In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and technology, it’s crucial to spotlight those driving meaningful change. Today, we have the pleasure of conversing with Gunjali Kothari, co-founder of FlashAid, an innovative company revolutionizing healthcare accessibility in India.
Raamesh Chandra: Gunjali, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by sharing your journey into the healthcare sector?
Gunjali Kothari: Thank you, Raamesh. My journey into healthcare began early, influenced by my family’s background. My dad and uncle were deeply involved in healthcare, and their conversations about patient care left a lasting impression on me. I started my entrepreneurial journey in ninth grade by co-founding a school chain with my aunt, handling everything from branding to marketing. This early exposure to business was invaluable. Later, during my MBA at SIS College in Mumbai, I worked in corporate banking and managed a significant SME book size, which gave me a deep understanding of business operations.
Raamesh Chandra: That’s quite an impressive start. How did your experience in corporate banking shape your entrepreneurial ventures?
Gunjali Kothari: Corporate banking taught me a lot about business dynamics and financial management. Working with large corporations and managing substantial funds gave me insights into strategic decision-making and risk management. This experience was instrumental when I joined Credex, a startup in the invoice discounting space. It was there that I learned about the startup ecosystem, which laid the foundation for my subsequent ventures.
Raamesh Chandra: It sounds like Credex was a pivotal point in your career. How did this lead to the creation of FlashAid?
Gunjali Kothari: Indeed, Credex was crucial. During the pandemic, my colleague Manoj and I noticed significant issues in the healthcare payment systems, especially in small hospitals. We saw patients struggling with digital payments and insurance issues. This motivated us to start Easy Hospital, which later evolved into FlashAid. We visited over 200 hospitals, gathering data and understanding the problems firsthand. Our aim was to address the lack of insurance coverage and financial protection for a vast segment of the population.
Raamesh Chandra: FlashAid is making a significant impact. Can you explain how your platform works and what sets it apart from others?
Gunjali Kothari: FlashAid is an API-first platform that distributes health plans and insurance through embedded technology. What sets us apart is our focus on affordability and accessibility. We cater to the “missing middle” segment—self-employed individuals and those working in various platforms who are often uninsured. Our model ensures that health plans are not only affordable but also easily accessible. We have partnered with large companies and embedded our APIs into their systems to distribute these plans seamlessly.
Raamesh Chandra: The name FlashAid is quite unique. Is there a story behind it?
Gunjali Kothari: Yes, there’s a funny story. Initially, we were called Easy Hospital, but we faced pronunciation issues and email errors due to the multiple ‘a’s in the name. Our South Indian friends pronounced it differently, and even our foreign investors had trouble. To make it more relatable and error-free, we rebranded to FlashAid, signifying swift and efficient healthcare services.
Raamesh Chandra: That’s a clever rebranding! Could you tell us more about the products and services FlashAid offers?
Gunjali Kothari: FlashAid provides a range of health plans tailored to various needs. We have specialized plans for different segments like sports, eyewear, and even farmers. Our platform supports end-to-end health plan distribution, ensuring that our users get comprehensive coverage. We emphasize transparency and simplicity, using pictographic formats for our contracts to make them easily understandable.
Raamesh Chandra: Transparency in healthcare is indeed critical. How do you ensure the quality and reliability of your services?
Gunjali Kothari: We focus on automation and continuous monitoring. By automating processes, we can measure and correct any issues promptly. We track customer success, NPS scores, and adhere to strict SLAs with our partners. This rigorous monitoring ensures that we provide reliable and high-quality services consistently.
Raamesh Chandra: That’s impressive. How do you educate your customers about using FlashAid’s services, especially in rural areas?
Gunjali Kothari: Education is key. We simplify complex insurance terms and use visual aids to explain our products. We also conduct outreach programs to educate people in rural areas. By removing jargon and presenting information clearly, we ensure that our customers understand what they are getting and how to use it effectively.
Raamesh Chandra: Gunjali, thank you for sharing your insights and the remarkable journey of FlashAid. Your work is truly inspiring and crucial for improving healthcare accessibility in India.
Gunjali Kothari: Thank you, Raamesh. It was a pleasure talking to you. We’re committed to making a positive impact and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthcare.
FlashAid’s innovative approach and dedication to healthcare accessibility are indeed commendable. As they continue to grow and evolve, their efforts are sure to make a significant difference in the lives of many.
