CureMe — We care for you

Kanav Arora
7 min readDec 19, 2020

Overview

CureMe is an idea with a unique blend of technology and research in the field of health. It focuses on the mental problems, these days faced by almost every 9 of 10 persons. The pandemic has given a boost to the integration of technology and study to fulfil the needs of people without their physical presence. As we all know the pandemic is a period of stress for all of us. We weren’t strong enough to fight it neither physically nor mentally. So I am here with an idea to provide health consultancy virtually. Now if you’re socially active you might be thinking that this service is already being provided by some strong market players then how’s this idea unique? I’m gonna clear all of your doubts just continue reading.

Market Need

There’s a need for a platform where people can get consultancy. Now first we need to discuss what is depression? So for who are depressed, medication might not be the best treatment. The best treatment would be to talk and express the thoughts they have in their messed up mind. As well said:

“The wounded recognized the wounded.”
Nora Roberts

So the way to get light-hearted is to express your emotions to others this will also lighten their heart.

Features

The app will have two types of users. The subscribers and the non-subscribers.

  • Doc interaction: This idea also provides virtual consultancy by verified doctors in various fields. It focuses on providing psychological counselling. Pandemic has made online consultancy very important.

This feature will be available for subscribers only.

  • Around you: You can get contact, address and visiting timings of all doctors around you. You can also schedule an appointment. The doctors will be given a rating by visitors and their recommendation will decrease accordingly. So you’ll be recommended best around you.
  • Anonymity: The user who joins the CureMe will be given a unique ID and except his ID nothing will be visible to others. User has an option to make their details visible to others. This is a very major feature of this idea now the question arises how?

If you know for people who are mentally upset don’t want their problems to others but only to their close ones. This feature gives a sense of security to them that their identity is hidden.

This feature will be available for both subscribers and non-subscribers.

  • Chatbot: We live in the world of technology and the integration of technology with healthcare is very useful. The chatbot can give tips and exercises based on the problems specified by the user. It can also provide a diet chart as a perfect diet is a part of an improved lifestyle.

This feature will be available for both subscribers and non-subscribers. But the diet chart and regular guidance are only for subscribers.

Targeted Customers

My targeted customers are everyone….

Okay!! I know target can’t be everyone but, to be honest, this idea focuses on psychological consultancy. In my opinion, psychological consultancy is the only field that needs a comfortable environment for consultancy. A patient can be in his comfort zone sitting at his home on his couch expressing his or her feelings and thoughts.

Market Competition

You might be thinking that there are already many apps which provide details of doctors nearby. But is there any which focusses on virtual interaction and psychological consultancy? But CureMe focuses.

See today in every field there’s a player. The base idea is the same for a field its all about the toppings on the pizza like who comes with something unique and flawless.

Pre-requisites and Work Experience

This idea needs to be implemented in a planned and smooth manner.

  • Research: This idea is vast and needs a hold from each end. The implementation of this idea requires deep research and documentation. I have researched a lot to fix some flaws the one was how to verify doctors? So the best way is the city ambassadors. City ambassadors are the people hired from each city who will verify the doctor’s degree, his work experience etc.
  • Tech team: The app will be available in both app (both Android and IOS) and web form. Programmers are required with skills of web development, java and android development. Knowledge of database management is also required for backend storage of data. The app will then be published to play store as well as the app store.
  • Legal team: We also need to manage some legal matters such as contracts and some policies. Knowledge of policies and legalities is required.

Solution

  • User will be given a unique ID on joining the app
  • User has an option to chat with a chatbot or they can chat with other users.

Estimated Budget

The implementation of this idea is not very exorbitant. The following is the estimated budget:

  • Domain/SSL/Hosting: Rs. 10000/yr
  • Publishing app on play store: $25 (One-time fees)

This idea has a vast implementation and it needs a team. So team hiring expenses are not estimated for now. But as of now, this idea needs a team of around 10 people. This can be planned while implementation.

Marketing Plan

Good marketing strategy is very important for targeting a large audience. Social media advertisements are best for marketing. We have many services available in the market like Google Adsense, Facebook and Instagram paid promotions. Mouth publicity is the best publicity. Now due to COVID-19 colleges are closed so in-person publicity through posters, campaign or mouth publicity is not possible. So for now I am dependent on social media and social advertisements.

The average cost for promoting an Instagram profile or post is around Rs 146.75 per thousand views. The average cost for promoting a Facebook post or profile is Rs.9.3 per thousand views.

Product Pricing

As mentioned some features of the app are exclusive for subscribers only. So according to research, the business model would be very different. For subscribers, the charge can vary from ₹500-₹1000. In this charge, they’ll get prioritised appointments, diet chart, regular consultation and guidance.

Risk Analysis and Problems

There is risk in every startup so we have to take a risk here also. Moreover, we might face some problems during the implementation. One of the risks is a fraud, uncertified or fake doctors risk life of their patients. So all doctor profiles on the app should be verified properly. In the beginning, our app might face some technical issues so we should be prepared to tackle them. Technical issues consist of issues such as backend problems, server crash.

How CureMe Could be Beneficial for You

This section is for exploring the highlighted part of this idea that is, helping with the depression problems.

  • Depression problems may range from mild to severe. Depression to an extent can be cured without the use of medicines. Mild depression is normal in a stressful life.
  • Health problems can be cured by following a routine. They usually strip away the structure of your life. One day melts into the next. Setting a daily gentle schedule can help you get back on track. CureMe provides you with a routine and helps you make short term goals. Goal competition will give you points. This approach will keep you motivated.
  • When you’re depressed, you may feel like you can’t accomplish anything. That makes you feel worse about yourself. To push back, set daily goals for yourself.
  • A healthy diet can help your body fight with diseases. CureMe can provide you with a diet chart. It will also have an option to set reminders. Users will be notified according to their diet plan.
  • Verified doctors can check your medicines. You can even schedule blood tests from a near laboratory.
  • CureMe also provides you with an exercise instructor. Daily workouts and yoga keep your body fit. The exercises will be different according to your goals which may vary from weight loss to weight gain.
  • Let’s get into some practical talk:

What kind of therapist should you see for depression?

  • Psychiatrists. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who treats mental illnesses. While some psychiatrists only see patients prescribe medication, others also provide talk therapy. In most states, psychiatrists are the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication.
  • Psychologists. A psychologist can help you learn how to manage your depression and teach you ways to cope.
  • Social workers, counsellors, or therapists. These mental health professionals can also help you learn to manage depression and teach you coping skills.

Timeline

CureMe is a vast idea. It requires a lot of research and holding all the loose end is also very important. I plan to implement it in such a way that it should not have any loopholes (I mean I’ll try). The full timeline for the project from scratch is about 6 months.

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