Bangladesh’s healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology and a growing demand for accessible, affordable medical services. With a population of over 170 million, ensuring effective healthcare delivery remains a challenge, especially in rural areas.
Health tech companies have emerged as key players in bridging the gap, using innovative technology to improve access, efficiency, and quality of care. These companies focus on telemedicine, healthcare IT, AI-powered solutions, and e-commerce platforms, offering modern tools to address the country’s pressing healthcare needs.
History of Telemedicine in Bangladesh
Telemedicine in Bangladesh has a fascinating history, evolving from early experimental connections to a significant force in modern healthcare.
Early Days (Before 1999): Long before the internet became commonplace, Bangladeshi healthcare providers began exploring the possibilities of remote consultations. Physicians and surgeons utilized technologies like telegram and email to connect with colleagues abroad, seeking expert opinions and sharing critical information. This laid the groundwork for the future of telemedicine in the country.
Focus on Rural Healthcare (1999): A pivotal moment arrived in 1999 when the Swinfen Charitable Trust established the first formal telemedicine link. Connecting the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Dhaka with the Royal Navy Hospital, Haslar, UK, this initiative highlighted the potential of telemedicine to bridge geographical divides and improve access to specialized care, particularly in rural areas.
Formalization and Growth (2001-Present): The early 2000s witnessed a surge in telemedicine initiatives:
- 2001: The Bangladesh Telemedicine Association (BTA) was formed, providing a crucial platform for organizations and individuals involved in telemedicine to collaborate and share knowledge.
- 2003: The Sustainable Development Network Program (SDNP) Bangladesh launched its e-Health project, a significant step towards connecting rural communities with better healthcare facilities through telemedicine.
- 2005: A landmark collaboration between Grameen Telecom and the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh brought telemedicine services to Faridpur General Hospital, allowing patients to consult with specialists in Dhaka.
COVID-19 Catalyst: The COVID-19 pandemic served as a powerful catalyst for the widespread adoption of telemedicine across Bangladesh. The need for social distancing and reduced physical contact led to a surge in online consultations, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the healthcare system.
List of the Health-Tech Companies in Bangladesh
- Shukhee
- Doc Time
- Arogga
- CMED Health
- Praava Health
- DoctorKoi
- Maya
- Med Easy
- AmarLab
- Health Expert
- Pulse Tech
- Zaynax Health
- Life Pulse Bangladesh
- Pulse
- Bangla Meds
- Mommy Kidz
- Moner Bondhu
- MedEx
- Jeeon
- HealthX
Shukhee
Shukhee is an integrated healthcare platform, combining the vision of Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions to make quality healthcare reach every corner of Bangladesh.
This includes services such as teleconsultation with doctors of different specializations, home lab sample collection, medicine delivery, and even emergency services such as coordination for ambulance or blood bank.
Shukhee is friendly to use and accessible for people in both urban and rural settings, making it very important for people’s needs in terms of convenience and reliability in healthcare solutions.
DocTime
DocTime is a prominent digital healthcare platform in Bangladesh that streamlines access to high-quality healthcare services. With DocTime, you can easily connect with top doctors through video or audio calls, schedule appointments, and book lab tests.
The platform offers the convenience of home sample collection, ensuring your comfort and saving you time. With round-the-clock availability, DocTime ensures that medical advice and support are accessible at any time, even beyond regular clinic hours. DocTime is committed to advancing modern healthcare across Bangladesh, facilitating easier access for individuals to prioritize their health and well-being.
Arogga
Arogga is Bangladesh’s groundbreaking online pharmacy, revolutionizing the way you access medications and healthcare products. With Arogga, ordering your medicines has never been easier—simply upload your prescription and have your medications delivered straight to your doorstep. Experience the convenience of hassle-free online ordering and prompt delivery, all at your fingertips. They offer a wide range of medications and healthcare products, ensuring you can find what you need easily.
Arogga aims to simplify healthcare access and make it more convenient for people across Bangladesh
CMED Health
CMED Health is a leading health tech company in Bangladesh, dedicated to innovating solutions for remote patient monitoring and the management of chronic diseases. The company integrates a range of advanced medical devices, mobile applications, and AI-driven algorithms to facilitate data collection and analysis, enabling proactive healthcare that promotes improved outcomes.
