The Challenge of Healthcare in India

India faces a significant healthcare challenge with fewer than 300,000 doctors serving a population exceeding hundreds of millions. Many patients grapple with chronic illnesses within the nation, the world’s second most populous.

Due to high patient volumes, physicians often have limited time for each individual. Efficiently recalling past diagnoses and formulating effective treatment plans is crucial.

HealthPlix: A Solution for Doctors

HealthPlix, a startup based in Bangalore, aims to enhance the efficiency with which doctors can care for their patients, given the constraints of time.

Software for Methodical Patient Management

The company has created software designed to assist doctors in systematically tracking patient symptoms, prescribed medications, and treatment progress.

According to Sandeep Gudibanda, co-founder of HealthPlix, the software extends beyond simple record-keeping. It incorporates a knowledge base to aid doctors in evaluating all relevant patient factors.

Proactive Insights and Disease Progression

For example, if a diabetic patient reports swollen feet and increased urination, the software can alert the doctor to potential kidney issues and the need for blood sugar monitoring.

“The software allows doctors to observe disease progression, review past medication effectiveness, and avoid repeating unsuccessful treatments,” Gudibanda explained. “Leveraging data from over 12 million patients, it also provides insights into potential patient exposures.”

The Value of Physician Time

“Doctors possess extensive knowledge, but time is a scarce resource,” Gudibanda stated. “Our focus is on empowering them to make informed decisions within the limited time they have with each patient.”

These brief interactions are pivotal, influencing diagnostic tests, medication choices, surgical planning, and referral decisions. Approximately $88 billion in annual healthcare expenditure is determined during these moments.

A Doctor-Centric Approach

Numerous health tech startups are emerging in India, but HealthPlix differentiates itself through its doctor-centric strategy. Gudibanda, with nearly two decades of experience in health tech entrepreneurship, emphasizes this distinction.

In a nation with a high prevalence of chronic diseases, direct physician involvement is essential for optimal outcomes. “We found that doctors are the trusted authority for patients,” he said. “By collaborating with doctors, we can achieve a greater impact, as a single physician serves hundreds of patients.”

Addressing Workload and Information Gaps

Given the heavy workload and limited consultation times (2-3 minutes per patient), doctors require comprehensive information to make sound judgments. Therefore, their inclusion in the process is paramount.

Growth and Funding

HealthPlix initially began in late 2016 with a focus on digital patient connections, but later shifted to its current model. This new approach is experiencing rapid growth.

Currently, over 6,000 doctors utilize HealthPlix for more than four hours daily. The company aims to reach 50,000 doctors within the next two years.

The startup recently secured $13.5 million in its Series B funding round, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, bringing its total funding to approximately $23.5 million.

Investor Confidence

“HealthPlix’s doctor-first B2B strategy is a key differentiator,” said Vaibhav Agrawal, partner at Lightspeed. “The platform that earns the trust of doctors will control the allocation of the entire $88 billion healthcare budget.”

The anticipated benefits include improved patient outcomes, enhanced clinical practices, valuable insights for pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and more accurate risk assessment for insurers.

Future Plans

Gudibanda indicated that the newly acquired capital will also be used to address critical health issues and combat acute diseases.