How to Build a Successful Healthcare App in India (2024)

The global healthcare app market size was estimated at USD 62.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2024 to 2030.

This surge is fueled by a growing use of digital health services, making India a prime location for investment and development in healthcare apps.

Mobile health apps, or mHealth apps, hold immense potential to improve patient care and lives for both doctors and patients.

However, despite their promise, 80% of healthcare apps fail to meet user expectations. This often stems from a lack of strategy, technical shortcomings, or failure to address real medical challenges.

To help you navigate this exciting yet challenging space, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll get into healthcare mobile app development, processes, types, benefits, costs, and everything in between.

But, before we start that, let's explore the crucial role healthcare apps play in today's digital healthcare landscape, particularly within the Indian context.

Understanding the Importance of Healthcare Apps

A healthcare application is a kind of app that allows users to monitor and manage their health and wellness issues in real time.

These applications come with various features, such as patient appointment scheduling, medical records access, tracking, and communication between healthcare professionals.

With the revolution of healthcare post-pandemic, everyone has become more mindful about how they track their medical records and how fast their medical journey comes to action.

Away from the generic patient’s perspective, every healthcare user and provider expects their practices to be in sync with the mass data, logistics, and inventory available in various forms and at various places, combined in one place, giving actionable insights.

The need has emerged to bring technology into every aspect of healthcare that is designed to help everyone- patients, providers, and physician groups.

Moving faster, healthcare applications are eliminating manual tasks and bringing them online for the ease of everyone involved in the process.

For instance, telehealth, practice management, billing, and medical coding apps can help healthcare providers manage their operations better and in a more organized way.

Whereas solutions in healthcare mobile applications like telemedicine, fitness applications, and online wellness transform a patient journey in a much more organized fashion through 360-degree automatic activity and diagnosis coverage.

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Types of Healthcare Apps

When you are thinking of building an app for healthcare it is important to know the types of applications in the healthcare industry. Let's take a look at existing categories.

Professional Healthcare Apps

As you’ve already guessed, professional healthcare applications are for doctors. They use these apps as mediators in the communication and treatment process between the patient and the doctor.

Here's the list of professional apps types:

• Doctor appointment apps
• Health tracking apps
• Networking apps (for doctors)
• Medical reference apps
• Database apps
• Telemedicine apps
• Electronic medical/health records apps

Healthcare Apps For Patients

This category of app is usually for patients and doesn’t involve doctors, but they provide a lot of useful information for patients. On that note, here are different types of patient healthcare apps:

• Healthy lifestyle apps
• Dieting apps
• Medical education apps
• Reminder apps
• Diagnosis apps for preventive purposes
• Fitness apps

These are just some of the apps that already exist, aside from these you can start your own healthcare business idea, offering you a chance to be successful easily.

Is it worth Investing in Healthcare App Development?

Given the compelling statistics highlighted above, it's evident that app development for healthcare holds immense promise. However, the question arises: What motivates the investment in healthcare mobile app development, and what benefits do these apps offer?

Medical app development has gained widespread popularity primarily because it addresses the key needs of both patients and healthcare professionals. Let's delve into some of the notable advantages of healthcare apps:

Benefits For Doctors

• Remote assistance

Healthcare mobile apps allow professionals to monitor patients’s health even if they are far away. Additionally, doctors can save their time visiting patients personally by contacting them through calls, video chats, or app chats.

• Effective workload distribution

mHealth app enables doctors to set up appointments at the most convenient time. Doctors can also manage essential tasks via mobile and web apps.

• Brand awareness

With an effective healthcare app, clinics can also boost their brand awareness. When patients are treated in a clinic that has a solid digital presence, it contributes to trust and loyalty growth. As a result, they are more likely to choose the same clinic next time.

Benefits For Patients

• Improved Treatment Process

When it comes to the advantages of having a healthcare app for patients, one of the biggest is the convenience that comes with these apps. mHealth app makes it possible to arrange video calls to ensure more comfortable communication between patients and doctors.

Doctors have all the tools needed to examine patients properly. They build prescription lists and can control the drug regimen in the app.

• Cost-efficiency

The one is on the surface, as online appointments cost less than personal appointments. Also, it saves a lot of time that patients spend traveling or sitting in the waiting room for their turn appointments.

• Online Payment

If a patient has a healthcare app, they no longer need to carry cash. Patients can simply schedule an appointment and make a payment in the app. Fast, convenient, and accessible.

