Indigenous Businesses at the Forefront of Health Tech: IcMD and Mede Chan

IcMD: Bridging Healthcare Gaps Through Community-Centered Service

Indigenous Canadian Medical Dispensaries (IcMD) is an Indigenous-owned and operated healthcare firm at the forefront of providing crucial medical services for Indigenous communities across the country.

Founded in 2018, IcMD’s mission is deeply rooted in equity with the belief that irrespective of where one lives, whether in an urban centre or remote community, one should have access to the same standard of care. To this end, IcMD provides an array of services such as medical clinics, pharmacies, community health programs, and telemedicine access to level the playing field and provide quality care for all.

One of the cornerstones of IcMD’s model is revenue-sharing: 50% of their profits go back into the communities they serve. Moreover, being an Indigenous owned firm, IcMD seeks to prioritize employment from within Indigenous communities further contributing to community development.

Furthermore, IcMD demonstrates a commitment to culturally grounded care. Their pharmacy clinics, for instance, explicitly consider Indigenous wellness priorities, including traditional healing practices. All of this positions IcMD not just as a healthcare provider, but as a catalyst for self-determination in Indigenous healthcare.

MedeChan: Where Digital Innovation Meets Cultural Wellness

MedeChan, based in Manitoba, is an emerging Indigenous health-tech company bringing digital solutions to healthcare delivery. Aiming to improve access and quality of care by leveraging real-time data platforms and integrated smart platforms, MedeChan offers a range of specialized services tailored to Indigenous health needs.

Among these include virtual doctor appointments, pharmacy prescription delivery, culturally-informed mental health support, and management tools for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Their technology-first approach offers a bridge between tradition and innovation, helping to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Indigenous communities while being responsive to their unique cultural and clinical needs.

IcMD and MedeChan are among the long list of Indigenous businesses at the forefront of healthcare innovation, aiming to redefine traditional approaches to care while weaving technology and tradition together. On November 28, the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bioscience Association of Manitoba, will be hosting its ‘Indigenous Health Innovations’ event where more businesses such as the aforementioned will be featured.