Bengaluru Startup Cloudphysician Claims to Cut ICU Mortality by 47%
Published on 1/7/2025 | 3 min read
Published on 1/7/2025 | 3 min read
India faces a critical care infrastructure crisis, with only 2.3 ICU beds per 100,000 people and a mere 5,000–6,000 trained intensivists nationwide. This shortage is especially pronounced in smaller towns, where preventable deaths occur due to inadequate resources. Bengaluru-based startup Cloudphysician is tackling this challenge through a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine.
Founded in 2017 by US board-certified intensivists Dileep Raman and Dhruv Joshi, Cloudphysician addresses critical care disparities in India. Their platform leverages AI-driven tools and telemedicine to enhance ICU care, connecting remote ICUs to specialists via high-quality video and real-time bedside data analytics.
India requires 8–10 lakh ICU beds, compared to the current 3.5 lakh beds. However, expanding ICU capacity involves more than adding physical infrastructure; it demands skilled personnel and robust processes. “That’s what makes an ICU bed truly functional,” explained Raman.
Cloudphysician employs multimodal AI models that integrate inputs from:
This integration enables the AI to detect critical issues such as infections or equipment malfunctions, offering real-time actionable insights to healthcare providers. Unlike predictive models, Cloudphysician's AI focuses on enhancing real-time situation analysis, improving the efficiency of doctors and nurses.
The platform leverages:
Currently, Cloudphysician manages over 1,500 ICU beds across 200 hospitals in 100+ cities, reducing mortality rates in some ICUs by up to 47%.
Despite its heavy reliance on AI, Cloudphysician prioritizes a human-centric approach. The platform supports, rather than replaces, healthcare professionals:
Cloudphysician collaborates with prominent healthcare providers like HCG, Motherhood, and Cytecare Cancer Hospitals.
In 2023, Cloudphysician raised $10.5 million in a funding round led by PeakXV Partners, Elevar Equity, and Panthera Peak. The funds will fuel expansion and position the startup as a global leader in healthcare delivery.
The global AI in healthcare market is projected to reach $173.55 billion by 2029. Other Bengaluru-based startups, such as Dozee, are also leveraging AI to address critical care challenges. Dozee's contactless remote monitoring system tracks vital metrics and claims the potential to save 21 lakh lives annually while reducing healthcare costs by INR 6,400 crore.
Cloudphysician envisions a future where AI and telemedicine redefine critical care, bridging shortages and improving outcomes. As Raman remarked, “Our goal is to be the global engine for healthcare delivery.” With innovative AI solutions and an unwavering focus on scaling critical care infrastructure, Cloudphysician is poised to lead a transformative revolution in healthcare.