Biography of Akanksh Tandon: Founder & CEO of DigiQure- Entrepreneur
Biography of Akanksh Tandon:
Akanksh Tandon's journey into the world of healthcare began
in his childhood in Madiyado, a village in Madhya Pradesh. While playing with
friends, he experienced a tragedy that would shape his future. He lost a close
friend, a seven-year-old girl, who died from diarrhoea because her family
couldn't afford treatment. This heartbreaking event made Akanksh acutely aware
of the healthcare challenges facing rural communities.
The Seed of Change
Years later, Akanksh realized that many lives could be saved
with better medical infrastructure in villages. He observed that while rural
areas had seen advancements in sectors like banking, healthcare remained
underdeveloped. This disparity fueled his determination to create a solution
that could bridge the healthcare gap and improve access to medical services for
those in need.
From Dreams to Reality
After graduating with a B.Tech in Electronics and
Communication from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Akanksh
landed a government job—a position many consider a dream. However, he soon felt
unfulfilled, questioning whether he could truly make a difference in such a
vast organization. This introspection led him to seek a more purposeful career,
aligning his work with his passion for improving healthcare.
The Co-Founding of DigiQure
In 2020, driven by his childhood experiences and his desire
for meaningful work, Akanksh co-founded DigiQure, a health-tech startup focused
on improving primary healthcare in rural areas. Together with friends Saket
Asati and Ankur Chourasia, he aimed to provide affordable teleconsultations,
ensuring that rural residents could access medical care without the burden of
high costs.
A Unique Approach to Healthcare
DigiQure offers a revolutionary subscription-based service,
allowing users to consult healthcare professionals for just Re 1 per day. This
affordable model provides families with access to video consultations, digital
prescriptions, and lab tests. Akanksh envisioned this approach as a way to
break down financial barriers that prevent rural residents from receiving
necessary medical care.
Connecting Communities with Care
Since its launch, DigiQure has served over 20,000 people in
rural Madhya Pradesh. The startup establishes e-clinics where residents can
book appointments with doctors using their subscription cards. Trained
healthcare workers conduct preliminary screenings, ensuring patients receive
timely attention before connecting them to qualified doctors for consultations.
Breaking Down Barriers
Akanksh understands the challenges faced by rural residents,
who often have to travel long distances for medical care. This not only costs
them money but also takes time away from their daily jobs. By providing
teleconsultation services, DigiQure aims to eliminate these hurdles, allowing
patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes.
Biography of Akanksh Tandon: Founder & CEO of DigiQure- Entrepreneur/rural healthcare access/age/net worth/investor/startup/DigiQure story/Akanksh T
Innovations in Care Delivery
The e-clinics operate as simple two-room centers, equipped
to handle patient appointments efficiently. Once patients arrive, healthcare
workers perform initial checks, and within minutes, they are connected to
doctors for consultations. The process is designed to be quick and
user-friendly, with prescriptions provided in both Hindi and English for
clarity.
Real-World Impact
Akanksh shares stories of individuals who have benefited
from DigiQure's services. One notable case is Uttam Ahirwar, a farmer who
struggled with dust mite allergies. After switching to DigiQure, he received
effective treatment at a fraction of the cost he previously incurred,
illustrating the profound impact of accessible healthcare.
Securing Support and Recognition
DigiQure garnered attention when Akanksh and his co-founders
appeared on Shark Tank India, securing an investment from Namita Thapar.
Although they are still navigating the challenges of running a startup, the
exposure helped highlight the urgent healthcare needs in rural areas,
emphasizing the importance of their mission.
The Drive for Sustainability
Despite the financial challenges, Akanksh remains committed
to making a difference. He has invested significant personal savings into
DigiQure and is determined to find a sustainable model for their operations.
His focus is not on profits but on the lives they touch and the healthcare
solutions they provide.
Living with Purpose
For Akanksh, the journey is about more than just running a
business; it’s about fulfilling a purpose. He finds joy in receiving gratitude
from patients, especially the elderly who have benefitted from their services.
Knowing that he is making a tangible difference in people's lives reinforces
his commitment to improving rural healthcare.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Akanksh envisions expanding DigiQure’s reach
beyond Madhya Pradesh. With a focus on addressing healthcare disparities, he
aims to replicate their model in other states, ultimately creating a network of
e-clinics that provide affordable healthcare access to millions of underserved
individuals across India.
Timeline for Akanksh Tandon's Journey
Childhood (Early 2000s) - Experienced tragedy with the loss
of a friend due to lack of healthcare.
Youth (2010s) - Recognized healthcare disparities in rural
areas while pursuing education.
Graduation (2017) - Completed B.Tech in Electronics and
Communication from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology.
Government Job (2017) - Secured a government position but
felt unfulfilled.
Founding DigiQure (2020) - Co-founded DigiQure to improve
rural healthcare access.
Launch of Services (2020) - Introduced subscription-based
teleconsultations for Re 1 per day.
Community Impact (2021) - Served over 20,000 people through
e-clinics in rural Madhya Pradesh.
Shark Tank India Appearance (2022) - Gained investment and
recognition for healthcare initiative.
Future Vision (2023) - Plans to expand DigiQure's model to
other states in India.
