Subhechcha Ganguly 
OYO’s Founder and CEO, Ritesh Agarwal, has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish five healthcare centers in Odisha within the next year. Agarwal emphasized the crucial need for collaboration between healthcare providers, tech innovators, policymakers, and communities to navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape.
In a significant move, OYO announced a commitment to providing free doctor consultations for the initial three months, along with discounted treatment and medicine for the first six months. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the provision of charitable treatments beyond the initial six-month period, raising questions about the sustainability of these benefits.
The company refrained from disclosing the budget allocated for setting up these healthcare centers, which are poised to offer specialized services in gynaecology, eye diseases, and heart diseases. OYO asserted that each center would include a pharmacy, aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions. The array of services encompasses preventive care, diagnostic services, primary healthcare, treatment for minor illnesses, professional consultations, referral services, affordable medications, and digital health record facilities.
The inaugural center, named the Ramesh and Bela Agarwal Healthcare Center in honor of Ritesh Agarwal’s late parents, was inaugurated by Jagannath Saraka, the state minister for SC & ST Development, Minorities, Backward Class Welfare, and Law. OYO’s strategic placement of these centers is intended to address regions with limited access to healthcare facilities, aiming to bridge the gap between healthcare services and marginalized populations.
As OYO ventures into the healthcare sector, the success of this initiative will likely hinge on sustained collaboration, transparent communication about continued benefits, and a commitment to affordability and accessibility. The impact of these healthcare centers on the targeted communities will unfold over time, marking a significant step for OYO beyond its traditional role in the travel-tech industry.
