcare disparities and the need for change. I recognised that by addressing operational inefficiencies and promoting inclusivity, we could have a significant impact on patient outcomes. Witnessing disparities in healthcare fuelled my determination to make a difference. I saw the potential to leverage technology to improve patient safety, streamline operations, and ensure equitable access to medications. It inspired me to explore innovative solutions. This became a central theme in ValiHealth's mission.
Ali: And my prominent roles at the UK government, KPMG, and UNICEF gave me a deep understanding of systemic challenges and the potential for innovative solutions. My expertise in conflict resolution has informed ValiHealth's approach by applying it to complex healthcare challenges, fostering collaboration and sustainable solutions.
Q: What has been the biggest highlight of your founder journey so far?
Valentina: The biggest highlight of our journey so far has been seeing the tangible impact of ValiHealth on patient lives. When we received feedback from a patient who could access their medication more easily or a healthcare provider who could streamline their operations, it reinforced our commitment to the mission.
Q: Are there valuable lessons from your journey that you'd like to share with aspiring founders?
Valentina: One crucial lesson I've learned is the power of collaboration. Building a startup like ValiHealth requires a diverse skill set, and working closely with Ali and our team has shown me the incredible potential that comes from combining our strengths. A vital lesson I've learned is the importance of persistence and adaptability. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with hurdles, but the ability to adapt and keep pushing forward is what sets successful ventures apart.
Q: If you had the opportunity to invite someone to become part of the Black Valley community, who would it be and why?
Valentina: If I could invite anyone to join the Black Valley community, it would be individuals who share our passion for healthcare equity. We need visionary thinkers, innovators, and advocates who are committed to making healthcare more accessible for all. I would invite individuals who are passionate about social impact and believe in the transformative power of technology.
Q: Any closing thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
Valentina: Our journey with ValiHealth has been inspiring, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. It's a testament to what can be achieved when two people with a shared vision come together and commit to making a difference.
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