CEO Insights Magazine

Management professionals are indispensable in the healthcare sector. Ensuring the efficient and effective operation of healthcare facilities, they oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and strategic planning, which are essential for maintaining quality patient care. Healthcare managers also navigate complex regulations and compliance, fostering a safe and ethical environment. Their expertise in optimizing workflows, enhancing patient experiences, and promoting cost-effectiveness helps healthcare organizations thrive. In an industry where precision and patient well-being are paramount, the importance of skilled management professionals cannot be overstated, as they contribute to better healthcare outcomes and improved overall health system performance.

Mani Muthu is one such visionary driven by a passion for effective healthcare management. With nearly 26 years of experience, he initiated his journey with a master's in hospital management, evolving through pivotal roles at institutions like Dr. Mehta Hospital, Aravind Eye Hospital, Park Hospital, Vivus Group, SKS Hospitals, and VKNRL Hospital. As CEO of Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, he has driven substantial growth, making it an oncology leader. Mani's leadership focuses on growth strategies, established development plans for consultants and the specialty, meticulous planning, quality improvement, and outcome-oriented objectives.

In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights, Mani Muthu shared more about his professional traits and his unique role at Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute.

What inspired you to venture into the field of healthcare?
My passion for effective management in healthcare inspired my career. Hospital management, traditionally led by doctors, requires additional expertise beyond clinical work. The healthcare sector is now recognizing the need for professional management. To serve a large population with quality care, well-trained management professionals are essential. I have been in this field for nearly 26 years, and I find immense joy in what I do. I have found my strength in management, which drives my commitment to this career.

Could you tell us about your professional journey and prior industry experiences?
My journey in healthcare manage

ment has been both rewarding and transformative. I started my career after earning a Master's in Hospital Management in 1998. Early roles involved shaping the operational procedures of SKS Hospitals and establishing Vivekananda Kendra NRL Hospital in Assam, a pivotal endeavor at just 23. My journey continued with roles at Srinanda Shankhar dev Hospital, VIVUS-Srinivasa Cardiology Centre, and Lotus Hospital, each offering unique experiences in healthcare management, refining processes, and bolstering capabilities. Notably, my time at Aravind Eye Hospital and Dr. Mehta Hospital instilled in me the importance of scaling up healthcare services. Embracing the challenges of oncology, I joined Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, where I introduced cutting-edge treatments, fostering impressive growth. My current role as CEO continues to be a platform for expansion and progress, steering significant growth doubling revenue.

Define Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute's position in the healthcare sector.
Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute is a leader in the healthcare sector, particularly in oncology. Our comprehensive services encompass Centre of Excellence in Onco-Surgeries, Radiotherapy, Medical Oncology, and various oncology subspecialties. A dedicated and highly skilled doctor’s team in each department works with a shared goal of ensuring optimal clinical outcomes. Cutting-edge technology is our forte, being pioneers in launching robotic surgery, nuclear medicine therapy, bone marrow transplants, and more in Andhra Pradesh. Embracing an all-encompassing approach, we not only deliver top-tier healthcare but also contribute to education, research, and community outreach. Our institution fosters a teaching institute, conducts extensive oncological research, and facilitates comprehensive cancer screening in rural areas, all inter connected through telemedicine. Our commitment extends beyond hospital operations, positioning us as a leading, 360-degree healthcare provider in the state.

What is your leadership approach, and what methodologies do you follow to lead your team effectively?
My leadership approach involves growth statistics, vision building for each clinical specialty, IT automation, meticulous planning, and consistent evaluation. In the last quarter of the financial year, I crafted comprehensive budgeting and strategic plans encompassing both clinical and non-clinical

domains, emphasizing outcome oriented objectives. Quality improvement is a priority, and I set specific managerial elements for each department. Regular training and managerial report reviews maintain a well-structured management team, spanning 35+ HODs across clinical and non-clinical functions. We conduct weekly field-level monitoring, target-level reviews, monthly plan-level evaluations, and quarterly strategy-level assessments, while proactively expanding our capabilities with national and international standards.

What future destination have you envisioned for yourself and the hospital in the next five years?
In the coming 5 years, we aim for both geographical expansion and internal development. We've signed an agreement with the Odisha government to establish a 120-bed super specialty cancer hospital and are exploring another expansion near Odisha. Our internal focus involves enhancing our clinical specialty and becoming leaders in clinical outcomes through the QTI method and skill development. We're striving for excellence in nursing, analyzing skills quantitatively and qualitatively, and enhancing both clinical and non-clinical skills. Our vision includes achieving 50 percent growth within 2-3 years through geographical expansion and led by clinical outcomes.

What is your piece of advice for budding industry leaders?
People management is the key. Translate your vision, mission, values, and culture within your team. Be clear about your organization's purpose and values. Changes are inevitable, and the technical skills you acquire today may become outdated, but your vision and mission and strategies will guide you in leading your organization effectively.

Mani Muthu A M A, CEO, Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute
Mani Muthu, an accomplished healthcare management professional with 26 years of experience, leads as CEO of Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute. He fosters growth, emphasizes quality, and envisions geographical expansion while promoting community engagement and skill development.

•Hobbies: Reading and Music
•Favorite Cuisine: South Indian
•Favorite Book: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
•Favorite Travel Destination:
Singapore
•Awards & Recognitions: Prestigious Mahatma Award for Social Good in Cancer Care, NTR Vaidhya Seva Trust Award for providing exceptional services and quality care in radiotherapy, Retail Ratna Award for treating a huge number of cancer patients, Limca Book of Records on the occasion of largest cancer survivors gathering, and 3 Consecutive Oncology Healthcare awards from Times Health Excellence.