Page 79 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 7 | October - November 2024

Patients from
around the
world are now

looking for the
most experienced
doctors, the best

service possible,
and a full, patient-
centric journey

The second part of my job is working closely with companies
who want to take care of their employees’ healthcare, and we
ensure that we provide them with the quality we’re known
for, and ease of access to our doctors and services.
Another critical aspect of healthcare evolution is the service aspect
Having worked as an Operations Manager at Vaidam and gaining understanding of your patient. This is something we
and in other healthcare organisations, what are the key take great pride in; we have an array of systems to ensure that
challenges in managing healthcare systems, and how do you our patients are taken care of. More importantly, we believe in
prioritise patient experience while ensuring the efficiency quality. If there is any accreditation from a healthcare point of view,
of operations? we’re usually the first one in Thailand or Southeast Asia to gain it.
The moment someone decides to visit the hospital, their
healthcare journey has started, so we need to ensure we’re The advancement of technology and innovation is very important
accessible to them and understand their requirements. The to remain a strong player in this field; side by side with experienced
patient has to be at the centre of the entire journey from doctors, in whom we also continuously invest. For example,
beginning to end. genomics is now gaining traction, which helps with both
diagnostics and preventative care – cancer and heart disease
There are numerous challenges we face – for example, screenings, and more – and this allows people to proactively
there are so many new diseases being discovered daily, and screen for any genetic diseases they and their family may have.
patients now have access to a wealth of information, much of Your genes don’t change, and soon, I believe this will be everyone’s
which isn’t always helpful or accurate. We always encourage medical ID. Digital transformation is also huge now, not just
patients to trust their doctors, as at the end of the day, the by going paperless, which we’re doing, but in integrating AI in
medical choices are down to the doctor’s experience and diagnostics and treatment.
understanding. Another challenge that we’ve addressed
very well is catering to the needs of patients from different Finally, do you have any advice to those hoping to make an
cultures. We’ve had patients from over 190 countries visit us, impact in the local and international healthcare arena, and
and understanding their unique culture and needs – such as how they can balance working in such a rigorous field with a
the food they require, or how they interact with their doctors healthy personal and family life? What do you do that helps
– is very important. you in that balance?
I’d say, just go for it – there’s a lot of scope in this space and so
With experience across India and Thailand, how do you see many opportunities which are yet unexplored. Be ready to explore
international healthcare systems evolving, and what role and be ready to learn and unlearn. Keeping a balanced life is
do you see Bumrungrad International Hospital playing very important; the more balanced your life is, the better you’ll
in that evolution? do. Explore, network, learn, and keep reading. Personally, I love
While healthcare is always evolving, what’s great is that we as reading – both fiction and self-help and informational books;
a hospital have always looked to the future to predict patient learning is very important to me. I also love travelling. You have
needs. During a time where people preferred going to Western to remember that it’s important to keep
countries for treatment, the hospital was one of the first to that balance even in the little things. For VIEW VIDEO:
start medical-value travel to this part of the world. We’ve also example, eat clean meals, but a few cheat
forecasted the importance of healthcare systems to be more days is ok! Overall, compartmentalise
about all-around wellness, and we’ve pioneered a lot of new your life – personal, professional, and
systems to replace ones that weren’t working anymore. ‘me’ time, and you’ll see the difference.

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