The Beginning of a Bold Journey
At just 20 years old, Shashank ND and Abhinav Lal, fresh engineering graduates from NIT Suratkal, decided to take a risk. While many of their peers chose the safety of corporate jobs, these two young minds set out to change the healthcare industry. They co-founded Practo, an online platform aimed at digitizing health records and making healthcare more accessible.
A Simple Idea, Big Impact
What began as a small venture to digitize health records quickly turned into something much bigger. Practo now connects patients with doctors, allowing them to book appointments, consult online, and store their health records digitally. With over 200,000 doctors, 10,000 hospitals, and 5,000 diagnostic centers across 35 cities and four countries, Practo has grown into a healthcare giant.
Facing the Early Struggles
Starting a company in the healthcare industry wasn’t easy. Shashank and Abhinav faced numerous challenges, from low internet penetration to gaining trust from doctors and patients. But they were determined. They started with Practo Ray, a cloud-based software that helps doctors manage their practice digitally. The software was an instant hit, helping doctors streamline their operations and focus more on patient care.
Convincing the World
One of the toughest challenges was convincing people to join their mission. But Shashank had a vision that resonated with many, and soon, the right people came on board.
His parents were supportive from the beginning, which gave him the confidence to push forward despite the hurdles. Raising funds was also challenging, but the passion and potential of Practo eventually attracted top investors like Sequoia Capital and Yuri Milner, raising $124 million in total.
Taking Practo Global
What started in India is now spreading across the globe. Practo is already present in Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, with plans to expand to 100 cities in India and 10 countries worldwide. Shashank envisions a world where all health records are digital, making it easier for patients to access quality healthcare anywhere, anytime.
Building a Healthcare Ecosystem
Practo is not just about connecting patients with doctors. It’s about building an entire ecosystem where patients can book appointments, access diagnostic services, and manage their health records all in one place. The goal is to make healthcare simpler and more accessible, so everyone can live healthier, longer lives.
The Vision and Future of Practo
Shashank believes that healthcare is one of the last industries to be fully transformed by technology. Practo is at the forefront of this change, using digital solutions to improve patient care. Shashank envisions a future where all health information is stored digitally, making it easier for doctors and patients to make informed decisions.
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Continuing to Innovate
The future for Practo is bright. The company plans to add more features and services, expanding its reach to include not just doctors and hospitals, but also wellness and fitness centers. With a team of 1,500 dedicated professionals, Practo is set to continue its mission of transforming healthcare for millions around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did Practo grow so fast?
Practo grew rapidly through a combination of determination, innovation, and the support of top investors.
What makes Practo different from other healthcare platforms?
Practo stands out because it connects both doctors and patients while offering a comprehensive digital healthcare experience.
Where is Practo expanding next?
Practo plans to expand to 100 cities in India and 10 countries globally.
What’s Shashank’s vision for the future?
Shashank’s vision for the future is to fully digitize healthcare, making it accessible and easy for everyone.
Why did Shashank start Practo?
Shashank started Practo because he wanted to solve the problems that he observed in healthcare and improve the overall patient experience.
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