The Rocket Health Wallet is a digital financial tool launched by Rocket Health Africa, a leading telemedicine provider in Uganda, to enable users to save and manage funds for healthcare expenses. Introduced as part of Rocket Health’s mission to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible, the Wallet facilitates cashless transactions for services such as doctor consultations, lab tests, pharmacy deliveries, and vaccinations, both online and at Rocket Health’s clinics.

In Uganda, less than 1% of the population has access to health insurance, making out-of-pocket healthcare costs a significant burden, particularly for low-income and rural communities. Rocket Health identified this gap and developed the Wallet to address financial barriers, particularly after COVID-19, when demand for flexible and accessible healthcare surged. The Wallet supports Rocket Health’s hybrid model of telemedicine and in-person care, empowering users to manage medical expenses on their terms, particularly for chronic conditions, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and preventive care.

A graphic highlighting the benefits of the Rocket Health Wallet.

Key Features and Functionality:

• Flexible Deposits: Users can open a Wallet with a minimum deposit of UGX 5,000 (approximately $1.35 USD) via mobile money platforms like MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money, using the USSD code *280*6*2#. There are no fixed premiums, and funds never expire, unlike traditional insurance plans.

• Cashless Payments: The Wallet enables seamless payments for Rocket Health services, including teleconsultations, pharmacy deliveries, lab tests, and in-clinic visits, eliminating the need for cash or complex insurance claims.

• Beneficiary Management: Users can add family members or loved ones (e.g., children, grandparents) as beneficiaries, set spending limits, and manage healthcare costs for others, making it ideal for families and small businesses.

• Group Wallets: Businesses can create group Wallets with customizable spending limits for employees, enhancing corporate healthcare offerings.

• Security and Accessibility: Each user receives a unique eight-digit Rocket Health ID for secure account management. The Wallet is accessible via USSD (2806#), ensuring inclusivity for feature phone users in rural areas with limited internet access.

• Integration with Services: Funds can be used at Rocket Health’s online pharmacy (rockethealth.shop), Gayaza clinic, or for home-based services like vaccinations and lab sample pickups.

Strategic Purpose

• Affordability: By allowing users to save small, flexible amounts, the Wallet reduces financial strain for medical emergencies and routine care, addressing Uganda’s low insurance penetration.

• Convenience: The cashless, non-expiring Wallet simplifies payments and integrates with Rocket Health’s 24/7 telemedicine and delivery services, enhancing user experience.

• Inclusivity: The USSD-based platform ensures accessibility for rural and low-income users, aligning with Rocket Health’s goal of equitable healthcare access.

My Contributions

• Developed a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to position the Rocket Health Wallet as an inclusive, user-friendly solution for healthcare savings. Crafted targeted campaigns across social media (Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn) and mobile channels (USSD 2806#), driving awareness and adoption among urban and rural audiences.

• Created compelling messaging that emphasized affordability, flexibility, and convenience, highlighting features like no-expiry funds, low entry deposits (UGX 5,000), and family beneficiary options. Ensured messaging resonated with diverse demographics, from smartphone users to feature phone users in rural areas.

• Managed multi-channel campaigns, integrating social media ads, SMS blasts, and USSD promotions to ensure accessibility for users with limited internet access. Collaborated with internal teams to leverage Rocket Health’s existing user base and clinic network for cross-promotion.

• Monitored campaign performance using analytics tools, optimizing ad spend and messaging to achieve 1,000 activated users within five months.

Special thanks to my colleagues on the marketing team who contributed to this product in other aspects.