In Ratabari, a small village near Karimganj ( Sribhumi) in Assam a young man named Arup saw how difficult it was for his grandmother to meet a doctor. She had to travel 25 to 30 km then wait in a long line and spend the whole day just for one simple check up that took may be just 20 mintutes. Many old people in the village faced the same problem. For blood pressure, sugar or even a small health issue they had to go far.
One day, Arup found out about mobile apps where doctors can talk or consult to patients on video calls. He thought, “same jinish amrar ono o kora jai -Why not bring this to my village?” That is how he started a small Online Health consultation service. Today people from his area can talk to doctors from Silchar, Kolkata or even Delhi without leaving the village.
How the service Works
Arup took a small room near the market. He kept a computer, webcam and internet connection. With apps like practo, Apollo 24/7, esanjeevani, he helped villagers connect with doctors.
Old people often do not know Hindi or English well. So Arup or his helper sits with them during the call, explains their health problem to the doctor and then tells them the advice in Assamese or Bengali. Slowly people started trusting this service.
He added more help too:
- ordering medicines from town and delivering them to the homes.
- Printing prescriptions so patients do not forget the advice.
- Helping upload and send medical reports.
- Reminding people about follow up calls if necessary.
What do You need to Start
The good part is this business does not need a big investment. A person just needs:
- A computer or laptop with camera and mic.
- Internet connection ( broadband or strong mobile data ).
- Printer and scanner for printing prescriptions.
- A clean small room with chairs.
The cost can be around Rs 40000 to around Rs60000 if you already have a computer. A small board outside the shop telling “ অনলাইন ডাক্তার পরামর্শ দেয়া হয়-Online Doctor Consultation Available” is enough to make people notice.
Skills and Training
You do not need to be in health sector for this work. You just need basic computer knowledge. You should know how to:
- Open and use mobile apps or websites.
- Do online payments.
- Help people with video calls.
Government and private computer centers in Assam and bengal already teach basic courses. Even Youtube has free tutorials. Most importantly you must be patient with elders and explain things slowly.
How to Get Patients and Doctors
At first Arup used only apps where doctors were already listed. This was simple because the app handled the doctor’s side. He only charged villagers a small extra fee for his help. Later, he also made contact with some doctors in Silchar and Kolkata who were open to video calls.
Patients came one by one, mostly through word of mouth. Once people saw that real doctors were giving advice online they trusted it more. For families it saved both time and money.
Helping senior Citizens
This service is very useful for old people. They cannot use smartphones or travel far. At the center someone helps them sit in front of the computer, explains their health problem and also translates if needed. After the call, the helper orders medicines or buys himself and delivers them at home.
Families happily pay extra for this support because it saves them so much trouble.
Income and earnings
The earning system is simple. Suppose the doctor’s fee is Rs 500, The service center can add Rs50 to Rs100 extra for their help. For medicine delivery, another Rs20 to rs50 can be charged. For a full package—consultation, translation, printing, and delivery—the center may take Rs150 to Rs 200 extra.
If 8 to 10 people come daily the income can reach Rs25 000 to Rs40000 per month.
Problems you may face
- Internet problem: In some villages, network is weak. A backup mobile data plan helps.
- trust issue: Some villagers may first doubt online doctors. You may need to explain clearly.
- Privacy: Health details must be kept private. Do not share them with others.
Why This business is very Useful
More than a business, this is a service to the community. Villagers get quick medical help, elders feel safe and families save money on travel. For youth it is a way to earn respect and income together.
In future, the center can also add health camps with NGOs, BP and sugar check machines or vaccination support. It can grow slowly into a trusted health point for the whole village.
Last Few Words
An Online Health Consultation Setup is a good business for small towns and villages. It needs small money to start, basic computer knowledge and a kind approach. In Assam, Bengal or anywhere in rural India, this idea can give both income and social respect.
It is not only about talking to doctors online. It is about helping families live healthier, giving support to elders and showing how technology can solve real problems in rural life.