New Delhi : As Dr Naresh Trehan walks into the room dressed in the surgeon’s blue gown and head cap, it is clear there is no higher priority for him than seeing his patients. Time is precious for the doctor who sees an average of 50 patients each day. And until he takes each of his patients through the nuances of the condition, he shows no haste of taking up the next case. Its tireless work but like a good doctor, Dr Trehan wears a disarming smile that heal patients as he gets ready for a comprehensive discussion.
Expanding quality healthcare to India’s underserved and rural populations is not just a strategic objective—it is a moral imperative, emphasised Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta Hospital, during an exclusive interaction with ETHealthworld. Counted as India’s foremost cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Trehan underscored the importance of sustained public-private collaboration to bridge healthcare gaps, reduce disparities, and foster a more inclusive, trust-driven system.
When questioned about how private healthcare in India is often perceived as expensive, and Medanta is known for its world-class, five-star healthcare facilities, how does the organisation ensure that high-quality care remains affordable for a wider population while maintaining financial sustainability?
Dr Trehan said, “So what we are doing is basically making smaller margins on a large population that we serve. We have a large volume, low margin model so that you actually end up justifying the investments that are being made to create facilities like this, which are very expensive, but at the same time, the individual burden becomes less.”
Answering a question on the perception that private healthcare is expensive and lacks adequate regulation, and what steps the government should take to enhance trust while ensuring fair pricing—with next-generation therapies like advanced genetic sequencing and high-cost treatments—how do we strike a balance between making cutting-edge treatments more accessible and fostering continued innovation in healthcare?
Dr Trehan said, “When a new drug or breakthrough treatment, like a novel cancer injection, is developed, the process involves extensive research and development (R&D), which is both time-consuming and highly expensive. Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in this, but not all drugs make it to market—many fail during trials. As a result, once a drug is successfully approved by the FDA, companies seek to recover their investment by pricing it high.”
“In India, this price gap becomes even more pronounced due to currency exchange rates—what costs a dollar abroad translates to 80 or 90 rupees here. This creates a significant affordability challenge, making it difficult for patients to access the latest treatments,” he added.
“The only way to bridge this gap is by transforming India into a global hub for innovation—just as China did 20–25 years ago. China systematically built its capabilities to become a world-class innovator, and India has a similar opportunity today. We have already demonstrated strength in AI and generic drugs, but historically, Indian companies have focused more on manufacturing copycat (generic) drugs rather than investing in developing new molecules. However, this is now beginning to change,” Dr Trehan stated.
Additionally, he informed that India is a powerhouse in IT—nearly 70 per cent of global IT innovation is linked to Indian talent. Yet, we haven’t invested enough in translating that expertise into tangible healthcare products. This is precisely where India needs to step up, and it aligns with the government’s vision—initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and various Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are designed to encourage domestic innovation.
With the right focus and investment, India is well-positioned to play a leading role on the global innovation stage.
Reaching the Underserved: A Moral Imperative
Informing that reaching India’s underserved and rural communities is not merely a business strategy—it is a moral responsibility—Dr Trehan said the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the power of public-private collaboration in healthcare delivery. Similar coordination is essential to expand access, reduce disparities, and build a trust-based ecosystem.
While private healthcare is often viewed as costly, it’s important to understand the significant infrastructure, technology, and human resource investments involved. Even government-run high-end medical services carry substantial costs. Thus, sustainable healthcare requires balancing quality, affordability, and cost-efficiency.
Government programs like Ayushman Bharat, which recently expanded to cover senior citizens over 70 years old, are positive steps toward inclusive healthcare. However, delayed payments to private providers participating in such schemes continue to be a pain point, impacting service delivery. Streamlining reimbursements can ensure smoother operations and better patient care.
The Healthcare Workforce: Bridging the Quality Gap
Adding that India faces a notable shortage of trained healthcare professionals, Dr Trehan said, “Although the number of medical and technical institutions is growing, maintaining quality education and hands-on training remains crucial. Every healthcare professional, from doctors to technicians, plays a vital role in patient outcomes. As such, supplementing academic learning with rigorous on-the-job training is essential.”
He added that institutions that emphasize strong induction programs and a culture of zero tolerance for error can help maintain high standards. This approach not only bridges the supply-demand gap but also ensures that patients receive safe, effective, and consistent care.
“India’s healthcare sector is seeing rising interest, partly fueled by government schemes that have widened the healthcare safety net. However, healthcare must not be viewed solely as a business opportunity. As the adage goes: Good medicine will yield good returns, but good business alone will not create good medicine,” Dr Trehan said.
He also indicated that entrepreneurs entering the sector should be driven by a passion for healing, not profit. Quality care must remain the top priority, with financial viability as a natural outcome of excellence and integrity.
Medical Device Tariffs and Global Trade Dynamics
Talking about medical device tariffs, Dr Trehan said, “Global trade dynamics, including reciprocal tariffs on medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, present both challenges and opportunities. While India may not be a major exporter of med-tech to the West, its pharmaceutical sector is vulnerable to such shifts. Navigating this new global order requires adaptability, innovation, and competitiveness.”
“India’s demographic advantage—its large pool of bright, young minds—can become its biggest asset. By nurturing talent, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation, India can emerge not just as a participant, but a leader in the global healthcare landscape,” he added.
Dr Trehan shared that India’s healthcare transformation is underway, but to realise the full potential of equitable, affordable, and high-quality care, the public and private sectors must work hand in hand. The focus must extend beyond infrastructure to technology, talent, and trust. With sustained investment and vision, India is poised to become a global healthcare powerhouse—delivering care that is innovative, inclusive, and world-class.
