Proposal summary -

The lack of accessible and affordable preventive healthcare in underserved Indian communities
is a critical issue. Meri Health bridges this gap with our innovative "phygital" solution.
Community Ownership: We understand the unique needs of these communities. Our program
revolves around a network of community-based healthcare workers (CHWs). These trusted
individuals, from within the communities , equipped with the latest technology bridge the cultural
gap between traditional healthcare and local needs. They foster trust, provide culturally
sensitive care, and assist and empower individuals to take ownership of their wellness journey.
Meri Sehat Platform: This user-friendly mobile app empowers individuals with self-monitoring
tools, educational resources on preventative measures, and direct access to doctors through
telemedicine consultations.
Focus on Prevention: By focusing on early disease detection and promoting healthy habits,
Meri Health prioritizes preventive care. This translates to fewer unnecessary hospital visits and
a lighter strain on healthcare infrastructure, ultimately leading to healthier communities.
Affordability Matters: We aim for affordability. Our program significantly reduces out-of-pocket
expenses compared to traditional options. This empowers individuals to prioritize their health
without financial constraints. Meri Health goes beyond a program. We envision a future where
underserved communities have the resources and support to thrive.

2. *Briefly state the Objectives and Proposed Approach [Describe how the proposed project
addresses the problem. Clarify the current status of the innovation.]
The description should cover the following points:
1). Strategy and/or methodology of work.
2). Scope and boundaries of the work, including any issues that will not be covered.
3). Data analysis (sample size,data collection)

Objectives:

● Demonstrate the efficacy of Meri Health in early disease detection within underserved
communities.
● Increase accessibility and affordability of preventive care for these populations.
● Enhance patient engagement and improve overall health outcomes.

Proposed Approach (Phygital Solution):

1. Community-Based Healthcare Workers (CHWs):

○ Recruit and train CHWs from the target communities to bridge cultural gaps and
foster trust.
○ CHWs will utilize Meri Health app functionalities and equipment to collect vital
health data from program participants.
○ Community health workers will assist people in teleconsultations and adherence
support from proactive to primary care.
 ○ They will provide culturally sensitive education on preventive measures and
support healthy lifestyle changes.
2. Meri Sehat Platform:

○ Offer user-friendly tools for self-monitoring vital signs and health tracking.
○ Facilitate teleconsultations with qualified doctors directly within the app using
remote IoT devices in a assistive way
○ Provide access to educational resources on preventive care and disease
management.
○ Facilitate telemedicine consultations with qualified doctors directly within the app.

Addressing the Problem:

● Meri Health addresses the lack of accessible and affordable preventive healthcare in
underserved communities.
● The program is designed to empower individuals to take ownership of their health and
prioritize preventive measures.

Scope and Boundaries:

● Focus Area: Meri Health focuses on primary and preventive healthcare services for
underserved communities in the initial phase. This includes:
○ Early disease detection (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar screening)
○ Health education on common health conditions and preventive measures (e.g.,
healthy diet, regular exercise)
○ Telemedicine consultations for non-emergency health concerns
● Treatment Exclusions: The program will not provide:
○ Comprehensive treatment or in-patient care for complex medical conditions
○ Surgical procedures or specialized medical interventions
● Referral Network: Meri Health will collaborate with existing healthcare providers in the
target communities to ensure continuity of care. Referrals will be provided for conditions
requiring specialized treatment or diagnostic procedures beyond the program's scope.

Data Analysis:

● Sample Size: We aim to enroll 5,000 population in the pilot and scaled-up phases, with
a focus on achieving a representative sample of the target community.
● Data Collection:
○ CHWs will collect vital health data (blood pressure, weight, etc.) using
standardized protocols.
○ The Meri Sehat app will capture health information and user engagement data.
● Data Analysis:
○ Statistical analysis will assess correlations between early disease indicators and
CHW observations.
○ CHWs will provide adherence support based on these analysis
○ Cost-effectiveness analysis will evaluate program impact on healthcare utilization
and affordability.
○ User feedback surveys and app usage data will be used to measure patient
engagement and refine the Meri Sehat app.
3. *Novelty [Explain how your idea is innovative and how it is different from the existing products
in the markets or current state-of-the-art. Tabular representation of the difference between your
idea and the other products in market or competitive product which are under development will be
appreciated. Concrete market data is encouraged.]

Meri Health is bridging the Gap in Underserved Healthcare with a Novel "Phygital" Approach

Meri Health tackles the challenge of limited preventive healthcare in underserved communities with a
groundbreaking "phygital" solution. We stand out from existing telemedicine platforms and mobile health
apps by offering a unique combination of technology and a culturally sensitive service delivery model.

1. Existing Solutions Fall Short:

Traditional telemedicine platforms and mobile health apps often have a broad target audience, neglecting
the specific needs of underserved communities. These solutions may lack cultural sensitivity and rely
solely on remote interactions, creating trust barriers.

