In a compelling call to action, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta Hospitals, has underscored that providing quality healthcare to India’s underserved and rural populations is not just a developmental goal but a moral imperative. His vision centers on equity, compassion, and innovation as the pillars of a truly inclusive healthcare system.

Healthcare with Heart and Purpose
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Dr. Trehan dismantled the notion that private healthcare is inherently profit-driven. Instead, he presented Medanta’s operating model as one of “small margins, high volumes,” enabling access to world-class treatment without overburdening patients financially. “When you operate on scale with integrity, you can afford to serve, not just survive,” he noted.

Innovation as a National Duty
With medical innovation driving up global healthcare costs, Dr. Trehan believes India can and must lead a revolution. “We have the minds, the IT infrastructure, and the generic drug industry to become a global innovation hub,” he emphasized. He called for investment in indigenous R&D that makes advanced treatments more affordable and accessible, not just for India but for the world.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Healthcare Divide
Dr. Trehan passionately argued that bridging the rural-urban healthcare gap is the duty of both public and private sectors. Through partnerships, outreach programs, and digital health platforms, he believes the industry can build “a trust-based healthcare ecosystem” that leaves no one behind. Programs like Ayushman Bharat, he noted, are important steps but must be strengthened with timely reimbursements and greater collaboration.

People, Not Just Infrastructure
Pointing to the acute shortage of trained healthcare workers in India, Dr. Trehan highlighted the need for a parallel focus on people and infrastructure. “We must ensure quality education and rigorous in-service training,” he said. “Machines can support care, but only people can deliver it.”

Reimagining Healthcare Entrepreneurship
In his closing remarks, Dr. Trehan cautioned against a purely commercial view of healthcare. “This is not just an industry—it’s a calling. If you’re here only to make money, you’re in the wrong business. Healing comes first.”

From operating tables to policy roundtables, Dr. Trehan continues to shape the future of Indian healthcare with both precision and purpose. His vision is not just to build hospitals—but to build a healthier, more humane India.