CMED Health is committed to empowering individuals with the tools and information required to take control of their health.
Praava Health
Praava Health is one of the leading healthcare providers in Bangladesh, known for its revolutionary approach toward the delivery of patient care. Praava Health is an innovative combination of clinic and digital services that brings the latest technology in-house, with a strong focus on patient experience. It operates a network of clinics staffed by highly qualified physicians and equipped with the latest diagnostic facilities. Praava Health has also introduced an easy-to-use mobile app for online consultations, appointment scheduling, and other access to medical records.
Praava Health is committed to making quality healthcare services progressively more accessible in Bangladesh.
DoctorKoi
DoctorKoi is a Bangladeshi digital healthcare startup that aims to modernize healthcare delivery. They offer a digital prescription writing software called “Digital RX” that enables doctors to easily write prescriptions electronically, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
DoctorKoi also provides online consultation services, connecting patients with qualified doctors through their platform. By leveraging technology, DoctorKoi seeks to enhance the patient experience and improve the overall healthcare system in Bangladesh.
Maya
Maya is a prominent digital health platform in Bangladesh, offering an extensive range of healthcare services. The platform links users with physicians and other healthcare experts through its mobile application, which includes features such as virtual consultations, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records.
Furthermore, Maya provides convenient services like home sample collection and medication delivery, among others, to improve user accessibility and ease.
Med Easy
MedEasy is among the pioneering healthcare platforms of Bangladesh, created with the intention of increasing accessibility and affordability to millions of people. The range of services encompasses consultation with various special groups of physicians, home medicine delivery services, and management of chronic conditions facilitated through an easy-to-use smooth interface.
In its effort for empowerment, MedEasy works with a firm belief that by providing access to seamless services, many people will come out to care better for themselves.
AmarLab
AmarLab is an innovative home healthcare service provider in Bangladesh. Recognizing the challenges of traveling to diagnostic centers, AmarLab brings the lab to you.
They offer a convenient and hassle-free experience by collecting samples from the comfort of your home, office, or any location convenient for you. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals who face difficulties traveling due to age, disability, or busy schedules.
Health Expert
Health Expert is the leading provider of international medical treatment services in Bangladesh, offering trusted guidance for informed healthcare decisions. As the country’s only medical value travel company, they deliver impartial, end-to-end solutions, ensuring patients receive the best available care.
Their services include personalized treatment plans, e-consultations with top global specialists, visa assistance, hotel bookings, and seamless airport pickups. Specializing in hassle-free support for critical surgeries like kidney, liver, heart, knee, and hip surgeries, Health Expert guarantees exceptional care and optimal outcomes for those seeking world-class healthcare abroad. Your health journey starts with expert guidance every step of the way.
Pulse Tech Ltd.
Pulse Tech Ltd. is a dynamic and forward-thinking IT company in Bangladesh, driving innovation and automation within the healthcare sector. Being at the forefront, they have created Bangladesh’s first Digital Healthcare Ecosystem, with a vision to change the way healthcare is accessed and delivered.
The goal is to create an integrated platform for all healthcare services, together with a vast focus on e-commerce solutions of the medicine market.
Pulse Tech Limited focuses on customer satisfaction and modern technologies to help skilled professionals lead Bangladesh towards becoming the number one position in the world in health technology.
Zaynax Health
Zaynax Health is Bangladesh’s first Health Super App, offering a comprehensive suite of digital healthcare solutions. This innovative platform aims to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and convenient for all Bangladeshis. Through the app, users can conveniently consult with qualified doctors 24/7, book appointments online, order medications for home delivery, book lab tests, and access a range of affordable health packages.
Zaynax Health also offers a hospital cashback program and exclusive discounts on various healthcare services. The company partners with leading healthcare providers and maintains a dedicated team of healthcare professionals committed to providing the best possible service and continuously enhancing the app with new features.
Zaynax Health strives to simplify healthcare access and empower individuals to take control of their health journey.
