Dr. B. R Shetty is the Executive Vice-Chairman & CEO of Abu Dhabi based NMC Healthcare and the pioneer behind the concept of UAE Exchange. Having migrated to UAE in 1973, he has successfully founded NMC which is UAE's largest private healthcare provider. He also started UAE exchange which has been a very successful program. Dr. Shetty was awarded Padma Shri in 2009. In an e-mail interview with MyIndMakers, Dr. Shetty spoke about his work, his achievements and his vision for modern healthcare.  

What is your background and why did you come to the UAE in the early 70's?

My family hails from the Kaup region near Mangalore in Karnataka, India. We were historically landlords and agriculturists. I am a trained pharmacist and I initially came to the UAE looking for greener pastures. I worked as Abu Dhabi’s first outdoor pharma salesman in 1973. I have carried products on my shoulders and delivered them to customers all over Abu Dhabi. I had the opportunity of meeting many people working in the government ministries and oil and gas companies at that time, and it gives me great happiness when I run into some of them even today.

What is the UAE Exchange? Your motto "service is our currency" is highly appreciated but sometimes misunderstood and exploited. How do you balance expectations vs the ground reality?

UAE Exchange is the market leader in money remittance services. We currently have over 800 branches in more than 30 countries around the world and were responsible for over 10% of all inward remittances into India last year. “Service is our Currency” is a motto that stands for commitment to our customers. Our customers at UAE Exchange are middle to lower income expatriates who have come to the UAE to work and provide for their families and loved ones back home. In this respect, the service we provide, by remitting their money back to their families at home, is a very crucial part of their lives, and therefore for us this is a commitment to provide best in class services because our business isn’t just about transferring money, it’s about transferring happiness. 

After successfully running a chain of healthcare facilities, you started 'Neopharma'-a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with product licensing from Pfizer, Merck and many others, offering quality medicines at affordable prices. But the need of the hour is core research into Cancer, Genetics and into cure for diseases that affect millions of people around the world. Can you please tell us if Neopharma has embarked on the path of Life changing research?

I founded Neopharma because I had a dream of providing services across the entire healthcare gamut. Neopharma is centered around the concept of modular manufacturing. It also has an active research and development wing – the BR Shetty Research Center. The centre will be a hub for the development of novel drug delivery systems aimed at the treatment of diabetes mellitus and cancer. We have also made some investments in bringing research done in Japan in the field of cancer diagnosis to the UAE.

Zari Zardozi is a very interesting concept inspired by the intricate art of blending silk and gold to create an exquisite experience. What was its genesis?

The purpose of Zari Zardozi was to promote the culture and cuisine of India with pride and sophistication. It was Abu Dhabi’s first five-star Indian Restaurant in 2004. As it was a three level building, we wanted to exhibit a journey of India, across three faces we see today, the royal and ethereal glamour of the Maharajas, the modern and upbeat vibes of contemporary India, and the tribal spirit of the untouched cultures. Within each, come unique cuisines, cultures and colours. We won several awards for Zari Zardozi and our plan is to organically expand the vibrancy of India through the five star services of authentic Indian and fusion food and culture.

5. Wasn't NMC Health, exploring a partnership with an Ivy League university for a medical college in Abu Dhabi?

The UAE has over 25,000 registered doctors today. Over 95% of them are imported, in the sense that they receive their training and experience outside the UAE before coming here. The problem is even more acute in the case of allied clinical professions such as nursing, technicians etc. As the UAE healthcare market continues to grow, it is very critical for the long term security of UAE healthcare that we start training clinicians locally here and reduce our dependence on bringing doctors from outside the country. The government of the UAE realises the importance of this and we are working closely with the government to facilitate the setting up of a world class medical university I the UAE.

6. You are on a buying spree with three hospitals in Egypt, a medical college /hospital in Nepal, a 220-bed hospital in Kerala and possibly one in Chhattisgarh. Your plan to offer affordable health care in smaller cities and create a 12,000-bed hospital infrastructure in five years is astounding in scale and dream. Where are we now with that ?

Over the past few years, we have expanded our network of facilities in Egypt, India and Nepal. All of these are apart from the rapid expansion we have undertaken within NMC Healthcare itself, which is today in the UAE, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Colombia. In India we recently entered into a partnership to establish a 1500 bed hospital in Amaravati and a 300 bed hospital at Kurnool with the government of Andhra Pradesh. We are keen to start development as early as possible and continue to work with the various state governments and central government in India to contribute in the mission of extending quality healthcare to each corner of India as soon as possible.

7. A new government in India has taken reins. You have been a lifelong votary of holistic development for everyone. Are there any recommendations you wish to make to the Indian government in their mission 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’?

‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is an extremely progressive initiative undertaken by the Indian government. I whole heartedly support a vision like this for our great nation and stand ready to offer any support needed by the government. Inclusive, holistic development for all stakeholders is the only sustainable way to make progress as a civilization. Progress and Development is very rarely a zero sum game, and almost always, it is possible to find a way for all participants to derive a win.

8. What are your personal beliefs and what keeps you going ?

My personal belief has always been to serve the community and society at large, whether by way of my professional ventures or personal pursuits. I strive to work towards improving my community, country and the world at large. On top of that, what keeps me going is the support of the people around me, especially my family.