Dr Priyabrata Dhir : Setting New Benchmarks In Odisha's Healthcare Landscape With A Healing Touch
Dr Priyabrata Dhir
Founder & Chairman
Under the aegis of its Founder & Chairman, Dr Priyabrata Dhir, Sparsh Healthcare has become an epitome of healthcare excellence in Odisha, constantly endeavoring to enhance healthcare services while offering world-class quality care. From expanding its services to remote areas to integrating cutting edge technology into its healthcare solutions, Sparsh Healthcare's achievements are a reflection of the collective effort and vision of the company and the founder.
Residing with the existing bed strength, Sparsh Group of Hospitals intends to expand its wings and reach more people with the addition of a few more units. This will fuel Sparsh Healthcare's vision of reaching more people and imparting empathetic, patient-centric and quality healthcare. Furthermore, Sparsh Healthcare also has a blueprint ready to expand its educational institutes with a highly advanced learning environment and training facilities designed to nurture competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.
A few new pharmacies are also in the pipeline, widening convenient access to world-class medicines and healthcare products. As Sparsh Healthcare continues to thrive, CEO Insights recently interviewed Dr Dhir to explore his professional journey, the latest endeavors of Sparsh Healthcare and his vision for the future of Odisha’s healthcare landscape. Below is an excerpt from the interview.
Given your extensive experience spanning over two decades, could you share insights into your journey to success? What has been your success mantra?
There are no shortcuts to success. Since the inception of Sparsh Healthcare in 2007, my guiding principle has been “Service to mankind is service to Almighty”. This focus, coupled with ethical practices and teamwork, has been the core of my approach from day one. I
believe that whatever I do must be ethically correct, and I strive to exhibit leadership qualities that ensure my team is always with me.
Starting with just seven people, it now employs more than 800 people and is a trusted home of healthcare for the whole of Odisha and neighboring states. This growth is a testament to the fact that healthcare is fundamentally about serving humanity.
Over the past two decades, you have experienced the technological revolution in the healthcare industry. How do you leverage the technology advantage today?
The advancements in technology, particularly AI systems, have significantly impacted the healthcare industry. For instance, over the past 18 years, we transitioned from manual record-keeping to Electronic Health Records (EHR), which has greatly benefited us by providing detailed patient histories, including treatments, diagnoses, and lab reports.
Another example is our telemedicine platform, which offers extensive access to patients and enables our clinical team to manage remotely. We are also applying remote monitoring tools, such as wearable devices, which provide valuable information on patient’s disease status. These technologies are now integral to our hospital operations, enhancing patient care, treatment, and diagnosis. Embracing these technological advancements is essential for us to continue improving our services.
What are the current challenges preventing individuals from making healthy lifestyle choices? How do you strive to mitigate this environment?
Making the right lifestyle choices can be challenging due to several factors. Many people struggle to find time for healthy activities such as exercise, proper dietary planning, and adequate sleep. Busy schedules, family responsibilities, social commitments, and other obligations often contribute to this difficulty. It is essential to find quality time for oneself, family, and friends to achieve overall wellness.
To address these challenges, we offer a range of wellness programs alongside traditional clinical treatments. These include awareness programs, mental health initiatives, lifestyle development workshops, and Yogic therapy. Educating individuals about nutrition and providing mental health support systems are crucial components of these efforts. By creating a safe environment and helping people understand the value of life, we aim to promote better lifestyle choices. Our awareness programs focus on various aspects of health and wellness, guiding individuals toward healthier living.
Tell us about your leadership approach and the key guidelines or methodo-logies you adhere to as a
Starting with just seven people, it now employs more than 800 people and is a trusted home of healthcare for the whole of Odisha and neighboring states. This growth is a testament to the fact that healthcare is fundamentally about serving humanity.
Over the past two decades, you have experienced the technological revolution in the healthcare industry. How do you leverage the technology advantage today?
The advancements in technology, particularly AI systems, have significantly impacted the healthcare industry. For instance, over the past 18 years, we transitioned from manual record-keeping to Electronic Health Records (EHR), which has greatly benefited us by providing detailed patient histories, including treatments, diagnoses, and lab reports.
Another example is our telemedicine platform, which offers extensive access to patients and enables our clinical team to manage remotely. We are also applying remote monitoring tools, such as wearable devices, which provide valuable information on patient’s disease status. These technologies are now integral to our hospital operations, enhancing patient care, treatment, and diagnosis. Embracing these technological advancements is essential for us to continue improving our services.
The success mantra lies in building longterm relationships and effec-tive communication
What are the current challenges preventing individuals from making healthy lifestyle choices? How do you strive to mitigate this environment?
Making the right lifestyle choices can be challenging due to several factors. Many people struggle to find time for healthy activities such as exercise, proper dietary planning, and adequate sleep. Busy schedules, family responsibilities, social commitments, and other obligations often contribute to this difficulty. It is essential to find quality time for oneself, family, and friends to achieve overall wellness.
To address these challenges, we offer a range of wellness programs alongside traditional clinical treatments. These include awareness programs, mental health initiatives, lifestyle development workshops, and Yogic therapy. Educating individuals about nutrition and providing mental health support systems are crucial components of these efforts. By creating a safe environment and helping people understand the value of life, we aim to promote better lifestyle choices. Our awareness programs focus on various aspects of health and wellness, guiding individuals toward healthier living.
Tell us about your leadership approach and the key guidelines or methodo-logies you adhere to as a
leader.
My guiding principles are integrity and loyalty. These values are essential in both personal and professional life. Additionally, being employee-friendly is crucial. I believe in the culture of open communication at work place. A leader must understand the needs of their colleagues and staff, maintaining a democratic and participative leadership approach.
Creating a strong bond between employer and employee is vital, much like the bond our parents fostered. By fostering a family-like environment to our patients, we ensure that they are in a place where ethics and emotional connections matter, not just finances. This approach helps us build faith and confidence in our services. This is my humble message to the society as well.
On the other hand, a healthcare leader needs to be abreast of the dynamic compliance and other industry trends. How do you ensure this?
Staying up-to-date is crucial in the healthcare industry. This involves keeping abreast of the latest publications, participating in roundtable discussions and attending numerous Continuous Medical Education (CME) check spacing activities help us stay updated on new research and advancements.
Additionally, it is essential to stay abreast with government regulations and statutory compliances. Starting a new hospital today requires several approvals, each with its own set of compliance & requirements. Technology & community connect plays a significant role in managing these updates and ensuring that we remain compliant with all necessary regulations.
With your extensive experience in the healthcare industry, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in this field?
My advice remains consistent, which is to ‘always be honest with yourself, your colleagues, and your patients’. Avoid shortcuts, as they rarely lead to true success. The success mantra lies in building long term relationships and effective communication. Additionally, the blessings of parents and divine support play a significant role. Remember, even those who dream big can achieve their dreams with perseverance and integrity.
Priyabrata Dhir, Founder & Chairman, Sparsh Healthcare
A medical graduate (MBBS) from the College of Medical Science, Nepal, Dr Dhir kick-started his career from OPSC to various acclaimed hospitals across India and out of India. By establishing Sparsh Group of Hospitals, he set off on an amazing journey of empathetic healthcare, providing Odisha with world class healthcare facilities and continuous growth.
•Hobbies: Traveling, Savoring Different Cuisines, Playing Cricket, and Spending time with his pet Horses and Dogs.
•Favorite Cuisines: Odia traditional Food and Biriyani
•Favorite Travel Destinations: Jagannath Dham in Puri and Kathmandu
•Favorite Books: The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck and The Bhagavad Gita.
My guiding principles are integrity and loyalty. These values are essential in both personal and professional life. Additionally, being employee-friendly is crucial. I believe in the culture of open communication at work place. A leader must understand the needs of their colleagues and staff, maintaining a democratic and participative leadership approach.
Creating a strong bond between employer and employee is vital, much like the bond our parents fostered. By fostering a family-like environment to our patients, we ensure that they are in a place where ethics and emotional connections matter, not just finances. This approach helps us build faith and confidence in our services. This is my humble message to the society as well.
On the other hand, a healthcare leader needs to be abreast of the dynamic compliance and other industry trends. How do you ensure this?
Staying up-to-date is crucial in the healthcare industry. This involves keeping abreast of the latest publications, participating in roundtable discussions and attending numerous Continuous Medical Education (CME) check spacing activities help us stay updated on new research and advancements.
Additionally, it is essential to stay abreast with government regulations and statutory compliances. Starting a new hospital today requires several approvals, each with its own set of compliance & requirements. Technology & community connect plays a significant role in managing these updates and ensuring that we remain compliant with all necessary regulations.
With your extensive experience in the healthcare industry, what advice would you offer to emerging leaders in this field?
My advice remains consistent, which is to ‘always be honest with yourself, your colleagues, and your patients’. Avoid shortcuts, as they rarely lead to true success. The success mantra lies in building long term relationships and effective communication. Additionally, the blessings of parents and divine support play a significant role. Remember, even those who dream big can achieve their dreams with perseverance and integrity.
Priyabrata Dhir, Founder & Chairman, Sparsh Healthcare
A medical graduate (MBBS) from the College of Medical Science, Nepal, Dr Dhir kick-started his career from OPSC to various acclaimed hospitals across India and out of India. By establishing Sparsh Group of Hospitals, he set off on an amazing journey of empathetic healthcare, providing Odisha with world class healthcare facilities and continuous growth.
•Hobbies: Traveling, Savoring Different Cuisines, Playing Cricket, and Spending time with his pet Horses and Dogs.
•Favorite Cuisines: Odia traditional Food and Biriyani
•Favorite Travel Destinations: Jagannath Dham in Puri and Kathmandu
•Favorite Books: The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck and The Bhagavad Gita.