A platform connects doctors with medical practices 

A South African startup is hoping to improve primary health care by making it easier for medical practices to find locums

Spotted: In medical practice, the term ‘locum’ is used for a person who temporarily fills in for a doctor or other medical practitioner. For example, when a doctor is ill or on holiday, or when a hospital or practice is short-staffed. In many countries, the medical industry relies on locums to provide continuous, quality care to patients. However, the process of matching locums to needs can be fragmented and difficult to navigate – for both doctors and practices. 

In South Africa, startup LocumBase is working to smooth this process with an online booking and management platform that matches medical professionals to medical practices. The service works as a ‘double-sided digital marketplace’, allowing practices to book locums instantly and providing a place for available locums to find work. All locums and practices are manually verified and reviewed regularly. 

Locums use the system by first creating a profile and entering their professional qualifications and ID. They can use a calendar to highlight their availability. Once the doctor’s professional information is reviewed and confirmed, their profile will be searchable by medical practices, clinics, and hospitals. For those looking to find a locum, the process is similar – they must first register and have their details confirmed. Practices can then enter search criteria and book locums for the dates they need. Once a locum is booked, LocumBase generates an automatic invoice and confirmation of the booking.   

According to the company, its goal is not just to match locums with practices, but to go further to challenge the status quo and empower medical professionals and practices to enjoy greater freedom and flexibility.

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Written By: Lisa Magloff