Devi Shetty

Dr Edmond Fernandes and Dr Devi Shetty in Bengaluru

Devi Shetty is an eminent Indian cardiac surgeon and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the field of cardiology and healthcare in India. Born on May 8, 1953, in Kinnigoli, Mangalore, Karnataka, Dr. Shetty has been instrumental in making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to the masses. He is the founder of Narayana Health, a chain of multi-specialty hospitals in India, which is recognized for its high-quality care at low costs.

Early Life and Education

Devi Shetty completed his primary education in his hometown before moving to Mangalore for his higher education. He earned his graduate degree in Medicine (MBBS) from Kasturba Medical College, part of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka. Following his graduation, he trained in General Surgery and subsequently in Cardiac Surgery, obtaining his Master's degree (MS) in General Surgery from Kasturba Medical College and his super specialty qualification (MCh) in Thoracic Surgery from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

Career

After completing his education, Dr. Shetty worked at the Guy's Hospital in London, United Kingdom, where he honed his skills in cardiac surgery. Upon returning to India, he initially worked at the B.M. Birla Hospital in Kolkata. His vision of providing affordable healthcare led him to establish the Narayana Hrudayalaya (now Narayana Health) in Bangalore in 2001. Under his leadership, Narayana Health has grown to include over 20 hospitals across India, becoming one of the largest healthcare providers in the country.

Dr. Shetty is known for his pioneering work in making cardiac surgery affordable for the masses and for introducing economies of scale in healthcare. He has been a strong advocate for health insurance policies that are accessible to the poor, leading to the creation of micro-health insurance schemes.

Contributions and Achievements

Devi Shetty has performed over 15,000 heart surgeries and has made significant contributions to the field of cardiac care, including the establishment of telemedicine services in India, which have helped in providing timely medical advice to patients in remote areas. His efforts in healthcare innovation have been recognized globally, earning him several awards and honors, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, two of India's highest civilian awards.

Philosophy and Impact

Dr. Shetty believes that the cost of healthcare can be reduced significantly without compromising on quality through economies of scale, efficient use of technology, and innovative healthcare delivery models. His work has not only impacted the lives of millions in India but has also inspired healthcare reforms in other countries.

Personal Life

Devi Shetty is married and has four children. He continues to live in Bangalore, where he is actively involved in the operations of Narayana Health and in various philanthropic activities aimed at improving healthcare accessibility.

See Also

• Cardiology
• Healthcare in India
• Narayana Health