2. Meri Health addresses these shortcomings through a two-pronged approach:

Community-Based Healthcare Workers (CHWs): We recruit and train CHWs from the very communities
they serve. This fosters trust and cultural understanding, unlike telemedicine with remote doctors. CHWs
provide:

2.1 Culturally Sensitive Care: They bridge the gap in communication and address needs specific to the
community.

2.2 On-the-Ground Support: They go beyond the app, offering health education, lifestyle coaching, and
vital signs data collection – crucial for early disease detection.

2.3 Adherence and Followup - CHWs will provide complete adherence and Continuum of Care

2.4 Meri Sehat Mobile App: This user-friendly app empowers individuals with:

2.5 Self-Management Tools: Users can monitor health vitals and track progress.

2.6 Educational Resources: The app provides information on preventive measures and disease
management.

2.7 Telemedicine Access: Users can connect directly with qualified doctors for consultations.

3. Affordability at the Forefront:

Meri Health prioritizes affordability. We understand the financial constraints faced by underserved
communities. Through partnerships and cost-effectiveness analysis, we aim to significantly reduce out-of-
pocket expenses compared to traditional healthcare options.

4. A Holistic Approach to Wellness:

Meri Health offers a comprehensive strategy for preventive care. We combine the strengths of CHW
support, telemedicine access, and self-management tools – empowering individuals to take ownership of
their health and prioritize preventive measures.
4. *Opportunity

[What is the potential societal and market impact? Provide details of the problem you propose to
solve.]

1. Societal and Market Impact: Empowering Underserved Communities with Meri Health

1.1 Meri Health addresses a critical societal issue: the lack of accessible and affordable preventive
healthcare in underserved communities. This problem has significant consequences:

1.2 Increased Burden on Healthcare Systems: Limited access to preventive care often leads to late-stage
disease diagnoses, requiring more expensive and resource-intensive treatments.

1.3 Deteriorating Health Outcomes: Unaddressed health problems can lead to chronic conditions,
disabilities, and premature mortality.

Economic Costs: These factors create a significant economic burden on individuals, families, and society as
a whole.

2. Meri Health's Market Opportunity:

Meri Health offers a unique solution to this complex problem. Our market opportunity lies in:

2.1 Large Target Population: Underserved communities represent a significant portion of the population in
many countries.

2.2 Growing Demand for Preventive Care: As the importance of preventive health becomes increasingly
recognized, the demand for solutions like Meri Health is rising.

2.3 Limited Existing Solutions: Current telemedicine and mobile health solutions often fail to address the
specific needs of underserved communities.

3. Potential Societal Impact:

By implementing Meri Health, we aim to achieve the following societal benefits:

3.1 Improved Early Disease Detection: CHWs and the Meri Sehat app can identify potential health issues
early on, allowing for timely intervention and improved treatment outcomes.

3.2 Reduced Healthcare Costs: Early detection and prevention can significantly reduce the burden on already
strained healthcare systems.

3.3 Empowered Communities: CHWs can promote healthy lifestyles and disease management skills within
the community, leading to a culture of preventive care.

3.4 Improved Health Outcomes: By empowering individuals to take charge of their health, Meri Health can
contribute to better overall health and well-being in underserved communities.

4. Market Impact:

4.1 Meri Health has the potential to disrupt the traditional healthcare delivery model for underserved
communities. Our "phygital" approach creates a new market segment focused on:

4.2 Culturally sensitive and affordable preventive care solutions

4.3 Partnerships with community organizations and healthcare providers

4.4 Scalable and cost-effective healthcare delivery models

5. *Challenges or risk factors associated with the project

[What are the challenges and risk factors that you envision which may affect this project?]

What are the critical success factors/potential barriers

● 1. Community Engagement and Buy-in:

● Challenge: Building trust and rapport within underserved communities
takes time and effort.
● Mitigation: Extensive community outreach, collaboration with local leaders,
and ensuring CHWs are trusted members of the community.
●
● 2. Technology Adoption and User Engagement:
● Challenge: Limited digital literacy or access to technology in some
communities could hinder app usage.
● Mitigation: User-friendly app design, offline functionality for critical
features, and CHW support for app navigation.
●
● 3. Sustainability and Scalability:
● Challenge: Long-term funding and ensuring the program can be effectively
scaled to reach larger populations.
● Mitigation: Exploring partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and
healthcare providers. Developing a cost-effective program model and
securing sustainable funding sources.
●
● 4. Data Security and Privacy:
● Challenge: Ensuring user data is protected and adhering to relevant data
privacy regulations.
● Mitigation: Implementing robust data security measures, transparent data
use policies, and clear communication to users regarding data collection
and usage.
●
● 5. Integration with Existing Healthcare Systems:
● Challenge: Ensuring smooth referrals and data exchange between Meri
Health and existing healthcare providers.
● Mitigation: Collaboration with local healthcare providers, establishing clear
referral pathways, and utilizing standardized data formats for seamless
data exchange.
●
 ● Critical Success Factors:
● Despite these challenges, Meri Health's success hinges on several critical
factors:
● 1. Assistance for target population by CHW improving accessibility and
ease of operation
● 2. Strong community partnerships and engagement
● 3. Effective Immersive training and support for CHWs
● 4. User-friendly and accessible technology platform
● 5. Clear and measurable program outcomes
● 6. Cost-effective and sustainable program model

We have already Developed a Minimum viable product

which has been validated in a community of 100 people, with complete

follow-up and adherence support. We were able to see a very positive
impact in terms of reducing out-of-pocket expenses and saving productive
hours by pre-diagnosing potential illnesses and following them up with
proper adherence.

