Priyadarshi Mohapatra is the Founder & CEO of CureBay, a health-tech company committed to revolutionise healthcare with the innovative hybrid model of eClinics, Swasthya Mitras & a Network of Healthcare Providers, reaching remote and medically underserved locations. CureBay's network of world-class eClinics powered by an intelligent tech platform and operated by trained and certified health workers delivers quality healthcare services in an assisted mode. CureBay's mission goes beyond mere connectivity; making quality & reliable healthcare accessible and affordable to all. CureBay's services cover Doctor Consultations, Medicine Purchases, Lab Tests, Surgery, Annual Health Membership & the Concierge Service which ensures complete support to patients from admission to discharge, offering assistance in medical procedures, providing emotional support, and continual companionship.

Priyo, as he is known to friends and colleagues, was a member of the team that built the Tanishq brand. Priyo then, along with five friends, co-founded OyzterBay, later acquired by Fossil. 

Team Enmasse recently spoke to Priyo about the experiences that subsequently led him to launch CureBay, his deep faith in the aspirations and ambitions of small-town India, and why there are many surprises yet to come.

‍

Team Enmasse: Welcome Priyo. Tell us about your journey to starting CureBay.

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: The story really began during the pandemic. At the time, I had been working with tech companies such as Microsoft and Google. This period coincided with a personal health issue that I grappled with while residing in Gurgaon, a well-connected city with robust healthcare facilities. It was during this time that I had to confront the stark contrast between the healthcare access I had, and the reality faced by millions living in remote areas, particularly in the rural heartland of India.

My mother, a healthcare pioneer who founded Bhubaneswar's first private nursing home three decades ago, really pushed me to go deeper. I embarked on a journey to remote areas during the pandemic, witnessing firsthand the dire circumstances people endured. The sight of individuals succumbing to illness outside government healthcare centres, with little to no assistance available, deeply impacted me. It became clear that the prevailing healthcare infrastructure, while commendable in its physical reach, lacked the necessary cohesion to deliver high-quality, accessible care to those who needed it most.

I was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference. So, I decided to establish CureBay. 

CureBay's mission is not simply to provide healthcare solutions but to create a sustainable model that prioritises quality, accessibility, and efficacy for underserved populations. Through CureBay, I aim to bridge the gap in healthcare delivery, ensuring that those in remote areas receive the care and support they rightfully deserve. According to me, geography should not be a limiting barrier to accessing quality healthcare in India

‍

Team Enmasse: How big is CureBay today?

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: Our journey began a little more than two years ago with the launch of our first eClinic in the remote area of Kundhei in the Puri district. Since then, we have expanded significantly, with a network of more than 120 eClinics now operational across Odisha, serving over 18 districts. Just recently, we expanded our reach to the neighbouring state of Chhattisgarh, having successfully launched 22 eClinics there.

CureBay has made a significant impact. As of March 2024 we have a total of over 120 eClinics and more than 175,000 individuals benefiting from our high-quality healthcare services. Our growing network includes over 170 doctors and more than 315 service providers like Hospital Partners and Lab Partners.

‍

‍

Team Enmasse: How hard has this journey been?

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: The challenge of providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare in remote areas is difficult, as existing solutions are often urban-centric and convenience-oriented. 

Starting small was important to build trust and credibility, forming partnerships with hospitals, doctors, and customers gradually. Continuous progress, no matter how small, has been key to moving forward. This approach has led to growing interest from hospitals, doctors, and partners in expanding healthcare access to underserved areas. 

‍

Team Enmasse: The elements of surprise and innovation are both evident in Curebay's stories. Were there any surprises with your initial market expectations? Can you share any stories?

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: First, I want to make a point about demand in these small towns.

Many previous attempts to address remote healthcare and rural healthcare were misguided, as they wrongly assumed the main issue was people's willingness to pay. 

In reality, the problem lay in the lack of accessibility to the right services at a fair price. Patients and caregivers face challenges accessing basic healthcare services, which require them to travel and incur significant costs, disrupting their daily lives. The key challenge was not the willingness to pay but rather, the need for accessible and trustworthy healthcare services. Building trust and ensuring reliable access to healthcare were the primary focus to address this issue.

In fact, people are looking for more than just primary healthcare support. The customer and the customer’s demand are both much more sophisticated than most people realise.

I must share this anecdote with you. When we started our dental services, the main focus was to address the prevalent issues associated with tobacco use and poor oral hygiene in rural areas. People would visit us for routine procedures like root canals and denture adjustments. 

However, one day, an eClinic contacted me about a patient who was willing to spend over 30,000 rupees on cosmetic dental procedures. He was getting married soon and wanted to have a perfect smile, including teeth cleaning and capping. What amazed me was that despite being busy with the harvest season, he didn't want to travel and instead preferred to have the treatments done at his doorstep. CureBay was there for him, of course. 

This incident was a moment of truth for me, as it made me realise that these individuals in rural areas have high aspirations. They have access to the same information as you and me, and they want the same benefits. The only difference is that they want the right price, quality, and accessibility. And this spans across primary, chronic, preventive and all other categories of healthcare. These are demanding customers who both want high-quality services and are willing to pay for them.

‍

‍

Team Enmasse: Tell us a little bit about the EPIC aspiration you've seen on this journey. It’s a big word that people use a lot, especially when it comes to small-town India.

