Dr. Pankaj Dawar
Director- Spine & Neurosurgery
Timing is one factor that is of paramount importance not only in neurosciences but in any medical field, viz timely address to a problem by a specialist, decision making and timely intervention can make big changes in outcome and reduce morbidity, mortality, complications and ultimately reducing burden on the family and healthcare sector of the country. These are simple and small steps on which INSI is working day in and day out to bring the best and quality services in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Under Dr. Pankaj’s guidance, INSI is aiming to reach for greater heights and be a beacon of hope for more patients.
In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights, Dr. Pankaj shares more insights into his journey of becoming a game changer in the Indian healthcare industry.
What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?
Hailing from a small town and studying in big institutes like BHU and AIIMS, I have seen that most people in Tier-II and Tier-III cities have to travel to Tier-I cities for medical needs. The primary reason behind that includes a lack of good healthcare infrastructure, professionals, and hygienic facilities, especially in Tier-III cities.
Long distance travel and waiting for hours to get treatment is counter intuitive to the thought that primary healthcare is a fundamental right of every Indian. While studying and working at AIIMS, I saw a lot of unnecessary load on AIIMS because even the simple things are not managed well in the periphery and when they get complicated, they are referred to tertiary centers. I always wondered what I can do to offload AIIMS and other similar institutions. After spending more than 12+ years in Delhi/NCR, I moved to Uttarakhand to do my part of the contribution and provide healthcare where it is needed the most, which became the core driving force behind my professional journey so far.
How has been your path to success and what is your success mantra?
My path has not been easy, hailing from a small town in Uttarakhand with a humble family background my idea of education was to learn from the premiere universities and bring about change in society.
Having done graduation and post graduation from BHU, I am one of the few in the country to do MCh Neurosurgery from esteemed AIIMS Delhi and probably the first from my home state till date. After completing Neurosurgery from AIIMS, I further enhanced my experience and clinico surgical skills, and have successfully operated varied difficult & complex cases in the neurosurgery spectrum
What is the motivation that fuels your daily routines?
Hailing from a small town and studying in big institutes like BHU and AIIMS, I have seen that most people in Tier-II and Tier-III cities have to travel to Tier-I cities for medical needs. The primary reason behind that includes a lack of good healthcare infrastructure, professionals, and hygienic facilities, especially in Tier-III cities.
Don’t run for success and keep doing the good work with perseverance and discipline in your life
Long distance travel and waiting for hours to get treatment is counter intuitive to the thought that primary healthcare is a fundamental right of every Indian. While studying and working at AIIMS, I saw a lot of unnecessary load on AIIMS because even the simple things are not managed well in the periphery and when they get complicated, they are referred to tertiary centers. I always wondered what I can do to offload AIIMS and other similar institutions. After spending more than 12+ years in Delhi/NCR, I moved to Uttarakhand to do my part of the contribution and provide healthcare where it is needed the most, which became the core driving force behind my professional journey so far.
How has been your path to success and what is your success mantra?
My path has not been easy, hailing from a small town in Uttarakhand with a humble family background my idea of education was to learn from the premiere universities and bring about change in society.
Having done graduation and post graduation from BHU, I am one of the few in the country to do MCh Neurosurgery from esteemed AIIMS Delhi and probably the first from my home state till date. After completing Neurosurgery from AIIMS, I further enhanced my experience and clinico surgical skills, and have successfully operated varied difficult & complex cases in the neurosurgery spectrum
in Delhi NCR and internationally. Having tasted a reasonable amount of success, fame, and satisfaction, the constant thought of bringing the change where it is desired most and serving the community made me leave the luxury of metropolitan and serve my home state where high-quality infrastructure and skills are lacking and good healthcare services are needed the most. My success mantra is Don’t run for success and keep doing the good work with perseverance and discipline in your life. Contribute to society and name fame and money will follow you.
Could you tell us about the unique experiences AIIMS offers?
No other institute in India is at par with AIIMS in terms of volume load yet delivering quality and excellence. What I have learnt uniquely from AIIMS is, saying yes I can do it, in most difficult cases, not to refuse or refer, striving to give your best, having faith in yourself that you are giving the best whatever can be done, and never give up attitude in most difficult circumstances. Other than academics, there is a lot to learn. You learn discipline, ethics, dedication, devotion, decision-making, integrity, responsibility, sacrifice, passion, respect, quality, and the list is endless.
What advice would you give to the upcoming healthcare industry leaders?
There are a lot of gaps in the Indian healthcare sector and services especially when it comes to peripheries or non-metropolitan cities. We don't have a lot of specialist doctors when compared to the number of patients. I believe that there is a need for more specialist doctors in these areas. The next decade will see a lot of transformation in the healthcare sector in these areas and the upcoming healthcare leaders should see to fulfill those gaps and voids. There is no dearth of opportunities in these areas and we all together can make a big difference.
Dr. Pankaj Dawar, Director, Spine & Neurosurgery, Infinity Neurosciences India LLP
Dr. Pankaj has a unique vision to provide last mile quality healthcare across all states. Over the years, he has also been able to expand his services to Rudrapur and Haldwani in Uttrakhand, and has recently entered the Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh.
Could you tell us about the unique experiences AIIMS offers?
No other institute in India is at par with AIIMS in terms of volume load yet delivering quality and excellence. What I have learnt uniquely from AIIMS is, saying yes I can do it, in most difficult cases, not to refuse or refer, striving to give your best, having faith in yourself that you are giving the best whatever can be done, and never give up attitude in most difficult circumstances. Other than academics, there is a lot to learn. You learn discipline, ethics, dedication, devotion, decision-making, integrity, responsibility, sacrifice, passion, respect, quality, and the list is endless.
What advice would you give to the upcoming healthcare industry leaders?
There are a lot of gaps in the Indian healthcare sector and services especially when it comes to peripheries or non-metropolitan cities. We don't have a lot of specialist doctors when compared to the number of patients. I believe that there is a need for more specialist doctors in these areas. The next decade will see a lot of transformation in the healthcare sector in these areas and the upcoming healthcare leaders should see to fulfill those gaps and voids. There is no dearth of opportunities in these areas and we all together can make a big difference.
Dr. Pankaj Dawar, Director, Spine & Neurosurgery, Infinity Neurosciences India LLP
Dr. Pankaj has a unique vision to provide last mile quality healthcare across all states. Over the years, he has also been able to expand his services to Rudrapur and Haldwani in Uttrakhand, and has recently entered the Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh.