SA tech firm to launch AI-powered healthcare booking platform

A South African technology firm is preparing to roll out Hlokomela, an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to streamline healthcare booking processes for both patients and medical practices. The platform, developed by Knockturnal, a fully black-owned tech company, will debut at the end of August. Founded in 2019 by software engineer Moses Tjege, Knockturnal has focused on building solutions tailored to local challenges in healthcare delivery. Hlokomela functions as a digital interface that allows patients to locate healthcare providers, check appointment availability, and schedule consultations online at any time. Unlike traditional methods that require phone calls or in-person visits, the system operates 24/7, offering convenience and accessibility. According to Tjege, the platform does not aim to replace human receptionists but instead supports them by handling routine tasks such as confirming appointments, sending reminders, and managing rescheduling. For smaller clinics and independent practitioners, it serves as a cost-effective alternative to hiring full-time administrative staff. The platform introduces a “digital front door” for patients, enabling them to discover healthcare services, review real-time availability, and make bookings without direct interaction with clinic staff. This approach is intended to reduce missed appointments, which are common due to reliance on outdated systems like paper calendars and manual reminders. Tjege noted that many medical practices still depend on these inefficient tools, leading to scheduling conflicts and miscommunication. Patients using Hlokomela will not incur any costs for searching for providers or booking appointments. Access to the service is free for the public, while healthcare providers will subscribe to the platform. Subscription fees are being structured to accommodate independent and small-scale practices, though exact pricing details remain unannounced. Tjege emphasized that the goal is to ensure affordability without compromising functionality. The development of Hlokomela has involved extensive collaboration with healthcare professionals to align the platform's features with the practical needs of medical practices. Tjege, whose expertise lies in cloud computing and systems architecture, highlighted that the project was built in close partnership with providers to guarantee relevance and usability. This collaborative effort ensures that the platform addresses specific pain points faced by clinics, particularly those lacking robust administrative support. Before a wider release, Hlokomela will undergo a pilot program involving approximately 500 licensed healthcare providers. These include general practitioners, specialists, and allied health professionals such as psychologists, dentists, and physiotherapists. The pilot phase is primarily targeting independent and small practices, where the platform’s impact is expected to be most pronounced. Tjege explained that the initiative aims to test the platform in real-world scenarios, gather feedback, and implement necessary improvements prior to scaling up. The introduction of Hlokomela reflects growing interest in leveraging technology to enhance healthcare efficiency, particularly in regions where resources are limited. By integrating AI capabilities into everyday operations, the platform seeks to bridge gaps in access and administration, ultimately improving patient outcomes and operational sustainability for medical providers. As the rollout approaches, stakeholders are closely monitoring how the tool performs during the pilot stage, with expectations that it will evolve based on user experiences and feedback.