The critical care system of India is facing some significant challenges equipped with just 2.3 ICU beds for every 100,000 people and only 5,000 to 6,000 trained intensivists nationwide. The numbers paint a worrying picture and particularly for smaller towns as well as non-metro areas. The lack of resources often leads to avoidable deaths. Bengaluru-based startup Cloudphysician is offering a glimmer of hope by using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the way ICU care is delivered amid such a grim scenario.
Cloudphysician was founded by US-certified intensivists Dileep Raman and Dhruv Joshi in 2017. It addresses critical care gaps with the help of AI and telemedicine. Over the years it has developed a platform that connects ICUs across the country equipped with video feeds, data analytics and AI tools. Their approach mainly focuses on helping doctors and nurses to work efficiently.
The efforts of Cloudphysician highlight importance of augmenting, but of course not replacing human expertise as the AI does not make decisions, but just supports healthcare professionals. The thoughtful integration of technology allows a single ICU doctor to oversee six to eight times more patients than they could otherwise manage. It is a game-changer for India where the need for skilled professionals outweighs supply.
The startup currently works with more than 200 hospitals in at least 100 cities as well as covering 1,500 ICU beds. Its growing influence is backed by a $10.5 million funding round led by PeakXV Partners, Elevar Equity and Panthera Peak. Cloudphysician also ensures that clinical expertise remains central equipped with half of its 280-member team comprising trained doctors, nurses and clinicians.
The initiative reflects a broader trend of AI-driven healthcare innovations. Many worry about AI replacing human roles and startups like Cloudphysician reveal that the real potential lies in collaboration.
