Online Chikitsa Mitra: India’s Premier Rural Health-Tech Startup
Founded in 2016, Online Chikitsa Mitra is dedicated to transforming healthcare access across India with its innovative digital platform. The startup envisions a future where quality healthcare is a universal reality, not just an aspiration.
The Founders
Shubhang Tandon & Smriti Tandon – Co-founders of Online Chikitsa Mitra
Online Chikitsa Mitra was established by Shubhang Tandon, driven by a deep belief in the power of technology to democratize healthcare. Witnessing the severe disparities in rural healthcare in India, Shubhang aimed to make quality medical care a right rather than a privilege.
His sister Smriti joined him as co-founder, bringing her extensive operational expertise to the venture. Together, they set out to revolutionize healthcare delivery in India and build a sustainable model that prioritizes wellness and empowerment.
Journey and Impact
Shubhang Tandon, an MIT alumnus with a background in Nuclear Engineering, and Smriti Tandon, who transitioned from a career in the automobile industry to healthcare, combined their skills to create Online Chikitsa Mitra. Their startup has now expanded to 15 states through 500 e-clinics, impacting thousands of lives.
The Inspiration
Shubhang’s exposure to advanced healthcare technology during his studies abroad inspired him to think about how similar innovations could benefit India. Meanwhile, Smriti’s personal experience with the disparities in healthcare quality reinforced their mission.
Shubhang shared with Startup Pedia, “My experience working on a healthcare product design project abroad made me aware of the technological gaps between developed and developing regions. This drove me to create a solution that could address these disparities in India.”
How Online Chikitsa Mitra Works
Online Chikitsa Mitra connects patients with specialized doctors via a user-friendly digital platform, overcoming geographical barriers to provide expert care. The platform includes features for medication reminders, follow-up scheduling, and digital health records, enhancing patient engagement and treatment adherence.
Smriti explained, “We’ve set up e-clinics in rural areas to provide physical access points for those lacking personal technology or reliable internet. These e-clinics are crucial for delivering essential healthcare services directly to communities.”
Challenges and Solutions
Launching OCM pre-COVID posed significant challenges, including limited digital literacy and inadequate internet infrastructure in rural areas. Shubhang and Smriti tackled these issues by developing user-friendly interfaces, offering local language support, and partnering with trusted local medical store owners.
Shubhang noted, “Convincing rural India of the reliability of online consultations was our biggest challenge. We overcame skepticism by leveraging existing trust networks and conducting extensive outreach.”
The Human Touch
Smriti highlighted the importance of combining technology with a personal touch. “While technology is transformative, it’s the human connection that truly enhances healthcare solutions. Our updated mantra, ‘Tech for health, touch for healing,’ reflects this belief.”
Expansion and Future Goals
OCM operates over 500 e-clinics across 15 states and has facilitated over 107,000 consultations. The startup aims to establish more than 100,000 e-clinics nationwide and leverage AI-driven diagnostics and remote monitoring tools to further improve healthcare delivery.
Shubhang stated, “Our goal is not just to treat illnesses but to promote wellness on a national scale. We are reshaping mindsets and making a real, lasting impact on healthcare in India.”
FAQ
What is Online Chikitsa Mitra?
Online Chikitsa Mitra is a health-tech startup that bridges healthcare access gaps through a digital platform, connecting patients with specialized doctors and providing essential services via e-clinics.
Who founded Online Chikitsa Mitra?
The startup was founded by Shubhang Tandon and his sister Smriti Tandon.
How does Online Chikitsa Mitra work?
The platform connects patients with doctors through digital means, offers e-clinics in rural areas for physical access, and includes features for long-term healthcare management and telemedicine services.
What are the goals of Online Chikitsa Mitra?
OCM aims to establish over 100,000 e-clinics across India and use advanced technology to enhance healthcare delivery and promote wellness.
How can I get in touch with Online Chikitsa Mitra?
You can reach out to Online Chikitsa Mitra through their website contact form or email at info@onlinechikitsamitra.com.