We identified potential health issues in 23 of the screened people and All of

them went through a teleconsultation.

Pathological tests were required for 50 of the identified people which were
enabled by Meri Health.

37 of the total identified people had to go through a follow-up consultation.

However, We faced technological and behavioral aspects, which were then

worked upon and improved

Meri Health's commercialization plan prioritizes both financial sustainability and

societal impact. We envision a two-phase approach to reach underserved
communities with our innovative "phygital" preventive healthcare solution.

Market Entry Strategy:

 1. Pilot Phase: This initial phase establishes the program's effectiveness and
lays the groundwork for scaling up. Key activities include:

○ Selecting a target underserved community.

○ Recruiting and training CHWs from the chosen community.
○ Launching the Meri Sehat app within the pilot area.
○ Enrolling a representative sample of participants (target: 500).
○ Collecting and analyzing data on program efficacy, user
engagement, and cost-effectiveness.
○ Establishing partnerships with local community organizations and
healthcare providers.
2. Scale-Up Phase: Building upon the pilot's success, this phase expands
Meri Health's reach. Key activities include:

○ Securing funding through grants, strategic partnerships, and

potential impact investments.
○ Implementing strategies to ensure program fidelity and quality
control across multiple communities.
○ Partnering with additional community organizations for broader
outreach.
○ Scaling the program to reach a significantly larger population within
the target region (target: 3,000 participants).
○ Demonstrating program effectiveness through robust data analysis
and cost-savings models.

Data Analysis for Continuous Improvement:

● Data Collection: We will gather both quantitative and qualitative data

throughout the process.

○ Quantitative data will track participant demographics, health

indicators, app usage metrics, and healthcare utilization rates.
○ Qualitative data will be collected through focus groups and surveys
with CHWs, participants, and community leaders, focusing on
program satisfaction, cultural relevance, and perceived impact on
health outcomes.

● Data Analysis:

○ Statistical analysis will assess the program's impact on early disease

detection and healthcare utilization.
○ Cost-effectiveness analysis will evaluate the program's financial
benefits compared to traditional healthcare models.
 ○ Qualitative data analysis will identify themes regarding user
experience, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement,
informing ongoing program improvement.

9. *Future Plan of Commercialization

[What do you envision to be the key next step to making impact with this innovation (e.g.,
sponsored research support, licensing, venture financing)? What is the time frame?]

Commercialization plan should indicate :

1). Market entry strategy.

2). Timelines and Milestones.

3). Data analysis (sample size,data collection)

Meri Health's commercialization plan prioritizes both financial sustainability and societal impact.
We envision a two-phase approach to reach underserved communities with our innovative
"phygital" preventive healthcare solution.

1. Market Entry Strategy:

1.1 Pilot Phase: This initial phase establishes the program's effectiveness and lays the
groundwork for scaling up. Key activities include:

Selecting a target underserved community.

Recruiting and training CHWs from the chosen community.

Launching the Meri Sehat app within the pilot area.

Enrolling a representative sample of participants (target: 500).

Collecting and analyzing data on program efficacy, user engagement, and cost-effectiveness.

Establishing partnerships with local community organizations and healthcare providers.

1.2 Scale-Up Phase: Building upon the pilot's success, this phase expands Meri Health's reach.
Key activities include:

Securing funding through grants, strategic partnerships, and potential impact investments.

Implementing strategies to ensure program fidelity and quality control across multiple
communities.
Partnering with additional community organizations for broader outreach.

Scaling the program to reach a significantly larger population within the target region (target:
3,000 participants).

Demonstrating program effectiveness through robust data analysis and cost-saving models.

2. Our business strategy follows up on

2.1 Hub and Spoke model, making community health workers independent franchise

2. Expanding geographically across India and potentially other developing countries.

3. Data Analysis for Continuous Improvement:

3.1 Data Collection: We will gather both quantitative and qualitative data throughout the process.

Quantitative data will track participant demographics, health indicators, app usage metrics, and
healthcare utilization rates.

Qualitative data will be collected through focus groups and surveys with CHWs, participants, and
community leaders, focusing on program satisfaction, cultural relevance, and perceived impact
on health outcomes.

3.2 Data Analysis:

Statistical analysis will assess the program's impact on early disease detection and healthcare
utilization.

Cost-effectiveness analysis will evaluate the program's financial benefits compared to traditional
healthcare models.

Qualitative data analysis will identify themes regarding user experience, cultural sensitivity, and
community engagement, informing ongoing program improvement.

10. Intellectual Property

i. Does the applicant or the applicant company own any IP related to this project. If yes, give
details.(Please mention Patent Number, Patent Title and Patent Assignee)

No IP has been generated up till now, but the Patent feasibility study for the process is under legal
discussion