The start-up envisions an India where quality healthcare for all is not a distant dream but an everyday reality
The rural Indian healthcare scenario grapples with limited infrastructure, shortage of professionals and a lack of awareness about the right medical care. In addressing this prevalent problem of healthcare disparities in underserved areas, Online Chikitsa Mitra emerges as a transformative health-tech start-up that aims to deliver quality, long-term healthcare to everyone, regardless of location.
Committed to enhancing medical accessibility, the start-up connects remote individuals with specialist doctors from across the country through strategically located E-clinics at local medical stores. Store owners are trained to facilitate tele consultations for patients via its digital portal, ensuring they receive necessary quality care and after-care without the need to travel long distances to the nearest hospital, which is sometimes over 50 kilometres away.
Online Chikitsa Mitra was born out of Shubhang Tandon’s profound belief in leveraging technology to democratize healthcare access. Moved by the stark healthcare divide in rural India, Shubhang envisioned a future where quality medical care was a right, not a privilege. What began as a pilot project in 2019 has now successfully facilitated over 120,000 virtual consultations across 15+ states in India spanning 550+ locations.
Joining this mission was Shubhang’s sister and co-founder, Smriti Tandon, who brought her expertise in operational strategy to scale the initiative sustainably. Together, they’ve built a healthcare model that doesn’t just stop at diagnosis, but emphasizes continuity of care.
A standout feature of OCM is its Patient Relief Team, a first-of-its-kind support unit that ensures patients receive guidance on prescriptions, treatment adherence, follow-ups, and real-time assistance. It’s a human-led, tech-assisted approach that puts patient wellness at the core of every interaction.
OCM has also extended its impact beyond everyday healthcare needs. It played a key role in supporting the government’s Digital Mahakumbh initiative at Mahakumbh 2025, by setting up on-ground digital consultation booths at the Central Hospital OPD. Additionally, last year, it set up a health camp at the Amarnath Yatra, offering real-time support in challenging terrains.
OCM’s commitment to public health extended to national events, such as Mahakumbh 2025, where it supported the government’s Digital Mahakumbh vision by delivering on-ground digital consultations at the world’s largest gathering at the Central Hospital OPD. In 2024, it also set up a health camp at the Amarnath Yatra, providing real-time support to pilgrims in difficult terrains.
Building on the success of its e-clinic model, OCM is now evolving into a comprehensive digital ecosystem, with the launch of the OCM Patient App and the 120/80 Doctor Platform which are tools designed to expand quality healthcare access beyond rural boundaries and deepen engagement between patients and doctors.
Looking ahead, the start-up plans to establish over 1 lakh e-clinics across India, with a vision to improve treatment outcomes and empower individuals to take charge of their health. For Online Chikitsa Mitra, the goal is clear: a healthier, happier India where no one is left behind when it comes to healthcare.
