Innovation at its best is driven by empathy and a genuine desire to solve the problems that matter most. In a world where healthcare often feels complex and out of reach, Wael A. Kabli embodies this principle through his work. As the CEO and Founder of Cura Healthcare, Wael is transforming the healthcare domain in the Middle East with a deeply personal mission to make it more accessible and seamless for everyone.
His journey began with a strong passion for technology, but it was a profoundly human experience—navigating the challenges of frequent hospital visits with his newborn daughter—that ignited his desire for change. This experience revealed the urgent need for a more efficient and empathetic approach to healthcare.
Today, Wael leads Cura Healthcare with a vision to simplify and humanize the way people access care, offering real-time connections with doctors through a platform that integrates seamlessly into daily life. His story signifies how personal experiences can drive innovation, setting a new standard for accessibility and compassion in healthcare throughout the region.
Let’s dive into the interview details below!
Wael, can you share a bit about your personal background and what inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare and entrepreneurship?
My journey began in the world of technology. I spent over 6 years as an architect and technology advisor at Microsoft Consulting Services, working with prestigious organizations in Saudi Arabia. This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for innovation and its potential to solve complex problems. However, a different passion started to simmer: healthcare. Witnessing firsthand the challenges of accessing quality medical care, particularly the time-consuming nature of appointments, sparked a desire to create a positive change. This is where my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. In 2012, I co-founded Xceed Ventures, a company that leverages big data to analyze public opinion. This experience further solidified my belief in the power of technology to understand and address people’s needs. Cura, my second startup, represents the culmination of these passions. We’re revolutionizing healthcare in the Middle East by offering the first app that allows people to consult doctors easily through real-time chat and video calls on their smartphones. This on-demand, appointment-free approach makes healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone.
What inspired you to start Cura Healthcare, and what is the core mission of the company?
When I started Cura Healthcare, it was driven by a personal challenge. After my daughter was born, my wife and I faced the inconvenience of frequent hospital visits—leaving work early and enduring long waits. This experience made me ask, “Which sector could benefit from a technological solution to simplify lives?” Observing the rise of the sharing economy and the consumerization of services like Amazon, LinkedIn, and Uber, I saw with my partner and CTO, Mohammad Zekrallah that healthcare is a sector ripe for transformation. Our mission is to reshape healthcare into a seamless, integrated journey that includes physical fitness, mental health, and personalized guidance—all within a convenient digital platform. Despite early skepticism about virtual appointments, we’ve demonstrated that our solution is safe, effective, and compliant with regulations, revolutionizing how people access and experience healthcare.
What are some of the biggest challenges you faced while establishing Cura, and how did you overcome them?
Establishing Cura presented significant challenges, including navigating regulatory landscapes and gaining trust from patients and healthcare practitioners. Educating the public on telehealth benefits and a holistic wellness approach was crucial. We tackled these issues by building a dedicated team, fostering strong relationships with healthcare professionals, and focusing on clear communication to highlight the value of our approach.
What is your leadership and management style, and how has it evolved as Cura has grown?
My leadership style at Cura has always been about inspiration; a passion or a drive that urges us to do something great. I strive to energize everyone by connecting our mission to their personal goals and dreams, which helps us move forward with a shared sense of purpose. Additionally, I focus on building strong relationships and fostering collaboration across the organization to ensure we work seamlessly as a unified team. As Cura has grown, my approach has evolved to address the increasing complexity of our challenges. While I continue to lead with inspiration and connection, I’m also incorporating more data-driven and strategic thinking into my decision-making process. This shift helps us navigate our growth more effectively and ensures that we balance our visionary goals with practical, informed strategies.
What strategies does Cura employ to ensure high levels of patient engagement and satisfaction with its services?
Cura ensures high patient engagement by offering a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that integrates fitness tracking, mental health resources, and personalized coaching. We use data-driven insights to tailor recommendations and maintain high satisfaction levels. Our commitment to convenience, accessibility, and personalized care helps keep users actively involved in their health journey.
In what ways do you believe technology can further enhance patient care and healthcare delivery in the region?
The future is not better than today. It is totally different! In my opinion, there are globally 2 core topics igniting the change in healthcare: shortage in healthcare workforce, and the increasing responsibility on individuals and families to maintain health and manage care. Healthcare will undergo a new digital standard due to technology and this standard will allow people to approach healthcare in a proactive manner, where it is a continuous life journey; not an episodic reaction to illness. I also believe that there will be a shift where future healthcare is patient-centric, digitally enabled and virtually held.
What are your future plans for Cura Healthcare, and how do you envision expanding its services?
We plan to expand Cura’s services by enhancing our app with AI-powered health insights and gamified fitness challenges. We aim to forge stronger partnerships with healthcare providers and insurance companies and develop programs that address mental health and well-being more comprehensively. Our goal is to create a seamless, integrated ecosystem that supports individuals in every aspect of their health.
How do you see the initiatives taken by Cura influencing healthcare practices beyond the Middle East?
Cura’s initiatives have the potential to set new standards for proactive and integrated healthcare on a global scale. By demonstrating the effectiveness of a holistic approach and advanced technology in improving well-being, we hope to inspire similar practices worldwide. Our focus on accessibility and personalization can contribute to a shift towards more patient-centered care globally.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to innovate in the healthcare sector?
My advice is to pursue a problem you are passionate about solving, as this will drive your resilience and dedication. Focus on creating a positive impact and building solutions that genuinely address patient needs. Embrace technology and data to enhance your offerings and be prepared to navigate challenges with a clear vision and strong commitment to improving lives.
