“There is a huge scope of work in the field of health sector especially Oncology as when it comes to Cancer, it kills people from inside predominantly because of the huge cost incurred in treatment. Also, there is a misconception that all Cancers are fatal, the fact is it can get cured if detected at an early stage,” said Deepti Sharma Joshi who has had worked with Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited for over 23 years as their marketing head. She is associated with the wellness sector for over decades.

Deepti is a multifaceted person. She is an entrepreneur having ventured into a healthcare startup – Hindmed Healthcare Private Limited, along with her partner. “We wanted to start under the ‘Make In India’ project and the ‘Hindmed’ name in itself is significant. We had a tough time in finding the name but thank God we got it registered. I must compliment Government for providing enough support under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME). Hindmed Healthcare Private Limited registered under the Government e Marketplace (GEM) portal. She is also the spokesperson for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and takes active participation in party activities.

However, her “core field” is Oncology. She said, there are predominantly three ways how we can cure Cancer patients – (1) Medical Oncology, which comprises Chemo therapy. (2) Surgical Oncology (3) Radiation Oncology, where radiation is given to the patients. “Under the ‘Make In India’, we have made radiation oncology more comfortable. Previously, patients were to be inside the machines for 13 to 14 minutes. The gallantry size being small they would suffer from claustrophobia. The recent machines have 150 gallantry size and patients are kept only for three minutes as excessive radiation can also be dangerous,” added Deepti.

“Health tourism is the ‘buzz word’ today, there is a huge prospect in this field. Many patients from outside India come to our country for treatment. Poviding proper information can be a huge industry in itself as this is what they require – arranging their stay, procuring appointments from their doctors and helping them with their work as long as they are here. In short, to become their support base”, informed Deepti who had been herself associated with Medical tourism since long. However, she agreed that some unscrupulous vested interests have tarnished the profession as they are mere touts and would not hesitate to exploit the patients. “There are many agents or touts thronging railway stations, airports, and even hospitals who harass the patients. I have myself been vocal on this subject”, she said. She has taken the teams to various countries across the globe.

Staying with the health and wellness sector, Deepti agreed that once again COVID is spreading its uncanny paws with growing number of cases across India. However, Union Health Ministry is doing its best to combat the situation and is keeping an eye on the developments. Deepti said, “Things are shaping once again for the worst but there is no need to be scared at this moment. Yes, we should take precautions. Our Health department is alert.” She requested all to follow the COVID protocols and not to panic. “Please go to a doctor if you feel uneasy but abstain from self-medication as it spoils the entire mechanism. Please don’t do that,” said Deepti.

Deepti is also going to organise a health summit on July 5, 6, & 7 this year in Nairobi, Africa where over 48 countries will be participating and discussing various aspects of treatments apart from conducting healthcare camps and treating the patients especially those who cannot afford good treatment being one of the poor countries in the world. “I am quite excited about the summit and look forward to have interactions with the people from medical fraternity across 48 countries”, smiled Deepti.