Bhubaneswar: Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of travel-tech platform OYO, recently announced his plans to set up five healthcare centres in his home state of Odisha for the underprivileged over the next year.
These will be operated by the health-tech startup ‘Last Mile Care’, which already runs 11 health centres across India.
The first centre, the Ramesh and Bela Agarwal Healthcare Centre, was inaugurated by state SC & ST Development, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare and Law minister Jagannath Saraka in his hometown Rayagada on December 13. The centre has been named after Ritesh’s parents. “I am deeply honoured to contribute to the betterment of healthcare facilities in my hometown. This health centre is a humble gesture of gratitude to the community that has played a pivotal role in my life’s journey,” Ritesh, who was present on the occasion, said.
He further stated that collaboration between healthcare providers, tech innovators, policymakers, and communities is paramount amid the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. “By fostering an environment conducive to innovation and investing in initiatives such as these, we are doing our bit to ensure that quality medical services become accessible to everyone,” he added.
The centres will use health-tech and options of hybrid care to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare in small towns. Free doctor consultations will be provided for the first three months and discounted treatment and medicine for everyone during the first six months. The services include preventive care, diagnostic services, primary healthcare services, treatment for minor illnesses, professional consultation, referral services, affordable medication, and digital health record facilities, the company said in an official release.
In addition to this, each such centres will have a team of doctors with specialisation in gynaecology, eye diseases and heart diseases. A pharmacy will also be available to offer complete healthcare solutions to patients. “The strategic placement of these centres aims to cover regions with limited access to healthcare facilities, thereby bridging the gap between healthcare services and marginalised populations,” the company added.
However, it has given no clarity on any charitable treatments after the first six months. The budget plan for setting up these five healthcare centres has also not been disclosed.
