In June 2022, Kindred Healthcare Inc. was launched with the mission to empower women to take charge of their own health and to destigmatize women’s health concerns. In the past 12 months, Kindred has bloomed into a team of diverse professionals with the same goal.
As the first hybrid online to offline (O2O) women’s health clinic, Kindred imagines a world where women can live and thrive without bias. We sat down with Kindred CEO and co-founder Jessica De Mesa to ask her how Kindred has bloomed into what it is today and what we can expect in its near future.
What were some of Kindred’s biggest milestones in its first year?
One of the biggest milestones in our first year is our first flagship clinic in Serendra, BGC. As an innovative healthcare provider, Kindred creates a cohesive and powerful new patient experience. Our omnichannel approach enables healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care by bridging virtual and physical clinics, allowing continuity of care and a seamless journey.
We also just launched the first version of our Kindred app. Through this, we want to eliminate the gaps in healthcare for both patients and physicians. This version of our app builds the foundation for us to scale and ensure that the care we provide is supported by a digitally enabled medical experience. We want to seamlessly connect a patient to the right specialist whether virtually or in-clinic.
Overall, what we’ve seen is that there is a need for to raise the standard of women’s healthcare and we believe a mobile app is one of the fundamental products that will drive us in the right direction.
How do you think Kindred’s services help Filipinas bloom?
One of the most significant ways our services help is by creating a continuum of care that accompanies a Filipina throughout her life. By addressing not just reproductive health but also preventative care, chronic disease management, mental health, and lifestyle factors, we can have a profound influence on a Filipina’s quality of life.
Education also plays a critical role here. By informing women about their bodies, medical conditions, treatment options, and preventative measures, we can foster an environment of empowerment. Knowledge, after all, is the first step toward change.
How does Kindred promote community and inclusivity?
As the leader of a company dedicated to women's health, promoting community and inclusivity is at the forefront of our mission.
We recognize that healthcare isn't just about medicine; it's about fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for all women, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or sexuality. Not only is it ethically right, but it also means addressing the health needs of all women, leaving no one behind, and building a healthier, more equitable future.
Through accessible services, ensuring accessibility and affordability, and by leveraging technology, we can democratize access to quality healthcare.
Diverse representation within our organization. A diverse team brings different perspectives, understands unique challenges, and is more equipped to create solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of women's health needs.
Community engagement. Through surveys, FGDs, community outreach programs, and public forums online and offline, we regularly engage with our community to understand their unique needs, challenges, and expectations. By involving our patients and our audience in our service development and decision-making process, we make our solutions more relevant and effective.
Partnerships. We collaborate with local organizations, non-profits, and healthcare providers to extend our reach and impact. This allows us to integrate into existing frameworks in order to make our services more accessible to a diverse range of women.
Education and empowerment. We promote inclusivity by educating and empowering women about their health. We include them in the conversation about the concerns they go through in order to equip them to make informed decisions about how those can be addressed.
What motivates you to continue Kindred’s mission?
I believe there is an immeasurable opportunity to improve women's lives through comprehensive, inclusive, and personalized women's clinic services. One of the sources of motivation comes from the need to bring about impactful change and contribute to nation-building. I firmly believe that by enhancing and innovating through our clinic services, we can make a substantial, transformative impact on the lives of Filipinas. We will not only improve their health but also boost their overall quality of life, enabling them to reach their full potential.
This is not just good for women; it's beneficial for families, communities, and society as a whole. I am excited and committed to spearheading this change for a healthier and more equitable future.
An exciting future for Kindred and womankind
Kindred’s first year proved to be one that bloomed into more than what co-founders Jess and Abet have dreamed of. With a newly-launched app, a growing team, and expansion plans in place, the future is as promising as it is bright for the progress of holistic women’s healthcare in the Philippines.