Manoj Kr. Deka is a seasoned leader with over 23 years of expertise in hospital operations and healthcare management across Northeast India. Armed with multiple master’s degrees in Business Administration and Hospital Administration, he is an alumnus of IIM Shillong and attended an EEP Program in Hospital Management at IIM Ahmedabad. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles, demonstrating a commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes. From his foundational work at GNRC Hospital to his current leadership position as Director-Projects and COO at Health City Hospital, Deka has been a driving force in enhancing healthcare services and infrastructure across the region.

In this exclusive conversation with Global Leaders Today, he reflects on the milestones that have defined his career, the challenges of healthcare leadership, and his ambitious vision to revolutionize medical education and access in Assam by establishing the state’s first private comprehensive medical university for the skill development of middle- and lower-level healthcare workers.

• What initially drew you to this industry, and when did you realize it was your passion?

My journey into healthcare management began at GNRC Hospital in Guwahati under the visionary mentorship of Dr. Nomal Chandra Borah. His commitment to improving healthcare access and addressing systemic challenges inspired my own passion for this field. What attracted me to healthcare was its unique potential to directly improve lives. Working in healthcare can be one of the most fulfilling career choices if you are passionate about helping people and making a difference.

At GNRC & Hayat , I was exposed to the intricate aspects of hospital management—from operational strategies to patient care. A pivotal moment came when I contributed to a project aimed at optimizing patient care with limited resources. Witnessing measurable improvements in patient outcomes and the gratitude of families reinforced my belief in the transformative power of healthcare management. From that point, I knew this was my calling.

• What were the key turning points or milestones in your career?

Leading the commissioning of Health City in Guwahati was a defining moment. As Northeast India’s first private-sector project of its kind, it integrated super specialties and advanced cancer care, including radiation oncology. Completing it in just 17 months showcased meticulous planning, resource optimization, and teamwork. This initiative significantly improved access to critical treatments, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

Another pivotal moment was my tenure as CEO at Ayursundra during the COVID-19 crisis. We pioneered critical care services in Assam’s private hospitals, leading a team of 1,000+ to provide life-saving treatment amid prioritizing patient care even while risking our own health. Saving lives in such a challenging environment was a defining experience, and the unwavering commitment of my team made it possible.

. These experiences reinforced my commitment to building resilient, patient-centric healthcare organizations.

• What personal values and key initiatives have shaped your leadership in healthcare?

At the core of my leadership philosophy is a commitment to purpose-driven work. For me, healthcare leadership goes beyond operational and financial success—it’s about making a lasting impact on people’s lives.

Key Initiatives:

1. Empowering Teams: At Ayursundra, I fostered a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration.
2. Emphasizing Innovation: The Health City project demonstrated how adaptability and efficiency can achieve ambitious goals within budget and ahead of schedule.
3. Building Integrated Healthcare Systems: My current focus is creating a seamless ecosystem that connects hospitals, pre-hospital emergency care, pharmacies, and education. I also aim to raise the bar for patient care by setting a new standard for an affordable, safe, and high-quality healthcare system in Northeast India, ensuring ease of access

One of my most ambitious projects is establishing Assam’s first private comprehensive medical university. It will integrate modern and traditional medicine, address the demand for skilled healthcare professionals, and promote medical and education tourism, positioning Assam as a hub for high-quality medical education and affordable healthcare services, boosting the region’s global appeal.

Our visionary leader, Honorable Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been instrumental in transforming Assam’s healthcare landscape, spearheading numerous initiatives to strengthen infrastructure, enhance medical facilities, and improve healthcare accessibility across the state. We are committed to advancing his vision by training lower- and middle-level healthcare workers through this university, equipping them with the skills needed to support and enhance Assam’s growing healthcare infrastructure.

Additionally, Dr. Bhabananda Das, the visionary behind the North East Health City project and a pioneer of heart transplantation in India, is leading our efforts to revolutionize healthcare. Under his guidance, along with the university, we are set to introduce advanced organ transplant services and robotic-assisted surgeries at Health City Hospital, Guwahati, leveraging state-of-the-art medical technology to enhance patient care.

• What advice would you give to budding leaders entering this industry?

To aspiring healthcare leaders, I would offer the following advice:

1. Cultivate Empathy & Emotional Intelligence – Build trust by understanding the needs of patients, caregivers, and teams.
2. Develop Resilience & Adaptability – Stay composed under pressure and embrace change.
3. Master Communication – Foster transparency to align teams and engage stakeholders.
4. Commit to Continuous Learning – Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies.
5. Balance Vision with Practicality – Blend strategic thinking with operational efficiency.
6. Empower Teams & Prevent Burnout – Build resilient, collaborative teams.
7. Uphold Ethical Standards – Lead with transparency, fairness, and compassion.

Healthcare leadership is as much about personal growth as it is about organizational success. Stay curious, remain purpose-driven, and never lose sight of the people at the heart of healthcare—the patients.