As I reflect on our journey over the past few months, one story stands out.
A few weeks ago, I heard from a Rivia member who believes our service saved her life. It was a Friday evening around 7 PM. She collapsed alone in her apartment. When she regained consciousness, her first call wasn’t to a friend or relative — it was to Rivia’s Care Access line.
Within minutes, she was connected to one of our doctors through virtual care. She received immediate medical advice, a prescription was sent to her phone, and her medication was delivered to her doorstep — all within 35 minutes.
By the next morning, she was stable enough to visit a nearby Rivia Clinic for follow-up. Despite meeting a new doctor in person, she said it felt like she was speaking to the same team — because her medical notes and history were already available on our Care Access Platform.
That visit confirmed what we now know could have been a tragedy: she was diagnosed early with a severe cardiac arrhythmia. Thankfully, no surgery was needed — just medication and a few lifestyle changes. Today, she’s healthy, active, and incredibly grateful.
This story isn’t just special because of its ending. It’s special because it captures what Rivia’s virtual care is designed to do — bring timely, high-quality healthcare to people when and where they need it most.
What Is Virtual Care?
Virtual care, also known as telemedicine, is the delivery of healthcare services remotely using technology like video calls, phone consultations, or secure messaging. It allows patients to connect with healthcare providers without needing to visit a clinic or hospital in person. This approach improves access to care, saves time, and can be used for routine checkups, follow-ups, or managing chronic conditions.
Most people don’t use telemedicine or virtual care apps for a few reasons, including:
- App fatigue – too many fragmented health apps with no need for frequent usage.
- Poor experience – patients message doctors with no response, and apps aren’t linked to in-person care systematically.
- Low trust and awareness – patients often prefer face-to-face care due to concerns about quality, privacy, and legitimacy of online services.
How Rivia’s Virtual Care Works
At Rivia, we built virtual care around everyday habits — not complicated apps or systems. Here’s how it works:
- Send us a message on WhatsApp or call us directly on a normal phone call.
- A doctor from our team responds within five minutes or less.
- You have your consultation, receive a prescription, and if needed, get your medication delivered.
- You can follow up at any Rivia Clinic, where your full medical record is already available to the doctor through our platform.
It’s that simple. No downloads. No delays. Just care that works around your life.
Why Members Prefer Rivia’s Virtual Care
Rivia members love our virtual care experience for a few reasons, including:
- It’s free. Every Rivia member gets unlimited virtual consultations at no cost.
- It’s fast. You can speak to a doctor in under five minutes.
- It’s simple. No app or complicated process — everything happens on WhatsApp.
- It’s doctor-led, AI-supported. Our doctors are supported by AI that improves accuracy and speed.
- It includes medication delivery. Prescriptions come to you.
- It connects to real clinics. If you need in-person care, your records follow you automatically, and you get a referral.
In a world where time, cost, and access often stand in the way of care, virtual care removes the friction — and that’s why over 70% of Rivia members now use it.
How to Get Free Virtual Care
You can start using Rivia’s virtual care today — for free.
Here’s how:
- For Companies: Register your company for a Rivia membership. It’s free to start, and paid plans include cashless in-person healthcare for your team (no out-of-pocket payments).
- For Individuals: Sign up for a free individual account. You’ll get unlimited virtual care and discounts at any Rivia Clinic.
The Future of Healthcare Is Connected
That Friday evening, one woman’s quick access to care may have saved her life. But her story isn’t unique — it’s becoming more common every day.
Rivia’s mission is to make healthcare accessible to everyone — whether that means saving a life in 35 minutes or saving you from a long day at the hospital.
Healthcare should meet you where you are. And now, with Rivia’s virtual care, it finally does.
Get started today at riviaco.com or message us on WhatsApp at +233 24 725 7966 to access your free virtual care.
