One of the most common questions we receive: "How much does it really cost to implement an EMR system in India?"
The answer varies dramatically based on whether you choose a SaaS subscription model or a self-hosted solution like OpenEMR. Let's break down the real costs.
SaaS EMR Costs (Subscription Model)
Popular platforms like Practo Ray, Lybrate, and HealthPlix charge per doctor per month:
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Per Doctor Subscription | ₹1,500 - ₹3,000 | Monthly |
| Setup Fee | ₹5,000 - ₹15,000 | One-time |
| Training | Included (Limited) | - |
| Annual Cost (3 doctors) | ₹54,000 - ₹1,08,000 | Per Year |
| 5 Year Total | ₹2,70,000 - ₹5,40,000 | - |
OpenEMR Implementation Costs (One-Time Setup)
With BMRAO's OpenEMR implementation, you pay once and own the system forever:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OpenEMR Software | ₹0 | Open Source |
| Server Setup & Installation | ₹25,000 - ₹45,000 | One-time |
| Customization & Templates | ₹15,000 - ₹30,000 | Based on requirements |
| Staff Training (On-site) | ₹10,000 - ₹20,000 | Comprehensive |
| Hardware (Optional) | ₹30,000 - ₹60,000 | If you need a server |
| Total Initial Investment | ₹50,000 - ₹1,55,000 | One-time only |
Ongoing Costs
| Service | SaaS EMR | OpenEMR (BMRAO) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | ₹4,500 - ₹9,000 | ₹0 |
| Annual Maintenance (Optional) | Included | ₹12,000 - ₹20,000/year |
| Customization Requests | Extra charges or not possible | Flexible pricing |
Hidden Costs in SaaS Systems
Watch out for these often-overlooked expenses:
- Per-patient charges after crossing monthly limits
- SMS/WhatsApp notification costs
- Extra module fees for billing, inventory, lab integration
- Data export charges if you want to switch providers
- Premium support for faster response times
5-Year Cost Comparison
For a 3-doctor clinic:
| Year | SaaS EMR (Cumulative) | OpenEMR (Cumulative) | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹60,000 | ₹70,000 | -₹10,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹1,20,000 | ₹85,000 | ₹35,000 |
| Year 3 | ₹1,80,000 | ₹1,00,000 | ₹80,000 |
| Year 4 | ₹2,40,000 | ₹1,15,000 | ₹1,25,000 |
| Year 5 | ₹3,00,000 | ₹1,30,000 | ₹1,70,000 |
The Bottom Line
OpenEMR breaks even in 12-18 months. After that, you save ₹50,000+ every year. Plus, you own your data completely.
Get a Free Cost Estimate
Tell us about your clinic and we'll send you a detailed cost breakdown within 24 hours.
Request Custom Quote