When Buntongyi Nit founded MeetDoctor in 2018, his vision was clear: to bridge the healthcare gap in Cambodia through technology. The idea was born from a deeply personal experience—his father’s struggle with inadequate medical care. Frustrated by limited treatment options, Buntongyi recognized the potential of technology to save lives on a larger scale. “If I become a doctor, I can only save one or two patients a day. But with health technology, I can probably save millions,” he said.
Originally a medical student at the University of Puthisastra with dreams of becoming an interventional cardiologist, Buntongyi’s journey took an unexpected turn after joining the Design Healthcare Challenges accelerator program. Inspired by the ability to connect patients with doctors remotely, he shifted his path from medicine to entrepreneurship.
The transition wasn’t without hurdles. Lacking knowledge of business models, finance, and social impact, Buntongyi initially struggled to balance purpose and sustainability. However, his participation in Oxfam’s Impact SME Program proved transformative. The program equipped him with tools to define impact goals, refine his business model, and prioritize inclusivity, including gender and disability considerations.
“We changed our concepts but retained our activities. The tools helped us track the exact impact we’re making,” he said.
MeetDoctor’s success quickly gained momentum. The platform secured $250,000, bolstering its online consultation services, strengthening partnerships with local healthcare providers, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Today, it stands as a trusted platform empowering patients to access quality care from the comfort of their homes.
“Looking ahead, Buntongyi envisions MeetDoctor evolving into a comprehensive tool where users can not only consult doctors but also monitor their family’s health—a “personal doctor in your pocket.” With innovation and compassion at its core, MeetDoctor is transforming lives and setting new benchmarks for accessible healthcare in Cambodia and beyond.”
Buntongyi’s vision extends beyond Cambodia. While aspiring to expand internationally, he remains focused on building trust locally. This ambition is deeply rooted in his father’s story. After suffering a stroke and skin issues, his father struggled to find adequate care until an online consultation with a Japanese specialist turned things around. Within a month, his father’s health improved dramatically. This life-changing experience fueled Buntongyi’s mission to bring similar solutions to underserved communities in Cambodia.
Through MeetDoctor, Buntongyi hopes to break barriers in healthcare access. “Everyone deserves high-quality care,” he said. “We aim to save lives and make families happy.” The platform also goes beyond consultations, with a focus on public health education. By creating content on topics like mental health, MeetDoctor is empowering Cambodians to take charge of their well-being.