Deal focus: DocsApp eyes more than appointments

Most Indians do not subscribe to outpatient insurance plans because the networks of insurance-covered hospitals are so sparse. That could change if telemedicine platform DocsApp succeeds in its long-term mission of allowing every Indian to quickly and conveniently connect with a nearby doctor by video call.

A significant step forward has come through a merger with MediBuddy, a web-based portal created by third-party administrator Medi Assist that boasts a large corporate client base. The combined entity will have access to 90,000 doctors, 3,000 diagnostic centers and 2,500 pharmacies. It covers nearly 95% of the country’s postcodes, according to Anant Vidur Puri of Bessemer Ventures Partners, an investor in DocsApp and MediBuddy. 

As of June 9, India had recorded more than 250,000 COVID-19 infections; the peak is expected to come in July. Since February, DocsApp had been braced for a tsunami of requests. Unable to leave their homes due to a nationwide lockdown, people concerned they might be exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are requesting tele-consultations. Neither doctors nor patients were charged for these engagements. 

“We were all pushed to our limits. There was also a huge boost when the prime minister went on air to tell Indians to use their phones to talk to a doctor. Suddenly, the Medical Council of India and various state governments wanted to talk to DocsApp,” Puri recalls.

DocsApp advised the Health Ministry on how to promote remote consultation methods, resulting in a greater appreciation for telemedicine apps among citizens and, crucially, government officials. A key selling point is the company’s reach: it can give residents in towns and villages nationwide face-time with quality healthcare professionals.

“An overwhelming majority of our healthcare – doctors and care centers – are concentrated in metropolitan cities,” says Puri. “For urbanites, it’s a choice: Should I go to a hospital, a clinic or use DocsApp? But for a large part of the country, DocsApp is the only option, especially if you want to speak to specialist.” 

In addition to remote consultations, DocsApp can be used to order medical supplies and sign up for various types of diagnostic packages, including home-based lab tests. In time, the company would like to offer other services like outpatient insurance plans. Puri expects various types of medical institutions will now seek partnerships with DocsApp.

There’s still a long way to go with millions of doctors yet to participate in the platform. Bessemer has stepped up with $20 million in funding to support expansion. One hope is that COVID-19 has helped medical professionals working at clinics and hospitals understand the importance of a digitized, and user-friendly, interface with patients. 

“They have a broader vision – DocsApp would like to build India’s biggest closed-loop network and standardize different aspects of the healthcare experience,” Puri adds. “For a country where medical infrastructure has not scaled properly, building a trusted digital network is important.”

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• Topics
• Early-stage
• South Asia
• Technology
• India
• Bessemer Venture Partners