Amrita Chakrabarti

Indian social entrepreneur revolutionizing rural healthcare through mobile tech

Amrita Chakrabarti (b. 1978) created MediCircle, a pioneering telemedicine platform connecting India's rural populations with urban healthcare providers. Her initiative began in 2001 when she noticed 80% of India's population lacked access to specialists. Chakrabarti developed a low-cost mobile app that uses AI to triage cases and connect patients with doctors via video consultation. By 2010, her system was deployed in 150+ villages, reducing maternal mortality rates by 35% in pilot regions. The WHO cited her work as a model for mHealth initiatives in developing nations.

Chakrabarti's innovation included creating a decentralized network of 'health kiosks' powered by solar energy and basic smartphones. This approach ensured sustainability in areas with unreliable infrastructure. Her 2016 book 《Bridging the Health Divide》 details her strategy of training local 'health champions' to operate the system. The project's success led to partnerships with UNICEF and the launch of HealthConnect Asia, expanding the model to Southeast Asia. Recent studies show her platforms have treated over 2 million patients, with 90% reporting improved access to care.