Meet Dr. Dharmdev Joshi and Devarshi Bhatt, the founders of MedHugs - an innovative company that values high quality wellness products that are efficient and easy to use. MedHugs prioritizes transparency, offering 100% naturally derived and certified animal-free products! Their innovative soluble film ensures that those who struggle with swallowing pills can easily take their daily vitamins.
Tell us about a formative moment in your life that makes you the person that you are today
Dr. Dharmdev Joshi: A defining moment in my life was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I faced the pain and uncertainty of countless patients. This experience taught me that healthcare is about more than treating illness—it’s about alleviating suffering by being present, listening, and offering comfort. It ignited a passion for preventive health and a desire to improve wellness proactively.
MedHugs was born from these moments, driven by my experiences and Raaji’s early struggles. Our mission is to provide wellness solutions that nurture health with compassion, focusing on prevention and seamless wellness for all.
Devarshi Bhatt: Mine came around the same time! However, my formative moment was more of a personal journey. I was working very hard in the United States, trying to make a mark for myself, and for some reason I was not able to shed the insecurity and ill assumption that I was mediocre and unworthy of where I had reached. During Covid, I went through a series of events professionally and personally which solidified my belief in my capabilities and boundaries that I was able to push. I have not let go of that belief ever since, and I carry that pride in my strengths with utmost dignity now.
Can you share more about the inspiration behind MedHugs and how its journey began?
Dr. Dharmdev Joshi: It was a journey that began with Raaji, my beloved niece. She was born prematurely, a tiny, fragile fighter from the very start. In those early days, Raaji’s health became our family’s main concern. She struggled with iron deficiency anemia and difficulty in keeping up her vitamin levels. Simple tasks, like giving her supplements, became small but significant battles. Raaji hated taking pills and syrups, her little face scrunched up with frustration and discomfort as we tried to give her the supplements she so desperately needed to grow and thrive.
Watching her struggle was heartbreaking, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be a better way. This wasn’t just a family challenge; it was a revelation, an awakening. Millions of children and adults face similar obstacles—struggling to swallow pills, dreading the harshness of supplements, and yet needing them to maintain good health. Each time I saw her fight through the supplements she had to take, I was struck by a question: What if health didn’t have to feel like a punishment?
The turning point came one sleepless night. I’d spent hours searching for alternatives for Raaji, options that would be gentle, effective, and free of that dreaded pill form. Frustrated yet determined, I began to think: What if I could redefine how we experience vitamins and health supplements, starting with those who need them most—children like Raaji? That night, MedHugs was born in my heart and mind.
I discussed it with the one person I know who shared the same passion for helping people and
the community, my cousin brother Devarshi Bhatt. We talked at length about it and our search for a better and more efficient way to take vitamin supplements. This led to our search into the deeper core of the issue, and we discovered that this problem is not just limited to kids and infants but 1 in 6 Adult Americans have trouble swallowing/dysphagia in some form or another. Devarshi, with his background in product management, and I, being a practicing physician, felt like the best people to come up with a company to help and not just be a business. We went about asking people and kept formulating and experimenting with ingredients. This is what led to MedHugs - where we wanted to create taking vitamins like a warm hug of health rather than a battle to fight.
MedHugs became our mission, a calling rooted in a commitment to make wellness more accessible, especially for those who struggle with traditional supplement formats. The solution came in the form of oral thin film strips, a simple, easy-to-use product that could deliver essential vitamins without the discomfort of pills. These strips dissolve effortlessly, delivering nutrients quickly and with minimal fuss. Raaji’s story became the foundation of MedHugs, driving us to design a product that would ensure people could meet their health needs with comfort and ease.
Today, as MedHugs moves forward, I look back on the journey with gratitude for Raaji, whose little struggles gave life to a larger purpose. MedHugs isn’t just a company—it’s a promise to make health a compassionate, gentle experience. And Raaji remains at the heart of that promise, reminding me every day why this mission matters.
Devarshi Bhatt: My father always reminded me of one thing:
“Whatever you do, make sure it is for the greater good of humanity.”
That has been the driving force behind all my decisions, be they career wise or otherwise. I am a son of two doctors and health and wellness has been a center point of many family discussions. However, in recent times, most of the social media content related to health that I came across was built on the premise of misinformation and cheating consumers with propagandistic information about supplements, health, wellness, and nutrition. As a result, I was on the lookout to work towards building a product and a brand that would stand for objective truth and promote absolute transparency when it came to ingredients, solutions, and the science behind the innovation. When Dharmdev approached me with the idea, I was immediately on board! I knew that he stands for the same moral compass that I was raised on. I truly believe that at MedHugs, we are building a community that is informed and empowered to decide for themselves as to what health means to them and how they want to curate their wellness journey.
What inspired the development of MedHugs' oral strips, and how do they differ from traditional nutritional supplements?
MedHugs' oral thin films were created for faster, more convenient nutrient supplementation. Unlike tablets or syrups, they dissolve quickly on the tongue for 3x faster absorption, bypassing the digestive system for efficient nutrient uptake. Portable, water-free, and ideal for busy lifestyles or those who struggle with pills, these films offer a superior solution for rapid, consistent results.
