Started off as India’s first female urination device, Pee Buddy, Sirona and I-Clean are few of Deep Bajaj’s contributions which make a difference in women’s life
Text: Shalet James Photos: Pee-Buddy
According to a recent survey, 60% of India’s population does not have access to safe and private toilets. Using unhygienic toilets in public places has become one of the major reasons for women contracting urinary tract infections and renal ailments. Every woman encounters these issues in everyday life, and most of us have thought at least once: ‘I wish I could pee while standing. ‘ Initiation It was the timely intervention of Deep Bajaj that brought a sigh of relief from many women facing similar issues. In 2014, Deep Bajaj launched Pee-Buddy – India’s first female urination device using which women could stand up and pee even in the dirty common toilets, and avert the risk of contracting infections. A road trip with friends and family members helped Deep come up with this revolutionary product for women. “We were travelling on a highway and the women who were with us were very restless. They made me stop at every fuel station hunting for a decent toilet. After visiting about five to six stations, the ladies found a restroom in usable condition. One of the women in the group stated that while she was abroad, she had access to reusable plastic funnels that could be used to urinate,” said Deep.
Pee Buddy was founded by Deep Bajaj, his brother Mohit Bajaj and their friend Rahul Anand. After a lot of research on the product, they decided to introduce Pee-Buddy in the market and help liberate women from the usual hassles of travelling. Pee-Buddy is country’s first female urination device that helps women to stand and pee even in dirty toilets, averting the risks of contracting infections. Liberation indeed! “We got the design patent for Pee-Buddy in 2015. Pee – Buddy is of great use for pregnant women and for those suffering from posture-related issues, age related issues and arthritis. Though we faced difficulties in marketing the product, gradually people realized the benefits of the device. The products come in packs of 5, 10 and 20 priced at Rs 120, Rs 200 and Rs 375 respectively,” adds Deep.
Setting up a spark
With an aim to enhance women’s hygiene and quality of life, the Delhi based company – Pee Buddy is on a constant move to develop intimate care products for women across the country. Soon after the Pee Buddy was recognized among women, the trio started to explore other challenges that women face in their daily life. The next issue that bothered Deep was the period cramps that his wife had to undergo every month. “Most women can hardly bare period pains. Women prefer to have tablets and abate their pain, even if they know about the toll it could take on their health. After discussing with my wife, I thought of introducing something harmless that could help women relieve their pain during their periods. I reached out to a few experts and realized we can solve the problem using natural remedies. Menthol and eucalyptus have many medicinal properties that could decrease menstrual cramps,” added Deep.
When asked whether he is a feminist, he smiles and says, “I am a person who can identify with the problems faced by women. I have a four year old daughter; I love my wife and my mother, I know the issues they face in day to day life. So, I would like to be called a humanist rather than a ‘feminist.’ What makes me different is the work I do for womenfolk by helping them lead a stress free life.”
Creating Market Space
Though initially the major pharmacies and stores were reluctant to retail their products, slowly they began to conquer the markets. As soon as the Pee-Buddy began eliciting positive responses from the users, Deep thought of venturing into other products too. After research, a prototype was created and repeatedly tested under the supervision of gynecologists until they were finally ready to launch the product. Thus, India’s first herbal pain relief patch – Sirona Herbal Pain Relief Patch’ which hit the markets in December, 2016.
“Sirona patch contains menthol which dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation in the abdomen or any other applied area, thus relieving pain. Eucalyptus oil helps relieve cramps and improves muscle mobility. Apply one patch from the pack on affected area and give it five to seven minutes to start working its charm. Once done, peel it off like you would a band-aid.” explained Deep.
Gaining a foothold
The company has eight other products to their credit. Their products which include India’s first oxo bio degradable sanitary disposal bags solving lack of options for discreet disposal of sanitary products including pads, tampons, panty liners, intimate wet wipes, an FDA approved applicator tampon; and under arm sweat pads, for avoiding sweat mark related embarrassment are sold through out leading stores across India. They
Recently entering in LIMCA book of World Records, the company has also tied up with leading marathons like Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, TCS Bangalore Marathon, Airtel Delhi Marathon, where Pee Buddy was and distributed complimentary to women every season. Today, their products are sold via major e-commerce portals like Flipkart, Amazon and Snap deal and are being retailed at Modern Bazaar, Mom & Me, NewU and Religare.
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