Sastasundar

Sastasundar is an Indian digital healthcare and online pharmacy platform established to enhance access to affordable and quality medical products. Founded in 2011 by Banwari Lal Mittal and Ravi Kant Sharma, the Kolkata-based company operates as a subsidiary of Sastasundar Ventures Ltd. Both founders share a background as Chartered Accountants and previously collaborated to establish Microsec Financial Services in 2000. Their transition into the health-tech sector was driven by the goal of addressing deficiencies in India's healthcare accessibility through digital connectivity.

A significant milestone in the company's journey occurred in November 2021, when Flipkart acquired a majority stake in Sastasundar Marketplace Limited. This strategic partnership was intended to launch Flipkart Health+, combining Flipkart's extensive pan-India reach and technological infrastructure with Sastasundar's specialized expertise in the health sector. Prior to this acquisition, Sastasundar had secured $48.2 million in funding over six rounds from investors including Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation and Rohto Pharmaceutical.

The company's business model is a hybrid of online and offline channels, primarily targeting patients with chronic illnesses who require regular medication. Sastasundar functions as an online marketplace connecting customers with a network of licensed pharmacies and service centers known as 'Healthbuddies'. These Healthbuddies manage last-mile delivery, provide product counseling, and facilitate orders for customers, including those who place them via phone or in-person. This model allows for an inventory-led approach where medicines are procured in bulk, and the resulting cost savings are passed on to consumers through discounts. Revenue is generated from the sale of medicines, which constitutes the majority of sales, alongside wellness products, over-the-counter items, personal care, and diagnostics. The company also operates a B2B digital platform, retailershakti.com, for pharmaceutical and wellness products.

Sastasundar provides a comprehensive range of products including prescription medicines, wellness supplements, Ayurvedic and herbal products, and medical devices. The platform ensures the authenticity of its products by sourcing from reputable brands. Key services include the digitization of prescriptions, maintenance of online medical records, free home delivery, and access to health-related information like symptom checkers and health articles. A distinguishing feature is the 'Healthbuddy' network, which adds a human interface for personalized customer support, consultations, and order assistance. The company has also expanded into diagnostics by establishing its own lab, Genu Path Lab.

Keywords: online pharmacy, digital healthcare, e-pharmacy, health-tech, medicine delivery, Sastasundar Ventures, Banwari Lal Mittal, Ravi Kant Sharma, Flipkart Health+, Healthbuddy, retailershakti.com, Genu Path Lab, online medical store, healthcare products, wellness products, diagnostics, Indian healthcare, pharmaceutical supply chain, chronic illness medication, prescription fulfillment, B2C healthcare, B2B pharma