Push Doctor confirms new CEO after founder’s summer departure

Digital GP service Push Doctor has confirmed Wais Shaifta as its new CEO.

Digital Health News reported in August 2018 that the company’s founder and previous CEO, Eren Ozagir, had left the company.

The Sunday Times has suggested he stepped down “due to a difference of opinion with the board over the direction of the company”, after it announced plans to cut up to 40 jobs.

Shaifta, who previously served as the company’s chief operating officer, had assumed the role of acting CEO in July.

He has said he hopes to make Push Doctor’s primary care product – an online GP service – available to 75% of the population within five years through the company’s newly-announced partnership with the NHS.

A pilot began in September involving Push Doctor and national GP super-partnership Modality. It saw GP video consultations being introduced in nine GP surgeries based in Yorkshire, the Midlands, London and the South East.

Commenting on Shaifta’s appointment, company chairwoman Susanne Given said: “Wais has a reputation for delivering rapid product development and execution, as well as excellent leadership skills.

“The business is already benefitting from his clarity of purpose and ability to drive fast product development through consumer patient insight work and fast-paced developments through our two excellent technology teams in Birmingham and Manchester.”