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The Crown of Coimbatore
His entrepreneur journey kick-started when he set up a six-bed
clinic. Today, he is a proud owner of the 550-bed multi-specialty KG Hospital
Dr Govindaswamy Bakthavathsalam (65)
Chairman, KG Hospital, Coimbatore |
Born on April 5, 1942 in Coimbatore, he did his MBBS from
Madras Medical College and MS from USA.
Before being an entrepreneur
He practised in four hospitals prior to becoming an entrepreneur: Coimbatore
Medical College Hospital, Madras Medical College, Stanley Medical College (Chennai)
and Mt Sinai Hospital, Chicago (USA), as Professor, Assistant Professor and
Associate Surgeon in the Department of General Surgery.
Why an entrepreneur?
He wanted to be an entrepreneur to help others. "I had the determination
to help people to the best of my ability. I always wanted to do something for
the have-nots who struggle to make a living. I always felt that we had plenty
of opportunities and potential in terms of resources be it manpower, natural
resources and capacity. However, very few only come forward to take advantage
of the opportunities available," he states.
The first move
He started venturing on his own in 1974. However, the seeds of entrepreneurship
were sown in the year 1972. "I realised that instead of practising abroad,
I should serve my countrymen to the best of my ability and give them advanced
medical care at affordable cost. With the help of my father, a cotton merchant,
who came up the hard way, I set up a six-bed clinic in the existing premises,
ie No 5, Government Arts College Road, Coimbatore," he says.
Finance was a big problem about three decades ago. Banks and financial institutions
were very reluctant to lend funds. "I, therefore, had to borrow money from
friends and relatives. I also had to pledge my properties and obtain loans from
various sources by paying heavy interest," he shares.
Over the years
Year after year, he increased the bed strength. Side by side, he also saw to
it that he kept pace with the changing times and introduced new specialities—
general medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, nephrology, urology, diabetics,
obstetrics & gynaecology, orthopaedics, ENT, gastroenterology, pulmonology,
cardiology and neurology. As years went by, the hospital was converted into
a multi and super speciality hospital. A new block was built in the year 1990.
KG Hospital is being run by a medical trust— K Govindaswamy Naidu Medical
Trust. The hospital in its pursuit to reach out to the vulnerable sections of
the society has been providing free cataract surgeries, heart surgeries and
dialysis. Concessions are being given to the patients for undergoing diagnostic
tests and treatments on a case-to-case basis.
In only two years after its inception, the hospital became a multi-speciality
with 75 beds specialising in trauma and emergency care, general surgery and
neurosurgery. Then in 1980, KG Brain and Spine hospital was initiated. By 2000,
it became a teaching hospital with recognition from the National Board of Examinations,
New Delhi. “Today, we provide postgraduate training programmes in general
medicine, general surgery, family medicine, orthopaedics, anaesthesiology, ophthalmology,
cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, nephrology and radiology," says he.
By 2002, the hospital was recognised as one of the three hospitals in the state
of Tamil Nadu for performing free cardiac surgeries for the poor.
Contribution to healthcare
"More than two lakh people have received highly subsidised treatments and
undergone surgeries over the years. More than 6,000 dialysis have been done
free of cost for the poor. Out of 5,000 open heart, valve replacement and congenital
deformity surgeries performed by the hospital, over 500 heart surgeries have
been performed free of cost for the poor,” says he.
“KG Hospital has signed an MOU with the Government of Tamil Nadu for a
scheme to save the hearts of poor children, wherein the Government pays the
hospital Rs 30,000 for each patient and the balance amount is borne by K Govindaswamy
Naidu Medical Trust. More than 200 patients have been operated during the last
one year," says he.
Awards
The various awards that he has been conferred with are Padmashri, Dr BC Roy
Award, Seva Ratna Award, Vaidya Ratna Award, Rotary Vocational Excellence Award,
Life Time Achievement Award in Medicine, and distinguished PSG Alumni Award.
Indian Medical Association recently bestowed the 'Chandrayan of Doctors Award'
for his remarkable contribution to the medical community.
Fears & apprehensions
" I had difficulties in getting qualified and experienced doctors. Many
doctors who approached me wanted to join our hospital for getting experience
and then went abroad for further studies. I, therefore, had to select doctors
who would stick to me after they get the requisite experience in my hospital.
This was a very challenging task," he reveals.
Newer diseases and sophisticated medical equipment, including diagnostic equipment,
had to be considered. "I had to keep pace with emerging technology, research
and development taking place in medicine and new ways of treatments to be given
to patients. I had a good team, with whose help I could do the uphill task.
I also had able managers and technicians who always came to my rescue to cope
up with pressing situations," he states.
Overcoming Roadblocks
Retaining talented and experienced manpower was a challenge. This called for
paying increased remuneration and perquisites. "I also had difficulties
in retaining skilled technicians, managers and nurses. However, by properly
motivating them and fulfilling their needs and aspirations, I have been all
along able to drive the boat effectively," he says.
Any formal degree in management?
No. "Today, a number of universities are conducting various courses in
healthcare management, including MBA programmes in healthcare. Definitely such
management degrees add value to the hospital that one works for," he says
Tips for entrepreneurship
“Common sense, specialised knowledge of your field of activity, ability
to get things done, creativity, ability to lead people, self reliance,”
he suggests. “An entrepreneur should know when he should start a venture,
he should look for a big idea and be rational in his approach, he should always
start small and gradually expand. He should have a backup plan in case the plan
fails, quick decision making power,” he adds.
The road ahead
He wants to set-up a cancer hospital, a hospice for the terminally ill and a
hi-tech trauma care hospital for accident victims. He also hopes to start a
Medical College in the future. The Hospital is exploring ways and means to diversify
the heart hospital by adding more super specialties and to introduce stem cell
transplantations for more ailments.
An entrepreneur that he admires in healthcare
Dr Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group
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