Empowering health in the digital age – A conversation with Glovida-Rx’s founders, Geraldine and Winthrop
As featured in The Vent Machine
In the fast-paced world of digital health, e-pharmacies have emerged as a beacon of accessibility and convenience, offering a solution to the growing challenges in traditional healthcare systems. Singapore, with its bustling e-pharmacy sector, has witnessed the rise of a lot of local and regional players. One such company is Glovida-Rx (GRX), the nation’s first consumer-centric e-pharmacy with Health Sciences Authority (HSA) registration.
In an exclusive interview with the founders, Geraldine and Winthrop, we delve into the inspiration behind GRX, the transformative role it plays in Singapore’s healthcare landscape, and the impact it has on individual well-being.
Seamless solutions to healthcare choke points
The inspiration behind Glovida-Rx stems from the founders’ recognition of the choke points in Singapore’s healthcare system. In a revealing statement, Geraldine highlights a poignant incident, “In September this year, a patient resorted to requesting a FoodPanda delivery of his painkillers because the hospital pharmacy took more than two hours to call on him.” This incident, emblematic of the strains on healthcare systems, led to the birth of GRX, aiming to leverage technology and accredited pharmacists to provide seamless, accessible, and affordable healthcare solutions.
Winthrop adds, “Through GRX, we want to empower individuals and cater to situations where individuals are faced with ailments that a pharmacist can help solve.”
The focus on common ailments, such as cough and flu, eczema, and travel medicine, reflects GRX’s commitment to being the first point of contact for healthcare advice, fortifying the overall healthcare system.
A vision beyond medicines – Fostering appreciation for pharmacists
Geraldine, with over 20 years in the healthcare industry, expresses a personal mission, “It has become my mission to foster an appreciation for pharmacists as medication experts and to educate the public on how their presence can be immensely beneficial.” Their vision extends beyond providing medicines; it’s about reshaping mindsets and habits, empowering consumers to view pharmacists as invaluable resources in their healthcare journey.
By fostering patient empowerment, GRX believes it can collectively alleviate the burden on the healthcare system in Singapore. “We aim to reshape consumer behaviour and serve as individuals’ first point of contact for simple ailments,” Geraldine states, emphasizing the role GRX plays in transforming the narrative around healthcare.
Pharmacist insights: Essential supplements for overall well-being
Winthrop, a pharmacist by training, offers insights into essential healthcare supplements. He notes, “Some essential supplements that we see a large majority of individuals often lack would include Vitamin C and Zinc for a healthy immune system, Vitamin D for strong bones, and Probiotics for digestive health.” This underlines GRX’s commitment to not only providing medicines but also offering guidance on holistic well-being.
In a nod to the demands of modern life, both Geraldine and Winthrop emphasize the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. “The mind and body work hand in hand to ensure general good health,” Winthrop advises, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to well-being.
Glovida-Rx’s role in transforming healthcare access
Winthrop sheds light on common ailments individuals can seek advice on from a pharmacist, stating, “Common cough and flu, eczema, rashes, diarrhoea, acid reflux, minor aches and pains, etc.” GRX aims to be the go-to platform for such concerns, providing timely advice and recommendations through accredited pharmacists.
Geraldine underscores GRX’s role in fortifying Singapore’s healthcare system, “GRX hopes to play a pivotal and supportive role in transforming this vision into reality.” With a rapidly aging population, GRX envisions combining e-commerce and healthcare expertise to offer ready access to knowledgeable pharmacists and a wide array of healthcare products.
The Impact of Accredited Pharmacists on Consumer Healthcare
Winthrop elucidates the role of accredited pharmacists at GRX in offering free healthcare consultations. “This enables them to access the care properly, safely, and conveniently they need without leaving their premises,” he states. The transparency in medication prices and the convenience of same-day doorstep delivery enhance customer empowerment.
Success stories and positive impact
The journey of Glovida-Rx has been marked by positive responses and impactful stories. Geraldine shares, “We do feel though that more education is needed to inform patients on the role of pharmacists in their healthcare needs and in terms of medicines they can obtain through GRX.” Success stories include instances where pharmacists provided timely advice on symptoms, suggested suitable medications, and ensured same-day deliveries.
In one instance, a mother urgently needing a Ventolin inhaler was connected to a partnering doctor through GRX. These anecdotes showcase GRX’s real-time impact on individuals’ health and well-being, making it a promising player in Singapore’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Glovida-Rx’s founders, Geraldine and Winthrop, have embarked on a journey to not only provide medicines but also reshape how individuals perceive and engage with healthcare. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and empowerment, GRX stands as a pioneering force in Singapore’s digital health revolution.
To see the rest of the article, head over to The Vent Machine.