In India, the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has become a significant public health challenge. Statistics reveal that 116 out of every 1,000 Indians suffer from these lifestyle-related conditions, with a steep rise among those above the age of 35. While the consequences of NCDs can be severe, the good news is that they are largely preventable. Simple changes in lifestyle, dietary habits and increased physical activity can dramatically reduce their prevalence. Yet, for most people, preventive healthcare remains an afterthought, leading to avoidable health complications.

Recognising this critical gap, the NTR Memorial Trust, a not-for-profit entity with a legacy of over 27 years in healthcare, education and disaster management, took a bold step into preventive healthcare. With the vision of “Food as Medicine, Kitchen as Pharmacy and Smartphone as a Virtual Hospital,” it launched Nutriful, an AI-powered digital platform designed to bring preventive healthcare to the masses. Unlike conventional health initiatives that cater to the privileged few, Nutriful is built for everyone.

The Problem

Most individuals do not consider health interventions until they are diagnosed with a condition, at which point the cost of treatment far exceeds what preventive care would have required. The issue isn’t just about cost but also about accessibility. Quality nutrition guidance and expert consultations often remain confined to urban centres and high-income groups, leaving a significant portion of the population without practical, science-backed solutions.

Beyond individual concerns, the healthcare system itself faces immense pressure due to the increasing burden of preventable diseases. If more people embrace preventive healthcare, the overall strain on the medical ecosystem can be significantly reduced, ensuring that resources are available for those who need them the most.

The Journey of Nutriful

Nutriful began as an experiment, starting with a pilot project in collaboration with YIRA, where it was tested with a small group of 20 individuals in September. Encouraged by the results, the programme expanded to a larger test group, reaching 274 members at Heritage Foods Limited by November. The results were promising, leading to an even broader trial involving over 3,000 participants in January. As confidence in the platform grew, Nutriful was formally introduced under the NTR Memorial Trust umbrella in April.

From this point, its growth was exponential. By March of the following year, Nutriful celebrated its first major milestone, reaching one lakh registered users. The impact continued to scale and by September, the platform had welcomed over three lakh users. Meanwhile, its presence on digital platforms, including YouTube, also soared, amassing 4.3 lakh subscribers. As technology advanced, Nutriful introduced an AI-driven food scanner in October, further enhancing user experience.

Impact of Nutriful

The programme has helped shift mindsets, making individuals more aware of the benefits of early intervention and lifestyle changes. Out of 4 lakh registrations, 16% are women. Largest number of consultations are around Diabetes, Thyroid, Cholesterol etc.

One of the most significant validations of Nutriful’s success comes from medical reports shared by users before and after participation. These reports show tangible improvements in diabetes management, weight control and overall health metrics, reinforcing that the platform is not just about advice but about real, life-changing outcomes. Beyond individual health, Nutriful has also influenced household behaviour, with families adopting healthier eating habits.

L to R: Veera Prathap Battula, NTR Memorial Trust ; Gursharan Dhanjal, SKOCH Group; Sameer Kochhar, SKOCH Group; Balaji Adivishnu, CIO.