To improve healthcare accessibility in rural Bangladesh, a group of dynamic young innovators has launched an innovative online real-time healthcare platform—a mobile application named “Manob Sheba” (Human Service). This groundbreaking initiative aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services by providing quality medical care and tackling the critical shortage of specialist doctors outside major cities.
The platform’s founding team is composed of talented individuals from leading universities in Bangladesh. The founder and CEO, Zobayer Hossain Bhuiyan, is affiliated with Islamic University, while Pranto Dhar, the co-founder and COO, represents Rajshahi University. The co-founder and CTO, Sifatulloh, hails from Daffodil University. Additionally, Fardin Alam from East West University, along with Sagar Hossain and Fahim Rimon from City University, have collaboratively contributed to the development of this innovative platform.
The creators of “Manob Sheba” revealed that the platform has received valuable support from the Government of Bangladesh’s Ministry of ICT, in partnership with the World Bank’s Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Development (DEIED) project. Under the auspices of the Early-Stage Startup Accelerator program, “Manob Sheba” has formulated an ambitious growth plan aimed at expanding its reach and impact. The plan includes a pilot phase scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2025, targeting over 3,600 patients across 15 upazilas (sub-districts) in key regions including Dhaka, Khulna, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Barishal.
The platform employs a versatile and innovative healthcare delivery model known as the Diagnostic Center Agent Point (DCAP). This model empowers local agents in rural communities by equipping them with essential diagnostic devices, reliable internet connectivity, and telemedicine links. These resources enable agents to perform preliminary health assessments and facilitate direct, real-time communication with specialist doctors, thereby overcoming the barriers of distance and infrastructure.
A key feature of the “Manob Sheba” app is the ability to instantly upload medical reports and receive expert diagnosis remotely. This not only accelerates the treatment process but also ensures that patients in remote locations have access to nationally recognized medical professionals through a robust network of specialists.
Highlighting the pressing need for such a platform, CEO Zobayer Hossain Bhuiyan emphasized that approximately 68% of Bangladesh’s population resides in rural areas, where access to experienced doctors and diagnostic facilities is severely limited. This disparity often results in delayed or inadequate treatment, exacerbating health risks among rural communities. “Manob Sheba” is designed to directly address these challenges by bringing expert medical advice and diagnostic services to the doorstep of rural residents.
Looking ahead, the team behind “Manob Sheba” envisions the app as a critical tool in democratizing healthcare access across Bangladesh, empowering rural populations with timely medical consultations and accurate diagnoses. To realize this vision, the project currently seeks $400,000 in pre-seed funding. These funds will support continued technology development, the establishment of DCAP centers, operational costs, and strategic marketing efforts aimed at maximizing outreach and adoption.
With the integration of technology and a community-centered approach, “Manob Sheba” aspires to transform rural healthcare delivery, reduce health inequalities, and improve the overall wellbeing of millions living beyond the reach of traditional medical infrastructure.