• Remote Assistance

Several issues can be solved using the mHealth app, so people don’t need to leave their houses. They don’t need to waste time waiting to get to the hospital or standing in the queue.

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Popular Healthcare Applications in India

Before delving into telemedicine app development services, it's essential to understand the existing market players.

This knowledge can guide decision-making and help create an app that stands out while providing an exceptional user experience. Let's explore some of the popular healthcare apps in India:

1. harmEasy – Online Medicine Ordering App

PharmEasy ranks among the most popular healthcare apps in India, specializing in online pharmacy services. Users can purchase healthcare products, medical equipment, and over-the-counter (OTC) products conveniently through the app.

Moreover, PharmEasy facilitates online booking of diagnostic tests and preventive health checkups, offering seamless home delivery for medical needs.

2. mFine

mFine emerges as a leading healthcare app in India, boasting over 2 million app downloads. It provides 24/7 AI-enabled telemedicine services, enabling doctor-patient consultations via audio/video calls and other communication channels.

With access to over thirty specializations, mFine facilitates booking appointments and offers personalized digital prescriptions and home diagnostic tests.

3. Pedi -STAT

Pedi-STAT is a significant healthcare app catering to pediatric patients in emergency and critical care settings. It serves as a rapid reference tool for paramedics, registered nurses (RNs), physicians, and pediatricians, ensuring timely assistance and informed decision-making.

4. Netmeds

Netmeds simplifies the process of medicine delivery with its user-friendly app. Users can download the app to avail of medicine services anytime and from anywhere within India.

By uploading specific medicine requirements through the app, users can seamlessly order medications and benefit from home delivery.

Moreover, Netmeds offers online doctor consultations, lab test bookings, and comprehensive healthcare solutions.

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How to Build a Successful Healthcare App

Now comes our main topic: how to build a healthcare app in 2024. To ensure your app's success, it's essential to follow several crucial steps to ensure its functionality and compliance with healthcare standards before users utilize it.

Step 1. Identify the Problem:

The initial step to developing a healthcare app is identifying the problem it aims to address. Conduct market research to understand the existing gaps in the healthcare system and gather feedback from targeted user personas.

Determine the willingness of users to adopt the solution and assess whether it will contribute to improving their health and well-being.

Step 2. Design Architecture:

Create the app's architecture and, encompass the database structure, user interface, and API integration. This stage lays the foundation for the app's functionality and usability, ensuring seamless navigation and performance.

Step 3. Choose Technology Stack:

Select a technology stack tailored to the app's requirements, considering factors such as scalability, security, and compatibility with healthcare standards like HL7 and FHIR.

Choose frameworks and tools that facilitate efficient development and integration of essential features.

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Step 4. Develop Frontend and Backend:

Develop the backend using frameworks like Node.js, Django, or Spring Boot, prioritizing data security and compliance with regulations.

For the frontend, utilize frameworks like Vue.js, React, or React Native/Flutter to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.

Step 5. Integrate APIs:

Incorporate essential APIs such as electronic health records, telemedicine, payment processing, and data analytics to enhance the app's functionality and interoperability with existing healthcare systems.

Step 6. Implement Security Measures:

Ensure privacy and security by implementing robust security measures, including data encryption, secure authentication, and regular security audits.

Adhering to industry standards and regulations is paramount to safeguarding sensitive user information.

Step 7. Testing and Quality Assurance:

Thoroughly test the healthcare app to identify and rectify any bugs or issues. Conduct usability testing to assess the app's performance and user experience, ensuring it meets user expectations and complies with healthcare regulations.

Step 8. Deployment and Monitoring:

Deploy the app to platforms like the App Store or Google Play Store and utilize monitoring tools to track performance, gather feedback, and address any safety concerns.

Continuously monitor the app's performance and user feedback to identify areas for improvement.

Step 9. Continuous Improvement:

Gather user feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement updates to enhance the app's features, security, and user experience.

Follow a culture of continuous improvement to ensure the app remains relevant and effective in meeting user needs and expectations.

What Features Your Healthcare App Must Have

When it comes to custom healthcare software development, there's a commonality in the features across different applications. This similarity simplifies the process as you can leverage existing solutions for onboarding, user flow, and functionality.

However, creating a minimum viable product (MVP) for healthcare software can vary significantly due to the diverse types and subtypes within the healthcare sector. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully select the feature set that aligns precisely with your app's objectives.

