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Dr. Riya Shree, and Ankit Singh - Co-founders Of Qonaq Health and Wellness
India has long been recognised for its high-quality, cost-effective healthcare, yet it ranks 12th among the world’s most sought-after medical tourism destinations.
Despite its advanced infrastructure and globally renowned doctors, the nation struggles to position itself as a trusted choice for international medical travellers.
Qonaq Health and Wellness, a Delhi-based health-tech startup founded in February 2024, is on a mission to bridge this trust gap and establish India as the global leader in medical and wellness tourism.
With an AI-powered platform, transparent processes, and an unwavering focus on holistic care, Qonaq has quickly emerged as a game-changer in the Indian medical tourism market, expected to reach USD 16.21 billion by 2030.
Two inspiring founders are leading this visionary endeavour: Dr. Riya Shree, a seasoned healthcare professional, and Ankit Singh, an accomplished entrepreneur and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad alumnus.
Together, they’ve embarked on a mission that’s not just about business—it’s about redefining how the world perceives India’s healthcare ecosystem.
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THE BIRTH OF AN IDEA:
All great innovations are often born from challenges, and Qonaq is no exception.
The idea took root during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a frontline healthcare worker, Dr. Riya Shree witnessed the vulnerabilities of global healthcare systems firsthand.
The NHS in the UK faced overwhelming strain, while millions in the US struggled with exorbitant medical costs. These experiences revealed a glaring gap in global healthcare—the lack of affordability, availability, and quality combined.
On the other hand, Ankit Singh, with a decade of business analytics experience at companies like Meesho and mFine, was well-versed in building scalable and affordable tech-driven solutions.
When the two came together, they envisioned a platform that would position India not just as a cost-effective healthcare destination but as a trustworthy and transparent leader in medical and wellness tourism.
“We wanted to change the narrative around Indian healthcare and establish India as the go-to destination for global patients,” says Dr. Riya Shree, the co-founder & CEO of Qonaq, during an exclusive interview with Startup Pedia.
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THE EARLY CHALLENGES:
The journey to establishing Qonaq as a trusted name wasn’t without hurdles.
> Establishing Credibility with Hospitals: Securing partnerships with top-tier, JCI-accredited hospitals was a daunting task. Hospitals were wary of entrusting their reputation to a newly launched platform.
“It took countless meetings and presentations to convince hospitals of our commitment to excellence,” shares Ankit Singh, the co-founder & COO of Qonaq, with Startup Pedia.
> Understanding Patient Pain Points: Qonaq’s team conducted extensive interviews with over 500 potential clients to understand their concerns. From cultural barriers to socio-economic differences, these insights helped shape Qonaq’s patient-centric services.
> Financial and Operational Struggles: Being a bootstrapped startup, Qonaq had to manage resources judiciously. However, recognition and a ₹50 lakh soft loan from Startup India proved to be a lifeline, enabling the team to invest in technology and operations.
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QONAQ IN DETAIL:
At the heart of Qonaq’s transformative journey lies its AI-powered health-tech platform, designed to simplify and personalise the medical tourism process.
> AI-Driven Consultation and Recommendations: Patients begin their journey with a simple online consultation. After they upload their medical history, Qonaq’s AI analyses their needs, matches them with top hospitals and specialists in India, and provides detailed treatment plans.
> Transparent Decision-Making: Unlike traditional medical tourism services, Qonaq prioritises transparency. Patients can view doctor profiles, hospital credentials, treatment costs, and expected outcomes upfront.
> End-to-End Assistance: From visa processing and airport transfers to post-treatment care, Qonaq ensures that international patients feel supported at every stage of their journey.
> Feedback-Driven Improvements: Qonaq incorporates feedback from every patient, ensuring that its services evolve continually to meet the highest standards of care and satisfaction.
Qonaq stands apart by catering to both medical and wellness tourism, creating a holistic offering that addresses not just physical ailments but overall well-being.
For the medical tourism vertical, Qonaq primarily targets patients from Africa, the Middle East, CIS, and South Asia. Common and popular procedures include:-
> Cardiac surgeries
> Hip / Knee replacements
> Cancer care
> Neuro treatments
> Fertility treatments
For the wellness tourism vertical, there is a growing global interest.
Qonaq also offers wellness packages focusing on:-
> Ayurvedic therapies
> Mental health rejuvenation
> Weight management
> Post-op rehabilitation
“Our wellness packages, starting at $2,000 for a 7-day retreat, cater primarily to clients from Western nations. We offer experiences that blend modern medical care with traditional Indian healing practices,” explains Dr. Riya.
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THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE:
In just a few months since the start of business operations, Qonaq has achieved remarkable milestones:-
> 30+ International Clients Served: Patients from Africa, the US, and Europe have successfully undergone treatments in India through Qonaq.
> 100+ Partnerships: Collaborations with leading hospitals, wellness centres, and rehabilitation facilities.
> Flawless Patient Experience: Qonaq’s personalised approach has garnered glowing testimonials, with patients praising the seamless journey and compassionate care.
Qonaq’s long-term vision is ambitious yet rooted in a clear roadmap. The startup plans to extend its services to more Indian cities, ensuring broader access to medical and wellness facilities.
> Diversifying Services: From cutting-edge robotic surgeries to preventive health measures, Qonaq aims to expand its portfolio of services offered to include a wider range of treatments.
> Funding and Global Outreach: With plans to raise its first round of funding, Qonaq is preparing to scale its operations, enhance its AI infrastructure, and launch marketing ad campaigns targeting Western and African markets.
“Our mission is simple: To make India synonymous with world-class healthcare and wellness services,” Ankit proudly shares.
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As the global healthcare landscape evolves and the Indian startup ecosystem matures, startups like Qonaq are leading the charge in addressing its most pressing challenges.
By combining AI-driven innovation with a trust-first approach, Qonaq Health and Wellness is not just reshaping the medical tourism industry—it’s redefining India’s global healthcare narrative.
For Dr. Riya and Ankit, Qonaq is more than just a business. It’s a movement, a vision, and a responsibility to show the world that India is not just a cost-effective alternative but a popular world-class destination for comprehensive healing solutions and wellness.
“We don’t just provide healthcare solutions; we build bridges of trust, compassion, and excellence for our clients from across the globe,” Ankit concludes with a smile.