Dutch-based Ancora Health, a startup in preventive healthcare and lifestyle therapy, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Riyadh-based Elm, a joint stock company providing technology services, to enter the Saudi market in the second half of 2023.
Under the MoU, Ancora Health will launch a number of employee wellness initiatives geared towards employers and insurance companies in the Saudi market in the second half of 2023. The aim is to improve 1 million employees’ livelihoods in Gulf states by 2030.
The development took place in the presence of the deputy Dutch ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Nabil Taouati, in Riyadh.
Ancora Health: Everything you need to know
Founded in 2019 by José Castela Forte, Rahul Gannamani and Sridhar Kumaraswamy, Ancora Health offers therapy in lifestyle and preventive health. It gives users deep insights into their body and mind based on a scientific health check, empowering them to change their health.
The company claims that measurable changes are attained by Ancora programme participants, including increased exercise and a healthier diet. The company’s programmes help reveal micro habits from everyday living that are comparatively simple to change.
Participants can monitor their progress and examine their findings in real-time using an application. The programme provides monitoring tools, digital nudging, and human coaching to make sure users do not revert to old behaviours.
This is supported by individualised behavioural assistance in the areas of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction.
What does the partnership offer?
Elm and Ancora Health aim to provide preventive health initiatives to Saudi Arabian employers with this partnership.
Putting more of a focus on the part employers play in enhancing the health and well-being of their workforces is a component of Saudi Arabia’s public health plan. With its preventive initiatives, Ancora hopes to support this goal.
With their collaboration, Elm and Ancora hope to enrol 25,000 workers in these lifestyle initiatives at first. By 2030, the companies plan to better the lives of 1 million Saudi residents.
Sridhar Kumaraswamy says, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established several initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of its citizens. We are proud to join Elm in contributing to this with the ambitious Health Sector Transformation Program. It is a powerful response to the growing impact of preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.”
“These important steps will support the transition to a new model of care focused on facilitating access to health services.”
Deputy Dutch Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Nabil Taouati, adds, “There is a similarity between the two countries, which is that the healthcare models of both countries are transforming. This is necessary to make healthcare more inclusive and the focus is on adding healthy years of life.”
“This is made possible in part by a range of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and by making healthcare delivery more integrated. The collaboration between Elm and Ancora is going to contribute immensely to fulfilling this vision.”
About Elm
Elm claims to be the top provider of secure services and solutions to both the public and commercial sectors in Saudi Arabia. It offers pre-made e-services, specialised IT solutions, support services for the government, and advice.
Currently, the firm serves over 60,000 commercial and governmental groups in addition to individual customers, assisting them in achieving results in terms of improved efficiency as well as cost and time reduction.
