Rural India faces an uneven healthcare map: crumbling infrastructure, a shortage of doctors, and long travel times to the nearest hospital, often over 50 kilometres away. Online Chikitsa Mitra (OCM) was founded to change that reality.
At its core, OCM believes healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The health-tech startup connects people in remote communities to specialist doctors via strategically placed E-clinics inside local medical stores. Store owners, trained in telemedicine facilitation, act as bridges between patients and doctors, ensuring medical care, follow-ups, and treatment adherence — all without exhausting trips to urban hospitals.
Founders Behind the Vision
The idea was born in 2019 when siblings Shubhang and Smriti Tandon saw the stark healthcare gap outside cities. Shubhang’s pilot project proved the model’s viability, and Smriti joined to bring operational and strategic expertise. Together, they have grown OCM into a network facilitating 120,000+ virtual consultations across 550+ locations in 15+ states.
A Model That Goes Beyond Diagnosis
OCM doesn’t stop at connecting patients to doctors. Its Patient Relief Team guides patients through prescriptions, follow-ups, and real-time support during critical needs — a human-led, tech-assisted approach ensuring no patient navigates treatment alone.
Proven in High-Stakes Environments
OCM has been tested at India’s largest public gatherings. At Mahakumbh 2025, it partnered with the government’s Digital Mahakumbh initiative to set up on-ground digital consultation booths. At the Amarnath Yatra 2024, its on-site health camp provided lifesaving care at extreme altitudes — demonstrating that quality healthcare can reach even the most remote or high-pressure locations.
Scaling Into a Digital Healthcare Ecosystem
OCM is now evolving beyond E-clinics:
- OCM Patient App – Direct access to doctors, health records, and continuity of care.
- 120/80 Doctor Platform – Empowering doctors to connect with patients anywhere, anytime.
The aim is to deliver the same high-quality healthcare experience to urban, semi-urban, and rural populations alike.
The Road Ahead
OCM plans to scale to 1 lakh E-clinics across India, facilitating 1,000+ consultations daily. The mission remains clear: improve treatment outcomes, reduce the urban-rural healthcare divide, and empower individuals to take control of their health.
For Shubhang and Smriti Tandon, the vision is simple yet powerful: a healthier, happier India where no one is left behind.
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