Vishal Bali's Medwell ties up with Philips for Med Gear supply

BANGALORE: Healthcare startup Medwell Ventures is partnering with a division of global consumer technology-maker Philips, to bring affordable bed-side medical equipment to patients' homes.

The three-month-old startup, founded by former Fortis chief executive Vishal Bali, will offer clinical services while the home respiratory care division of Philips will provide the technology.

"We are creating a platform where Philips will be the technology partner to provide home respiratory care," said Bali whose company recently acquired Nightingales Home Health Services, a home healthcare provider based in Bangalore. The Indian startup will offer patients the option to buy the equipment upfront or hire it, to suit their needs.

Bali said the home care division of Philips will also train therapists, who can visit patients' homes and operate the equipment. Medwell has signed up 20 patients who will use the service that will be operational next week.

Bali said the primary focus would be to treat respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

"Disease management becomes affordable and technology is now customised for home services,' said Bali who expects to invest up to Rs 120 crore and hopes to grow the business in the next threefour years.

Representatives for Philips in India, however, declined to comment on the development.