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: When we started, we kept the initial doctor consultation fee at 100 rupees, making it affordable for patients. Today, we have patients seeking treatment for critical illnesses and lifestyle-related issues, showing their strong commitment to their family's health and education.

For instance, there was a lady who came to us for a cochlear transplant, which is typically not covered by government schemes because it's not life-threatening, but is an expensive procedure. When we discussed the cost with the patient, she said, 'No, I will arrange the money.' This completely shook my assumptions about people's aspirations. It made me realise their aspirations are as good as yours or mine. They want the best for their family and for their kids, and they are willing to go the extra mile to make it happen.

‍

Team Enmasse: Many people worry about competition with the government when offering private goods and services to customers. How has CureBay navigated its relationship with government services like Primary Health Centres (PHCs) – is it competing, collaborating, or cooperating with them?

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: The right word that comes to my mind is augmenting.

Our approach can be best described as augmenting the existing healthcare infrastructure rather than directly collaborating with the government on specific programs. While we do not have formal partnerships with the government, we complement their efforts by extending additional services beyond what they offer. 

For instance, in areas where primary health centres lack doctors, CureBay eClinics provide comprehensive facilities and services. While some individuals continue to visit PHCs for free generic medicines, a segment slightly above the base of the socioeconomic pyramid is willing to pay for high-quality, branded medications available at CureBay.

By assisting individuals willing to pay for premium services while supporting those who rely on government-provided care, we align with the government's objective of promoting social welfare in India.

‍

‍

Team Enmasse: One interesting aspect is how people may consider government insurance sufficient for medical procedures, forgetting that insurance alone does not guarantee access to treatment. How do the private and public co-exist in how CureBay delivers goods and services?

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: Take the case of Odisha's robust healthcare scheme, the BSKY (Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana) scheme, benefiting nearly 90 lakh families in the region. So how does CureBay support a scheme like this?

Starting from remote areas, we observed a surge in individuals seeking guidance on utilising this government scheme for surgeries at our eClinics. They knew the scheme existed, but how could they tap into it in a low-stress, high-trust environment? They started coming to our eClinics for help.

We could have turned them away and said this is not our problem. But we said, come, use our computers, access the information, and let’s see what CureBay can do to help you on this journey.

Rather than turning them away, we saw an opportunity to assist.

We openly shared details about our partner hospitals, available government schemes, the most suitable facilities for various conditions, doctor availability, room reservations, and appointment scheduling. In addition, we simplified the process by offering in-house testing to eliminate unnecessary travel expenses and uncertainties. 

This approach has led to a steady increase in rural patients undergoing surgery through our platforms. This is a marriage of the best of both worlds: the government’s focus on supporting everyone in society and our ability to bring technology and information to optimise customer experience.

Once again, the end result is greater trust, greater access, and better welfare.

‍

Team Enmasse: Now, you are a passionate advocate for the town of Cuttack. Cuttack is exactly the kind of industrious community, full of Entrepreneurial Households, that the EPIC journey is all about. Tell us about your experience of Cuttack and the changes you have seen there over the years…

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: Returning to Odisha after 26 years to start CureBay has been an eye-opener. The transformation of places like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack is remarkable. These EPIC cities have evolved on multiple levels. For instance, Cuttack, once a traditional city renowned for its filigree work, High Court and medical college, has transformed into a vibrant hub of MSMEs. Areas like Chaudwar and Jagatpur now boast thousands of MSMEs that are embracing technology and aiming to reach international markets. Since returning, I've had the privilege of engaging with many local entrepreneurs, exploring the best technology solutions to help them connect with customers outside India.

This transformation encompasses not just infrastructure but also a significant shift in mindset regarding business. The trend of being born, educated, and leaving Cuttack has changed. Now, I see individuals starting competitive businesses that could stand toe-to-toe with those in any major city. An example is a drone company doing exceptional work right out of Cuttack, which we are in talks with for potential collaboration in delivering medicines. The shift towards embracing new business models and outlooks is truly impressive.

‍

Team Enmasse: This highlights a shift in internal migration patterns in India, with more young people opting to stay in tier two and tier three cities. Do you agree? 

‍Priyadarshi Mohapatra: I completely agree. The experience with CureBay has been incredibly affirming in this regard. I've been astounded by the calibre of talent returning to Odisha to work with us. Many of these individuals had been working across India or even abroad but are now keen on contributing back home. The driving force behind their return wasn't solely the noble mission of CureBay, although that played a part. Many recognised the groundbreaking nature of our work, comparable to global standards, making their return not just a matter of altruism but a strategic career move as well.

Nowadays, people are much more informed about the infrastructure and ecosystem available in their home regions. For those willing to take risks, this knowledge encourages them to take the leap.

‍

‍

Team Enmasse: What is your vision for CureBay? Ultimately, where do you want to take this organisation to?

Priyadarshi Mohapatra: Currently, my focus is on addressing healthcare needs in Odisha, and we've recently expanded our efforts into Chhattisgarh. My aspiration over the next few years is to broaden this impact across a significant portion of India. I'm deeply committed to ensuring that even those in the most remote areas can access the best possible healthcare services. These services should be more than just top-notch but also affordable and sustainable, rather than being temporary solutions. 

My goal is to fundamentally transform how primary healthcare is delivered across the country, making a lasting and revolutionary change in the healthcare landscape.

‍