The HealthTech startups driving Bangladesh’s emerging digital healthcare landscape
The growing digital ecosystem in Bangladesh has given rise to a new set of digital healthcare services, from telemedicine and consultations to online pharmacy markets. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has paved the way for the market to expand and flourish. The online pharmaceutical industry is still at a nascent stage, but it is estimated to reach around US$172.9 million by 2027. Bangladesh has seen steady growth in the HealthTech startup sector so far. Between 2015 and 2023, investments in the sector were estimated at US$32 million, driven by a combination of factors, including the increased penetration of mobile and internet services, a national focus on digitization, and an overall generational shift in consumer behavior towards digital shopping.
Several HealthTech startups in Bangladesh are offering solutions that meet the evolving healthcare needs of its population. Startups such as MedEasy are providing convenient and accessible healthcare services to patients, particularly those who have difficulty refilling prescriptions for chronic diseases. Through MedEasy’s user-friendly app and website, customers can access a wide range of healthcare products in a timely and reliable manner. The startup initially launched as an online doctor consultation platform in 2020 and has since expanded into medicine delivery and on-demand at-home diagnostics service.
Another HealthTech startup providing digital health services is Arogga, which has been playing an important role in Bangladesh’s healthcare ecosystem since 2020 by facilitating access through technology. Arogga’s healthcare app is a comprehensive health solutions platform designed to provide customers with a wide range of healthcare products. Similar to MedEasy, its user-friendly search feature allows users to get access to detailed information about medications and helps them make informed decisions. The platform also offers a “chat” function that allows users to connect immediately with the customer service team. The startup intends to provide fully integrated digital health services including online medical appointments, expert consultations, and lab testing, among others. Arogga’s platform has been particularly helpful for people with chronic illnesses who require medications every month.
Other prominent players in the space are startups such as SafeWheel, which initially started with the idea of providing affordable ambulances and on-demand emergency medical services in rural areas of Bangladesh. Since its launch in 2018, SafeWheel has pivoted to become a digital healthcare marketplace for healthcare products and it now focuses on medicine delivery.
The growing number of startups in the HealthTech sector of Bangladesh offers promising opportunities to expand the online pharmaceutical industry. These platforms, which are facilitated through technology, have the potential to transform the healthcare sector in Bangladesh by making healthcare products more accessible and reliable to its population.
