40% of doctor appointments dedicated to family & friends, reveals MediBuddy’s 2024 data

New Delhi: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, marked a transformative year in 2024 by touching the lives of over 1.27 crore Indians, demonstrating the country’s rapid shift towards digital healthcare solutions.

The platform’s compelling insights uncover fascinating patterns of how Indians approach healthcare and paint a powerful picture of how healthcare is evolving in India.

The data reveals a striking portrait of family health dynamics in Indian households. Of all healthcare bookings, 40% were made for family and friends, showcasing how digital platforms empower users to prioritize the well-being of their loved ones. Within this segment, 44% of bookings were for parents, reflecting the younger generation’s active role in their care. Spousal health accounted for 33%, highlighting strong partner support, while children’s health services comprised 11% of these bookings.

One of the most prominent insights from 2024 is the significant shift in when people seek healthcare. 37% of online consultations in 2024 occurred after 6 PM, highlighting a growing demand for high quality healthcare 24×7. This shift highlights the need for flexible, accessible care that aligns with modern, busy lifestyles, moving beyond traditional office hours.

Gastroenterology, paediatrics, and dermatology were the most frequently accessed specialities on the platform. With digestive health also a growing concern, many turned to gastroenterologists for support, highlighting the rising awareness around the importance of gut health. Paediatrics was a focal point for many families, with parents increasingly relying on paediatricians to help them navigate their children’s growth and health. Meanwhile, dermatology emerged as a top speciality, with a significant increase in consultations for skin-related issues such as acne and overall skincare.

MediBuddy also looked at how its users are contributing to a more sustainable future. By switching to digital reports, we were able to save enough paper to preserve the equivalent of 1,195 trees, which can absorb approximately 30,000 kg of CO2 annually. The choice to move consultations online had an even greater environmental impact, preventing 2.75 million kg of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere from fuel burning. This shift not only highlights how digital healthcare is reshaping the patient experience but also how collective action can contribute to a healthier planet.

In 2024, MediBuddy’s phlebotomists travelled a staggering 80 lakh kilometres to deliver sample collection services at home. To put this in perspective, that’s the distance it would take to travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari 2,192 times. Of particular note is that 25% of the phlebotomists making these tireless journeys were women, exemplifying the empowerment of women and the dedication with expertise that drives MediBuddy’s commitment to accessible care.