Celes Care launches virtual clinic for women

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad-based digital healthcare startup Celes Care has announced launching India’s first virtual health clinic for women on Tuesday. Founded by silicon valley entrepreneur Raghu Bathina and Dr Rajah Koppala, the company is also planning on starting a research and development centre in Hyderabad to come up with different technologies and wearables for the field of healthcare.

Celes Care aims to provide women of all ages with telehealth services delivered through medical professionals in their team. Some of the significant women health issues addressed by the online service include fertility, pregnancy, thyroid, PCOS and menopause, among others. Currently with 15 doctors on board, the company expects to expand the team size to 50 by end of 2017.

“In today’s stress filled society and workplace, women must have an avenue where they can get their health issues addressed, conveniently and privately,” said said chief executive Raghu Bathina.

The company has completed 10,000 consults since its soft launch during mid-2016, added co-founder Dr Rajah Koppala. “Given that many medical issues can be handled via telehealth, Celes aims to provide instant, affordable and accessible healthcare with the best clinical practices.”

Celes Care recently closed a pre-series A round of funding of $1.5 million from investors like Ventureast, Endiya Partners, Eight Roads Ventures, among others.

“Virtual visits can avoid unnecessary travel and loss of productivity,” said Dr Ramesh Byrapaneni, managing director, Endiya Partners. “With increasing availability of smart phones and connectivity, this is the ideal time even for the government to push telehealth soluitions and allow e-prescriptions.”