How does MedHugs prioritize patient care and comfort while developing innovative healthcare technology?
Dr. Dharmdev Joshi: At MedHugs, we prioritize care and comfort with three key pillars: Efficiency, Transparency, and Trust. Our oral thin films are a fast-dissolving, highly absorbable solution for those who struggle with tablets or capsules. Made with the purest ingredients, we ensure comfort and effectiveness, helping patients focus on feeling their best.
As a founder, what has been the most rewarding part of your journey with MedHugs?
Dr. Dharmdev Joshi: The most rewarding part has been realizing the dream of creating better solutions to truly help people, just as I hoped to do for my niece, Raaji. MedHugs allows us to bring that vision to life every day, providing support and better options for people facing similar challenges. Every day waking up to new challenges and believing that we are going to help people is the most rewarding part of the journey, and I am sure there are a lot more challenges and experiences ahead of us.
Devarshi Bhatt: For me it is living up to my promise to my dad of working towards the betterment of all of humankind. I trust the science, and I am glad that we are able to support people with a product that not only cares for people struggling with dysphagia, but also provides a faster, more efficient, and tasty solution for their daily supplement needs.
Do MedHugs products cater to individuals with allergies or specific dietary restrictions?
Yes, absolutely. Our products are crafted to be as inclusive as possible. We avoid common allergens, prioritize natural and high-quality ingredients, and we're certified by VeganMed. This certification ensures that our products meet stringent criteria, reassuring customers that they’re safe for various dietary needs.
How does MedHugs ensure the quality and purity of the ingredients used in its products, and what criteria do you prioritize in your sourcing decisions?
At MedHugs, we ensure the highest quality by verifying supplier certifications, conducting pharmaceutical-grade purity and strength testing, and prioritizing natural, traceable vegan ingredients. Each ingredient undergoes three tests for consistency, and we provide a Certificate of Analysis for full traceability. Additionally, we’ve taken the extra step to get certified animal-free, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, safety, and quality.
How does becoming certified as animal-free by VeganMed align with MedHugs' values, and what significance do you believe this certification holds for your customers and the broader health community?
VeganMed's animal-free certification is a significant milestone for MedHugs, aligning deeply with our commitment to quality, transparency, and inclusivity. This certification ensures our products are free from animal-derived ingredients, which holds particular importance for our vegan customers, individuals with dietary restrictions (like kosher or halal needs), and those with allergies such as Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS). Certification by VeganMed underscores MedHugs' dedication to ethical sourcing and allows customers to feel confident about their health choices, knowing our supplements meet stringent standards for safety, purity, and ethical consideration.
This certification also reinforces our values of honesty and transparency, as it demonstrates that our products undergo rigorous verification, ensuring that what we claim is backed by a respected third-party authority. This transparency is crucial to building trust with our customers and the broader health-conscious community, who prioritize products that align with their ethical values and health needs. With VeganMed animal-free certification, MedHugs can better serve a diverse group, allowing individuals to focus on their wellness without worry, and further establishing MedHugs as a trusted leader in ethical, innovative nutraceutical solutions.
Do you see potential partnerships with healthcare providers, insurers, or telemedicine platforms?
Yes, MedHugs is actively exploring partnerships with healthcare providers, telemedicine platforms, and pharmacies. We believe that joining forces with these groups will not only increase accessibility but also allow us to reach people at the right moments in their health journey. By integrating our products within healthcare ecosystems, we can offer solutions that promote adherence and make preventive care a natural part of people’s routines.
Are MedHugs strips available in stores? If so, where can consumers purchase your product?
We are excited to launch six core products—
Initially, our main sales channel will be through our website, www.medhugs.com, where customers can order directly and receive our personal touch in service. This direct approach also helps us foster a community of people with similar health goals. In the near future, we plan to expand to local pharmacies, herbalists, nutritionists, senior centers, and larger retail chains, making it more convenient for people to purchase our products close to home
What are MedHugs’ future plans for product development or expansion? Are there any upcoming innovations you’re particularly excited about?
MedHugs has ambitious plans for expansion and innovation. We’re developing product lines not only for human health but also for pets, aiming to address similar issues of convenience, nutrition, and wellness for our furry companions.
Additionally, we're developing supplements for specific medical needs and exploring pharmaceutical-grade products.
We’re broadening distribution beyond direct-to-consumer sales, targeting pharmacies, nutritionists, gyms, health centers, and retail chains. We also plan to collaborate with hotels, healthcare providers, and business centers to ensure access to our products everywhere. Our goal is to make MedHugs a global, trusted brand for high-quality, transparent wellness products.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Yes, I’d like to emphasize that MedHugs is more than just a nutraceutical brand; it’s a movement toward healthier, more transparent wellness. We’re building a community dedicated to quality, truth, and mutual respect. Our journey is just beginning, and we’re committed to driving meaningful changes in how people approach health and nutrition, one convenient, effective product at a time.
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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As a reminder, please comment on our FDA Citizen Petition, requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference.
If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the VeganMed team!
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