What began as a forward-thinking idea between two brothers and a family friend, a practicing GP, has blossomed into Ireland's leading online doctor service. The journey of Webdoctor.ie started in 2013, born from the realization that technology could revolutionize healthcare accessibility. Brothers Oisín and Howard Kim, equipped with their expertise in large-scale internet systems, collaborated with Dr. Sylvester Mooney to digitize his practice. This initial project sparked a much grander vision: to create a platform that would make healthcare more convenient, affordable, and accessible for everyone in Ireland. They officially launched Webdoctor.ie in late 2014, initially focusing on providing repeat prescriptions for a few specific conditions. The concept was simple yet powerful: offer a secure, discreet, and user-friendly online portal for patients to manage their healthcare needs without the constraints of traditional clinic hours and waiting rooms.
The early years were marked by a steady expansion of services and a growing patient base. The introduction of video consultations was a significant milestone, allowing for real-time, face-to-face interactions with Irish-registered doctors from anywhere in the country. This innovation proved to be a game-changer, especially for those in remote areas or with busy schedules. As the platform evolved, so did the company. It rebranded to Medihive to reflect its broader focus on providing sophisticated software and clinical solutions to the wider healthcare industry, while Webdoctor.ie remains its direct-to-consumer telehealth brand. The company's growth has been fueled by significant investments, including a major funding round in 2021, which has enabled international expansion and further innovation in their technology. Today, with a team of over 130 dedicated professionals and having conducted hundreds of thousands of consultations, Webdoctor.ie continues its mission to break down the barriers to quality healthcare, proving that the future of medicine is not just in-person, but also online.