Paytm Launches ‘Health Saathi’ for Merchants with Affordable Healthcare & Income Protection

Paytm (One 97 Communications) has launched ‘Health Saathi’, a low-cost healthcare and income protection plan for its merchant partners via the Paytm for Business app. Priced at just ₹35/month, it offers unlimited teleconsultations (via MediBuddy), in-person doctor visits, pharmacy and diagnostic test discounts, and coverage for income loss due to accidents, natural disasters, or strikes. After a successful pilot with 3,000+ merchants, Paytm has rolled out the plan nationwide, reinforcing its support for small businesses. The initiative strengthens merchant loyalty by addressing health and financial security—key concerns for micro-entrepreneurs—while expanding Paytm’s role beyond payments into holistic merchant welfare. Would this prompt a wider acceptance of welfare by other players or this will create a niche for PayTm? Only time will tell.