Practo Success Story | How India’s Digital Healthcare Platform Became a Global Healthtech Leader
Table of Contents
Practo Success Story | How India’s Digital Healthcare Platform Became a Global Healthtech Leader
In a country where healthcare access was often complex and unorganized, Practo emerged as a game-changer. Founded in 2008 by Shashank ND and Abhinav Lal, Practo transformed the way Indians book doctor appointments, consult online, order medicines, and access diagnostic tests. Today, it stands as one of the largest healthtech platforms in India, serving millions of patients every month.
The Beginning of Practo
The idea of Practo was born when Shashank ND faced difficulties in accessing his father’s medical records. This frustration led him and his co-founder Abhinav Lal to build a digital healthcare platform that could make health records, doctor discovery, and consultations easily accessible to everyone.
Launched in Bengaluru, Practo started as a doctor discovery and appointment-booking platform. Over the years, it expanded to include online consultations, medicine delivery, health check-ups, insurance, and diagnostic test bookings.
Practo’s Growth Journey
-
2008 – 2012: Launched as Practo Ray (SaaS for doctors) to digitize medical records.
-
2013 – 2015: Expanded into doctor discovery and appointment booking.
-
2015 – 2017: Entered international markets like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
-
2018 – 2020: Introduced telemedicine and online consultations.
-
2020 onwards: Saw massive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic as teleconsultations became a necessity.
-
2023: Serves over 30 crore patients annually, with 1 lakh+ doctors on its platform.
Funding and Valuation of Practo
Practo has raised funding from leading investors such as Sequoia Capital, Tencent Holdings, Matrix Partners, and Sofina.
Practo Valuation Table
| Year | Funding Raised (INR) | Funding Raised (USD) | Valuation (Approx. INR) | Valuation (Approx. USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | ₹90 Crore | $15 Million | ₹500 Crore | $80 Million |
| 2015 | ₹3,100 Crore | $55 Million | ₹4,000 Crore | $600 Million |
| 2017 | ₹4,200 Crore | $60 Million | ₹7,500 Crore | $1.1 Billion |
| 2020 | ₹3,700 Crore | $50 Million | ₹8,000 Crore | $1.15 Billion |
| 2023 | ₹11,000+ Crore | $150+ Million | ₹12,500 Crore | $1.6 Billion |
Why Practo Stands Out
-
End-to-End Healthcare Ecosystem – Doctor discovery, consultations, diagnostics, and medicines in one app.
-
Strong Doctor Network – Over 100,000+ doctors listed.
-
Telemedicine Revolution – Millions of online consultations, especially during the pandemic.
-
Digital Health Records – Easy access to prescriptions and reports.
-
Affordable Healthcare Access – Bridging the gap between patients and doctors.
-
Global Presence – Expanded beyond India into Southeast Asia.
Practo’s Future Goals
-
Expanding into Tier-2 and Tier-3 Indian cities.
-
Strengthening AI-based health diagnostics and digital prescriptions.
-
Growing its insurance and preventive healthcare offerings.
-
Becoming a global leader in digital healthcare beyond India and Asia.
Conclusion:
The Practo success story shows how two young entrepreneurs transformed India’s fragmented healthcare system into a digital-first experience. By simplifying doctor consultations, digitizing health records, and offering end-to-end healthcare services, Practo has become a global healthtech leader with a valuation of over $1.6 Billion. Its journey reflects the power of innovation in healthcare accessibility.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
As of 2023, Practo is valued at around ₹12,500 Crore (~$1.6 Billion).
Practo earns revenue from doctor subscriptions, consultation fees, diagnostics, online pharmacy sales, and insurance partnerships.
Yes, Practo operates in India, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with plans for further expansion.
Hi, I'm Vartika Saha, a freelance content writer based in Delhi, currently pursuing my B.Com from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). I have a strong passion for writing and love creating content that’s engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly. With every project, I aim to deliver well-researched, reader-focused pieces that leave a lasting impact. I'm always looking for new opportunities to grow and collaborate in the world of content creation.
