In a country as vast and diverse as India, accessing quality healthcare remains a challenge—especially for those in remote villages and underserved rural areas. Long travel distances, lack of specialist doctors, and poor infrastructure make even basic medical consultation a luxury for many. But one startup is on a mission to change that narrative. Online Chikitsa Mitra (OCM) is transforming the rural healthcare ecosystem through a unique blend of technology, empathy, and innovation. Their goal? To ensure no Indian is left behind when it comes to receiving timely and effective healthcare.
The Spark: Where It All Began
Online Chikitsa Mitra was founded in 2019 by Shubhang Tandon, a visionary driven by a deep concern for the stark health disparities between urban and rural India. During a personal visit to a remote village, Shubhang witnessed firsthand how a lack of timely medical support can be life-threatening. This inspired him to launch OCM—a digital-first health-tech startup aimed at bridging the healthcare divide.
He was soon joined by his sister, Smriti Tandon, who brought her expertise in operations and strategy to the table. Together, the sibling duo created a solution that goes far beyond video consultations. They built a hybrid model that combines technology with local support, enabling real-time access to doctors, diagnostics, and ongoing care—right from the heart of rural India.
The Model: E-Clinics at Local Medical Stores
At the core of OCM’s success lies a simple yet powerful idea: placing E-clinics inside neighborhood medical stores in remote areas. These stores, often the first point of contact for healthcare in villages, are now digitally empowered to offer teleconsultations with certified doctors from across the country.
Local store owners are trained to operate the platform, guide patients, and even help with follow-ups and medication adherence. The result is a cost-effective, convenient system that makes quality medical care accessible without requiring people to travel 50+ kilometers to the nearest hospital.
A Patient-Centered Approach: Relief and Recovery
What truly sets Online Chikitsa Mitra apart is its Patient Relief Team—a one-of-a-kind support system that doesn’t end at diagnosis. This team ensures patients receive complete support, from understanding prescriptions to treatment follow-ups. Their tech-assisted yet human-led approach gives patients the confidence to stick to their treatment plans and builds trust in the digital healthcare ecosystem.
It’s not just about connecting patients to doctors. It’s about being there at every step of their recovery journey.
National Impact: From Villages to Major Events
OCM’s reach isn’t limited to rural areas alone. The startup has played a critical role in large-scale public health initiatives:
- Mahakumbh 2025: At the world’s largest spiritual gathering, OCM set up digital consultation booths at the Central Hospital OPD, offering real-time medical support to thousands of attendees.
- Amarnath Yatra 2024: In one of the most challenging terrains, OCM offered round-the-clock medical assistance to pilgrims by setting up digital health camps.
These milestones prove OCM’s readiness to scale and respond in high-pressure environments while staying rooted in its mission of accessible care.
Tech-Driven Expansion: Beyond E-Clinics
As the startup continues to grow, it is evolving into a comprehensive digital healthcare ecosystem. Two major tech innovations are paving the way:
- OCM Patient App: A mobile application that allows patients to book consultations, access prescriptions, and receive wellness reminders.
- 120/80 Doctor Platform: A dedicated digital tool for doctors to manage rural patients, offer teleconsultations, and track treatment outcomes effectively.
These platforms are designed to expand the benefits of rural telemedicine to semi-urban and urban communities, ensuring healthcare accessibility becomes a nationwide standard.
Vision for the Future: 1 Lakh E-Clinics and Beyond
OCM is not stopping anytime soon. With over 120,000 virtual consultations already completed across 550+ locations in 15+ Indian states, the founders are now aiming higher. The vision is to establish 100,000 e-clinics across India in the coming years.
Their roadmap also includes partnerships with government health schemes, expansion into preventive care, and collaborations with pharma and diagnostics companies. All efforts are centered on improving treatment outcomes and empowering people to take control of their health journeys—regardless of geography or income level.
Wrapping Up
Online Chikitsa Mitra is more than just a health-tech platform—it’s a social mission powered by innovation. What began as a pilot project in a single rural clinic is now a nationwide movement that’s making healthcare more democratic, transparent, and effective.
In a world where digital health often prioritizes cities and private hospitals, OCM is making sure the next billion Indians aren’t left behind. Their success is a testament to what happens when empathy meets innovation. With continued support and scale, Online Chikitsa Mitra is set to become a global model for inclusive digital health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Online Chikitsa Mitra (OCM)?
OCM is a rural health-tech startup that connects patients in remote areas to certified doctors through teleconsultation platforms installed in local medical stores.
Q2. Who are the founders of OCM?
OCM was founded by Shubhang Tandon, with his sister Smriti Tandon joining later as a co-founder to lead operations and strategic growth.
Q3. How does OCM ensure proper patient care?
OCM operates a unique Patient Relief Team that provides end-to-end support including guidance on prescriptions, follow-ups, and real-time assistance.
Q4. In which areas has OCM made the most impact?
OCM has completed over 120,000 consultations across 550+ locations in 15 states and has also contributed to large public events like Mahakumbh 2025 and Amarnath Yatra.
Q5. What are the future plans of OCM?
OCM aims to establish over 1 lakh e-clinics across India and launch its mobile app and doctor platform to create a full digital health ecosystem.
Q6. Can local shop owners partner with OCM?
Yes, local store owners can become e-clinic partners by receiving training to facilitate teleconsultations and assist patients in their communities.
Q7. Is OCM supported by any government schemes?
While not explicitly stated, OCM actively collaborates with government initiatives like Digital Mahakumbh and is looking to expand into public health partnerships.