Exactly what was recommended by the Doctor
An accountant by training, Prasanth Manghat understands firsthand that life’s most precious moments are priceless. Through his leadership at NMC Healthcare, he has witnessed remarkable stories: a man overcoming multiple heart surgeries to run a Dubai Marathon, a stroke survivor trekking to Everest Base Camp, and a premature baby thriving against all odds.
All these instances underscore the profound impact we have on our patients’ lives,” emphasizes Prasanth Manghat, CEO and executive director of NMC Healthcare. Transitioning from a career focused on corporate finance metrics, he has embraced the ethos set forth by company founder Dr. BR Shetty: prioritizing patient well-being over financial gains. This philosophy drives NMC Healthcare’s mission to expand access to quality healthcare. Founded in 1975 as a clinic in Abu Dhabi, NMC has grown into a global enterprise spanning 8 countries and 3 continents, delivering comprehensive care services.
Recognized as pioneers in private healthcare in the UAE, Dr. Shetty and Dr. CR Shetty, CEO and group medical director of NMC Healthcare, exemplify a commitment to community service that attracted Prasanth to join in 2003, leaving his role at Kotak Mahindra Finance in India. Since then, under his leadership, NMC has achieved significant milestones, including its landmark listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2012. This strategic move raised £117 million, marking a pivotal shift for the privately-owned company and facilitating extensive infrastructure development across the UAE.
NMC’s growth trajectory has been characterized by strategic acquisitions and capacity-building initiatives, such as establishing Abu Dhabi’s first women’s hospital and expanding into key regions like Dubai Healthcare City and Mohammad Bin Zayed City. These efforts have propelled NMC from a US$550 million entity in 2012 to a US$4.5 billion organization by 2016. Expansion has also extended internationally with acquisitions in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Brazil, and Colombia, further bolstering NMC’s global footprint.
Anticipating challenges and adapting swiftly has been crucial, particularly in navigating regulatory changes impacting acquisitions like Clinica Eugin in Italy. This foresight has not only mitigated risks but also positioned NMC as a leader in specialized healthcare services across the GCC. Looking ahead, NMC Healthcare is poised to capitalize on Dubai’s burgeoning medical tourism sector, leveraging its extensive network and specialized offerings to attract a projected 500,000 annual medical tourists by 2020.
As Prasanth Manghat asserts, while Dubai leads in healthcare tourism, NMC Healthcare is committed to expanding its influence throughout the GCC, cementing its role as a premier healthcare provider in the region.