To Inspire, Nurture and Transform: Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala’s journey in the healthcare industry

Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala is a well known health expert who has committed her 30 years of excellence towards India’s Health and Education industry & in various fields of health care. Since year 2012, Dr. Bodhanwala has been appointed as the CEO of two charitable semi government Hospitals in Mumbai i.e. Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children​ (300 Beds) estd. 1926 and Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital​ (305 Beds) estd. 1929. Not just limited to this, she is also the advisor to the Chairman of Wadia Group for CSR activities advisor to Impact India foundation by UNDP UNICEF and WHO advisor to the Modern Education society which operates 7 colleges in Mumbai and Pune with Advisor for Britannia Nutrition foundation advisor to Sir Ness Wadia Foundation.

What would you like to say about your achievements?

My passion for primary prevention brings together the entire community of Mumbai to participate in the Little Hearts Marathon (www.littleheartsmarathon.com) which is an annual social event missioned to help spread awareness for prevention of cardiac diseases amongst children and also help the children who suffer from cardiac diseases and cannot afford expensive surgeries.

I have established a strong foundation for community projects in dental health for Impact India foundation by UNDP, UNICEF and WHO for their “Hospital-on-Wheels” to handle functionalities as a Coordinator Surgeon to set up the 1st Dental Unit on the Train and arranging these camps at Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Gauriganj (Uttar Pradesh) catering to thousands of underprivileged people in the region.

I have been awarded with more than 60 prestigious national and international awards.

Where have you worked in your entire career?

I have worked with very known expert companies from around the world. To name a few:

● Wadia Hospitals: Chief Executive Offer
● Bombay Dyeing & Mfg. Co. Ltd.: Director
● National Peroxide Pvt. Ltd.: Director
● Bombay Burmah Trading Co. Ltd: Director
● Wadia Group: CSR Advisor to Chairman
● Hospital on Wheels – Impact India Foundation Medical: Advisor
● NABH: Principal Assessor
● Joint Commission International (JCI): Internal Counselor

Prior to becoming the CEO of Wadia Hospitals, I have worked as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a venture-based Capital Funding Group in Hospitals; Jeevanti Healthcare Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai. And before that, my noteworthy experience was when I was the CEO for Baroda Heart Institute and Research Centre Baroda; a super specialty Cardiac Hospital.

Why did you choose Medical Sector? Was it your dream to become a doctor, ambition?

Everytime I think about my journey in Healthcare for the past 30 years, I get a stronger perspective into my existence and feel extremely proud about it. My journey started with dental practice and for me, it was not just attending seeing patients but also being a teacher and mentor for so many students. Time and again, I had come across several instances, where I would take operational roles along with the routine practice. One such opportunity was when I was associated with Impact India Foundation​ for their “Hospital-on-Wheels” project to handle functionalities as a Coordinator Surgeon to set up the 1st Dental Unit on the Train – I believe this was the turning point in my life where I realized that I could reach a larger number of people and create much more impact in the society as a healthcare professional – Thus the inclination.

As a woman, what’s your contribution to the welfare of other women?

I have always been a strong supporter of women empowerment and strongly oppose gender discrimination; We always make sure to create awareness about it, thus follow strict policies at workplace, only to ensure that women are empowered and no discrimination or injustice takes place. Standing up for the cause of welfare of women in our nation is very important – it’s high time everyone realizes the potential.

Another opinion I have is that, still a large no. of women do not have proper access to healthcare services around the world – Thus, to ensure that proper counseling is given to each woman on personal health and nutrition in order to take better care of themselves and their loved ones, is my agenda. To elevate our efforts to another level, we are also working towards healthcare, education and livelihood programs for women in rural areas by organizing various camps and intervention programmes.