Around the globe, 1/3rd of entrepreneurial ventures are run by women entrepreneurs. Due to economic progress, better access to education, urbanization, the spread of liberal and democratic culture and recognition by society, there has been a spurt in women entrepreneurship in India. Gradually but steadily, the world over, women entrepreneurs have emerged as successful entrepreneurs.  

Women-owned businesses enterprises are playing a prominent role in society inspiring others and generating more employment opportunities in the country. The increasing presence of women as entrepreneurs is bringing a lot of change in the business and economic growth of a country. We at Medicircle are conducting the 'Top Women Entrepreneurs of Healthcare Series’ to showcase such inspirational female role models on a revolutionary journey.

Dr. Seema Gupta has over 25 years of experience in managing hospitals which cover a wide spectrum of activities such as Hospital design and planning; Integrated Information Technology with special expertise in Hospital Information Systems; Operational process re-engineering for improved performance in quality, revenue and utilization; Accreditations and other related healthcare areas.

Her roles in recent years have included the Chief Operating Officer (CEO) at Apollo Health & Lifestyle Limited (AHLL -part of Apollo Hospitals web) one of Asia's largest providers in the tertiary, secondary and primary care, diagnostic, pre-hospital and retail healthcare space. As the founder and managing director (MD) of ARYA Hospital Management Consultancy, she has undertaken various assignments such as setting up Global hospitals, a 350-bed tertiary care hospital in Parel, Gudulur Adivasi Hospital, 6 district hospitals in TamilNadu, re- operationalization of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, Amethi, etc

Dr. Seema says, “I began as a private practitioner, Medical Consultant in a reputed hospital. Then I switched to an entrepreneur. My expertise remains in planning and operationalizing new hospitals. I specialize in the areas of quality, accreditation and revenues to any department, unit or clinic. Some of the key consultancy projects were WIPRO, with the Govt of Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. I understood my job better as I turned entrepreneur from a doctor, I have been on both sides. As a doctor, it’s easier to understand the compliance or issues of hospitals. Hospitals have a good representation of women, especially in administrative areas. I established that becoming a women entrepreneur in healthcare is easier than being a women entrepreneur outside of healthcare.

Advantages of being a women entrepreneur

Talking about the advantages of being a women entrepreneur, Dr. Seema speaks, “I think women get extra respect, greater felicitation and more care than what men get. Coming from a two-income family, the choice to become an entrepreneur rather than a salaried person was much easier.”

Challenges and Motivation

Dr. Seema talks, “The risk-taking idea was a bit challenging but it took out the risk of failure. Talking about motivation, appreciation from quality staff, the joy of good struggle and enjoying the work inspires me a lot.”

The love for my work

Dr. Seema adds, “I think it comes from within. If I don’t want it, I will not do it. The love for my work and tremendous family support keeps me going.”

Valuable advice

Dr. Seema advises, "You have one life, you have to live it up. Don't rely on others. Don't multitask, it's a bad idea. Pay attention to what you do and enjoy.”

(Edited by Renu Gupta)