DocSmart is the brainchild of Dr. Deepak Baid, who has added numerous feathers to his cap. He has been a consulting physician with nearly 25 years of experience. He has been a gold medalist in internal medicine. He is the founder of Nulife Hospital, which is a leading hospital in suburban Mumbai. He has experience working for both- government and private hospitals. He is an infectious disease specialist and has, to his credit, the only research article on increasing platelets in dengue patients with the use of the injection- Filgrastim. He has been the president of prestigious associations such as the AMC (Association of Medical Consultants) and the GMA (Ghatkopar Medical Association).
The Times Of Mumbai Editor in Chief Kaptan Mali spoke to him at length. Excerpts.
Kaptan Mali—Dr. Baid’s DocSmart has created quite a buzz in the healthcare industry. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this platform?
Mumbai. DocSmart is a technology-driven medical portal that aims to redefine the healthcare system. It increases convenience for all verticals of the healthcare system, like patients, doctors, diagnostic centers, blood banks, pharmacies, ambulances, medical equipment vendors, and hospitals.
Dr. Deepak Baid: The idea behind DocSmart stems from my experiences over the past 25 years in the medical field. As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how fragmented and complex the healthcare system can be for patients and providers alike. Patients often face difficulties in managing appointments, finding reliable doctors, accessing reports, and coordinating care. Similarly, doctors and other healthcare providers struggle with administrative inefficiencies. I wanted to create a platform that streamlines these processes, allowing patients to access healthcare services more conveniently while enabling doctors and other stakeholders to manage their work more effectively. That’s how DocSmart was born.
Kaptan Mali: DocSmart sounds like a game-changer. Could you explain in more detail how it integrates the different aspects of healthcare?
Dr. Deepak Baid: Absolutely. DocSmart is designed to unite all the key players in the healthcare process—patients, doctors, diagnostic centres, pharmacies, ambulances, blood banks, and hospitals. It’s essentially a one-stop platform where users can do everything from booking appointments with doctors, ordering medicines, and scheduling diagnostic tests to call an ambulance in case of emergencies. It also allows patients to view blood banks and hospitals near their location, further adding to their convenience. One major feature that sets DocSmart apart is its real-time, paperless interaction. For example, when a doctor prescribes medication or orders a test, the patient’s prescription and lab results are immediately shared with them through the app. They don’t need to carry physical documents or search for multiple healthcare providers across different platforms.
Kaptan Mali: This sounds like an incredibly convenient tool. But as you know, patient data security is a big concern. How does DocSmart ensure that sensitive medical information is kept secure?
Dr. Deepak Baid: That’s a valid concern and one we take very seriously. The healthcare sector deals with highly sensitive information, and data breaches can have serious consequences. To mitigate this risk, DocSmart employs advanced encryption technologies to protect all user data. Every piece of information transmitted within the app is encrypted, ensuring that personal medical data remains confidential and secure from unauthorized access.
Moreover, DocSmart facilitates direct communication between patients, pharmacies, and diagnostic centers, which reduces the risk of human error. For instance, instead of having a third party handle prescriptions or medical data, the app allows patients and healthcare providers to interact directly.
Kaptan Mali: Security aside, inclusivity is another important issue in healthcare. How does DocSmart make healthcare more accessible and inclusive for all?
Dr. Deepak Baid: Inclusivity is a core part of DocSmart’s mission. Healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, geographical location, or any other factor. One of the main goals of DocSmart is to ensure that patients from all walks of life can access high-quality healthcare services without hassle. Additionally, we’ve integrated features like real-time bed booking and access to Ayushman Bharat hospitals, which cater to the economically disadvantaged. By offering telemedicine services, we’re enabling patients to consult with doctors remotely, which is especially beneficial for those living in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. We want to create a healthcare system where no one is left behind, and DocSmart is a significant step in that direction.
Kaptan Mali: That’s fantastic. Could you share more about the role technology, particularly AI, plays in DocSmart and the future of healthcare?
Dr. Deepak Baid: AI is truly revolutionizing healthcare, and it’s something we’re excited about integrating into DocSmart. With AI, we can analyze vast amounts of patient data quickly and efficiently, helping with everything from diagnosing diseases to predicting future health risks. AI-driven chatbots are another area we’re exploring—they can provide patients with 24/7 support, answering basic queries and even offering medical advice based on their symptoms.AI can also assist doctors by offering diagnostic support, improving accuracy, and reducing human error. For example, AI algorithms can analyze patient symptoms and medical histories to help doctors make more informed decisions about treatment plans.
Kaptan Mali: But in a competitive market with apps like Practo, how do you differentiate DocSmart from the others?
Dr. Deepak Baid: While platforms like Practo have made significant strides in listing doctors and offering appointment bookings, DocSmart aims to go much further. DocSmart is not just about connecting patients to doctors; it’s about creating an entire ecosystem where all healthcare services are interconnected. From listing doctors and scheduling appointments to generating and sharing prescriptions in real time, our platform allows a complete healthcare experience in one place. Additionally, DocSmart includes emergency services like ambulance booking, access to blood banks, and even connections with medical equipment vendors. It’s essentially a one-stop solution for healthcare needs
Kaptan Mali: As we look toward the future, what new features or expansions do you envision for DocSmart?
Dr. Deepak Baid: The future of DocSmart is bright, and we have big plans for expanding its capabilities. Another key focus is improving healthcare accessibility in rural areas. We’re developing partnerships with smaller hospitals and clinics to ensure that DocSmart can serve as a valuable resource for patients in less-developed regions. We also plan to integrate more advanced real-time tracking systems for ambulances and medical equipment, ensuring faster response times in emergencies.
Kaptan Mali: It sounds like DocSmart has a very promising future. What motivates you personally to drive this innovation in healthcare?
Dr. Deepak Baid: My motivation stems from a desire to create lasting, meaningful change in the healthcare sector. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the frustrations patients face—whether it’s the challenge of accessing quality care or the inefficiencies in navigating the healthcare system. I’ve always believed that technology can play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.
