Telemedan deploys solar-powered health kiosks to expand Chad's medical access

Abakar Mahamat and Ahmed Kotoko launched Telemedan in 2021, deploying solar-powered medical kiosks that let Chadians in rural provinces consult doctors via video while receiving on-site diagnostics such as blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels and fetal monitoring. Each kiosk costs about $10,000, is powered by solar panels and connects through 4G or satellite links, and is staffed by a trained local operator who helps patients use the equipment. Doctors are supplied through Chad's Ministry of Health under a 2022 partnership, follow a pre-screening process and are integrated into the public health system. Since launch, 37 kiosks have been installed across 11 provinces, reaching an estimated 143,000 people; consultations range from $2 to $15 depending on the provider, with fees set by the deploying partner or public health insurance, not by Telemedan. The kiosks also print prescriptions and send SMS reminders, and an AI tool for diabetic retinopathy detection has been added. Telemedan sells the units to governments and health programmes (a B2G/B2B model) and is now exploring owning its own network to capture usage-based revenue. Expansion beyond Chad faces regulatory hurdles and the need to adapt the kiosk to different environments.

If a similar solar-powered kiosk model were introduced in Nigeria, what features would you prioritize to suit local power and connectivity challenges, and would you be willing to use such a service for routine check-ups?

SOURCE: https://techcabal.com/2026/04/15/telemedan-builds-kioks-in-chad/