While features may vary based on the specific app type, there are several common features found in many healthcare apps:

• User Authentication and Onboarding
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Integration
• Appointment Scheduling
• Telemedicine and Video Consultations
• Health Tracking and Monitoring
• Medication Management
• Health Education and Resources
• Emergency Assistance and Medical Records Access
• Secure Communication
• Feedback and Ratings

While these features provide a comprehensive overview of what many healthcare apps offer, it's essential to tailor the feature set to your specific app's goals, target audience, and market niche for optimal user engagement and satisfaction.

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How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Healthcare App?

Cost is a critical consideration for entrepreneurs starting on telemedicine application development. Understanding the potential investment required can help you plan effectively for the development process.

Several factors influence the cost of app development for healthcare, but as a rough estimate, you can expect to invest between $40,000 and $50,000 for a basic app.

However, incorporating advanced features such as AI, IoT integration, and real-time functionalities can increase the cost from $100,000 to $150,000.

Developing an app for the healthcare sector involves distinct challenges, with pre-development, development, and post-development phases requiring careful consideration. To estimate the total cost accurately, it's essential to assess the expenses associated with each phase of app development.

During the pre-build stage, significant costs are incurred in several key areas:

• App Design: Designing your healthcare application, including wireframes, UI design, and prototypes, represents a significant investment of time and resources.
  
  
• User Research & Testing: Thorough user research and testing are essential to understanding user needs and market demands, influencing the app's development process significantly.
  
  
• Regulations & Compliance: Healthcare apps must comply with strict regulations such as HIPAA. Neglecting compliance can lead to legal consequences and penalties ranging from $100 to $50,000.

Additionally, the choice of platform (e.g., Android, iOS, Cross-Web) and the location of your app development company can impact the overall cost.

For instance, if you specifically ask how much custom healthcare app development costs in India, the average price ranges from ₹75,000 to ₹90,000, although costs may vary based on the specific requirements of your app.

To get a more precise estimate for your healthcare platform project, it's advisable to consult with a reputable app development company.

They can assess your unique needs and provide tailored cost estimates for bringing your app idea to life.

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How Aramton Can Help You Build a Profitable Healthcare App

As mentioned earlier, the healthcare mobile app market is poised to reach a value of USD 187.7 Billion by 2033. However, despite this immense potential, over 80% of healthcare applications fail due to a lack of meeting user expectations.

Navigating the landscape of app development involves navigating through emerging technologies, intricate features, and regulatory compliance, all of which impact development costs.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can strategically plan your budget and make informed decisions to ensure the creation of a robust and user-friendly healthcare app.

When you’re planning for Health app development, partnering with a trusted healthcare software development company like Aramton Infotech can greatly enhance your chances of success.

With a proven track record of delivering innovative healthcare solutions to businesses worldwide, we offer deep industry expertise and technical proficiency to drive innovation and efficiency at every stage of development.

Our comprehensive healthcare app development services encompass everything from initial consultation to post-launch support, ensuring that your app not only survives but thrives in today's competitive market.

Moreover, our dedicated team prioritizes adherence to industry compliance and data security regulations, safeguarding all sensitive information and ensuring that your custom healthcare mobile app stands out in the digital landscape.

Get in touch with us today, and let us pave the way for your healthcare application development journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does it cost to develop a healthcare app?

Ans. The cost of developing a healthcare app varies depending on features and complexity. A basic app might start around $40,000, while feature-rich apps can cost upwards of $250,000.

Q. What is the business model of a healthcare app?

Ans. Common models of a healthcare app include subscriptions, in-app purchases, freemium (limited features free, premium features paid), and partnerships with healthcare providers or insurers.

Q. How do I create a telemedicine app?

Ans. Creating a telemedicine app requires expertise in healthcare regulations, secure video chat, and HIPAA compliance. It’s best to partner with a healthcare app development company.

Q. Is it expensive to start your own app?

Ans. The cost depends on complexity. You can find app development tools and platforms to bring down the cost, but it still requires time, effort, and potentially additional resources.

Q. What is the role of AI in healthcare applications?

Ans. AI can analyze data to identify trends, personalize recommendations, power chatbots for symptom checkers, and even assist with medical diagnoses.

Q. How do health apps work?

Ans. Health apps vary in function. Some connect you to doctors, track fitness, manage medications, or provide educational resources. They leverage your phone's features (GPS, camera, sensors) to deliver their functionalities.

Q. What is the market size of healthcare apps?

Ans. The global mobile health market is expected to reach over $387 billion by 2025. This shows a significant and growing demand for healthcare apps.