How AI Is Shaping the Future of Diagnostics in India

India's diagnostics industry is rapidly changing due to the introduction of technology and increased need for quick and reliable healthcare. AI is a significant player in this shift and it is changing the entire process of screening for diseases, managing the supply chain and obtaining personalised health information. In such a situation, Orange Health Labs is leveraging the application of AI for the improvement of diagnostic efficiency and customer experience.

 

In conversation with FEHealthcare,  Dhruv Gupta, Co-founder, Orange Health Labs, discusses the emerging role of AI in the diagnostic industry and their recent partnership with Amazon.

 

How is artificial intelligence transforming the diagnostics domain, and what specific benefits and innovations has Orange introduced using AI for disease detection, logistics, and personalised health insights?

 

There is a massive change in the diagnostics domain with AI on board. It is becoming a significant factor in making disease detection and monitoring more accessible while driving down the cost. At Orange, AI is employed to achieve highly efficient, on-demand logistics (‘forward’ to the customer and probably the world’s fastest reverse logistics to bring samples back to the lab). We also empower the consumer with AI-driven tracking for real-time updates on their order and the power of personalised health insights through our flagship NEO reports.

 

What factors led to Amazon partnering with Orange Health Labs to launch at-home diagnostic services in India?

 

Currently, the India diagnostics sector is worth $15 billion, which is predicted to increase to $25 billion by FY28, with a CAGR of 14%. However, despite its potential, the market is still fragmented, with the vast majority of laboratories (over 70%), operating solo.

 

The reason behind Amazon partnering with Orange Health Labs is a shared vision of consumer-centricity achieved through superior technology. Both are brands known for their excellent service and uncompromising standards. Orange Health Labs demonstrates top operational excellence by making use of technology, automation, and real-time tracking. This allows for the fastest and most reliable diagnostics experience, with home sample collection in 60 minutes and accurate reports delivered within 6 hours. This partnership will allow Amazon customers in India—especially its large base of urban users—to enjoy the same ease, trust, and efficiency while accessing diagnostic services as they are accustomed to when using the Amazon platform.

 

How does this collaboration aim to address the challenges and opportunities in the country's growing but fragmented diagnostics market?

 

The partnership also unlocks strategic value for both companies: Amazon can expand its service offerings and build trust and speed in a high-need, fast-growing consumer healthcare category. Orange Health Labs gets to serve a larger base of potential customers who prioritize digital-first, high-trust health solutions.

 

With the launch of Amazon Diagnostics, a new at-home diagnostics service that enables customers to book lab tests, schedule and track appointments, and access digital reports instantly from the Amazon app. With Amazon Diagnostics, customers in 6 cities across 450+ PIN codes can easily book from over 800 diagnostic tests, get doorstep sample collection in under 60 minutes, and get digital reports in as little as 6 hours for routine tests. 

 

Currently, the service will be available across Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Orange Health was started in early 2021 to make diagnostics incredibly responsive and reliable for our customers. Partnering with Amazon affirms the trust Orange Health has earned in less than five years. This partnership is a significant catalyst for the digital transformation of India's diagnostic sector. It will elevate consumer expectations around convenience, speed, and reliability.