LifePlus Bangladesh
LifePlus Bangladesh is a pioneering digital health platform making healthcare more accessible and affordable for Bangladeshis.
Launched in 2020, they connect patients with over 500 doctors through their user-friendly app, enabling convenient online video consultations at an affordable starting price of just 99 taka.
This innovative approach is breaking down barriers to healthcare access for millions in Bangladesh, particularly those with limited resources or residing in remote areas. By leveraging technology, LifePlus Bangladesh is revolutionizing how people access and receive healthcare in the country.
Pulse
Pulse is a digital health platform in Bangladesh that facilitates online teleconsultations and doctor appointment bookings. Users can easily search for and book appointments with doctors across various specialties.
The platform also offers a valuable mobile app that allows users to store and access critical health data, including medications, previous prescriptions, medical reports (both scanned and uploaded), and even images.
This centralized digital health record can significantly improve healthcare management by providing patients and doctors with a comprehensive view of their health history.
Bangla Meds
BanglaMeds is an online pharmacy in Dhaka that offers to deliver your medicines from their home to your doorstep as fast and effortlessly as possible. You can order your prescribed medicines through their website, phone, Facebook page, or Android app and have them delivered within 1-3 hours. All medicines are sold at MSRP with a very minimal delivery charge; thus, quite affordable.
BanglaMeds ensures timely access to medication with 7-day availability and starting deliveries from 10:00 AM for the convenience of healthcare to the residents of Dhaka.
MommyKidz
MommyKidz is a comprehensive app empowering girls, women, and parents throughout their journey of puberty, pregnancy, and parenting.
This innovative platform fosters a safe and non-judgmental community where users can openly discuss sexual and reproductive health, engage in positive parenting discussions, and seek advice anonymously.
Beyond community support, MommyKidz provides valuable resources, including informative articles, access to healthcare providers, and essential products. The app also features user-friendly self-care tools designed to support women at every stage, from managing menstruation to navigating the challenges of pregnancy and parenting.
Moner Bondhu
Moner Bondhu (“Friend of Your Mind”) is a leading mental health organization aspiring to bring revolution in the thinking about mental health through access and affordability. From online and physical counseling, workshops for corporates, group sessions in and out of Bangladesh-the team has reached out to thirteen other countries- they have been trying to address different kinds of service delivery since 2016.
Their innovation seamlessly integrates technology with empathetic human interaction, offering comprehensive wellbeing solutions on an easy-to-use platform, alongside a 24/7 crisis and emergency response helpline.
MedEx
Medex.com.bd, launched in 2017 by Ology Limited, strives to be the most comprehensive and trusted online resource for medicine information in Bangladesh.
They aim to provide independent, objective, and up-to-date information on medications and related health topics in a user-friendly format for both consumers and healthcare professionals. Their dedication to continuous improvement has positioned them as one of the most visited online drug indexes in the country.
Jeeon Bangladesh Ltd.
Jeeon Bangladesh is a social enterprise dedicated to improving healthcare access in underserved rural communities. By empowering local health providers, such as pharmacies and village medics, through training and technology, Jeeon aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services delivered in these areas.
This innovative approach leverages technology to connect local providers with patients, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for millions of people in rural Bangladesh.
HEALTHx
HEALTHx is a one-stop digital healthcare platform designed to make primary and essential healthcare services easily accessible. Through the platform, users can conveniently book doctor appointments, order medicines, and schedule home visits from nurses, attendants, or physiotherapists.
HEALTHx is on a mission to improve healthcare access for millions of Bangladeshis by empowering them with the information and tools to make informed health decisions. By connecting patients with a vast network of hospitals, clinics, physicians, and pharmacies, HEALTHx aims to become the largest digital healthcare platform in Bangladesh.
Their ambitious goals include serving over 1 million patients per year, partnering with at least 1,000 hospitals and clinics, and securing subscriptions from 10,000 physicians and 10,000 pharmacies. By 2025, they aspire to facilitate the generation of 35 million e-prescriptions, significantly impacting the healthcare landscape in Bangladesh.
