Uday Deshmukh: Making Lives Better through Medical Science

Onco-Life Hospitals as a healthcare institution does not compromise on any aspect which could affect the quality of diagnosis and treatment and it uses the same technology which is being used in all renowned hospitals in developed countries. We aim to bring Onco- Life Hospitals primarily in tier-II & III cities to make the quality treatment much more accessible to people rather than travelling all the way to major cities.

I have always believed that we can most likely achieve what we want if we have a strong conviction in our dreams and we can ensure success if we put dedication and persistence into the work that we do. And we should always remember, just because it was never done before doesn’t mean it can’t be done, don’t be fearful of being the first one to do it.

How has been your response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic? How would you describe your role in tackling those challenges?

COVID-19 has been challenging for all industries and it was indeed a tough time for everyone. Since we are into Oncology, we did not keep any COVID-19 patients in our hospitals for not affecting any of our cancer patients whose immunity is already compromised. We took several steps to mitigate the damage posed by the pandemic, we had a 10 percent pay cut for staff for two months whereas I ensured that there was a pay cut of 70 percent for myself and other directors for six months, we also tried to minimize expenses on marketing, electricity consumption, printing material, and others. We were the first ones to procure vaccinations in our district & helped vaccinate more than 30,000 people which helped us in recovering with more than half of our opportunity losses.

In your professional journey so far, which are the milestones that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction - both as an individual and as a healthcare entrepreneur?

In the early years of my career, I was lucky to be selected in a multinational company that not only believed in company growth but employee growth as well which helped me to grow as a professional and build a good reputation in the market. It really gives me immense satisfaction when I recall the moment when I was selected by the world bank for their first oncology project in Cambodia. I always consider the feedbacks and the blessings of the patients who get access to the best doctors, facilities, and treatments here as the most important achievement.

Going forward, what are the changes in healthcare trends that you anticipate and the opportunities you foresee to serve people better as a leader?

COVID-19 has made Healthcare a prime focus industry, many investors are keen to invest in this industry. There were a lot many shortcomings of healthcare highlighted during the COVID-19 times in terms of low skilled staff, lack of infrastructure, lack of equipment, space issues, and others which surely should be worked upon jointly by the government and private companies. There is a great scope for healthcare to grow in the smaller cities of our country. I have this strong feeling that India within a decade shall start competing with developed countries in terms of research in healthcare.

Uday Deshmukh, Founder & CEO, Onco-Life Cancer Centre

Uday is an Electronic Engineer who has more than 35 years of experience in the field of Oncology. He has completed more than 50 Oncology Projects in India and other countries. He has even done various turnkey projects in Oncology for various well reputed hospitals. He is a well renowned and Internationally known expert in Radiation Oncology.