Top 10: Leaders in Healthcare in APAC

In this list of ten influential healthcare leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, we celebrate their achievements and their continuing ambition. These individuals represent a diverse range of healthcare sectors, including hospital management, pharmaceuticals, medical technology and biotechnology.
From pioneering affordable healthcare models to driving innovation in medical technology, these leaders are shaping the future of healthcare in their respective countries - and beyond.
10. Vincent Borg
Senior Consultant at Slade Group
Australia
Vincent Borg has had a distinguished career in healthcare management, particularly in the Middle East. As the former CEO of VAMED Middle East Healthcare Management and Consultancy Services, he played a crucial role in expanding healthcare infrastructure and services in the region. Vincent's expertise lies in hospital management, healthcare consulting and strategic planning.
During his tenure, he oversaw numerous projects aimed at improving healthcare delivery and efficiency. His leadership style uplifted cultural sensitivity and adaptability, recognising the unique challenges of operating in diverse healthcare environments. Vincent's experience spans both public and private healthcare sectors, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the industry.
9. Carmel Monaghan
CEO of Ramsay Health Care Ltd
Australia
Carmel Monaghan serves as the CEO of Ramsay Health Care Ltd, one of Australia's largest private hospital operators. Under her leadership, Ramsay Health Care has continued to expand its global footprint and enhance its reputation for quality healthcare services.
Carmel has focused on driving innovation in healthcare delivery, implementing digital health solutions and improving patient outcomes. Her strategic vision includes a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility within the healthcare sector. Carmel’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by the global pandemic while maintaining Ramsay's position as a leader in private healthcare.
8. Dr Prem Kumar Nair
Group CEO IHH Healthcare
Singapore
Dr. Prem Kumar Nair is the Group Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare, one of the world's largest healthcare providers. With over three decades of experience in both public and private healthcare sectors, heleads a team of more than 70,000 employees across 80 hospitals in 10 countries.
Prior to Prem's current role, he served as CEO of IHH Healthcare Singapore, successfully navigating the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic. Prem is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
“Moving forward, our ACE Framework will refine the next steps for us to deliver optimal outcomes, improve stakeholder value and increase efficiencies as a healthcare leader,” he said.
7. Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth
CEO of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL
Thailand
Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth leads Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL, Thailand's largest private healthcare group. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its network of hospitals and clinics, solidifying its position as a regional healthcare leader. Poramaporn has focused on enhancing the group's medical technology capabilities and attracting top medical talent.
Her strategy includes developing medical tourism initiatives, leveraging Thailand's reputation for high-quality, affordable healthcare. Poramaporn's leadership has been instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic while maintaining the group's commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.
6. Zhao Bingxiang
Chairman, non-executive Director and the secretary of Party Committee of Sinopharm Group Co. LTD.
China
Zhao Bingxiang holds degrees from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Peking University and Zhejiang University. With extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Zhao has held leadership positions at various companies, including CR Sanjiu and China Resources Pharmaceutical and has received multiple awards for scientific and technological achievements.
Currently, he serves as a professor at Shenyang Pharmaceutical University and Zhejiang University.
5. Dr. Naresh Trehan
Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta - The Medicity
India
Naresh is the Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta - The Medicity, a multi-specialty medical institute in India. A renowned cardiovascular surgeon, Naresh has performed over 48,000 open heart surgeries. His vision for Medanta was to create a world-class institution that combines medical excellence with cutting-edge technology and research.
Under his leadership, Medanta has become a pioneer in several medical procedures and has attracted patients from around the world. Naresh's approach emphasises affordable healthcare without compromising on quality, making advanced medical treatments accessible to a wider population.
4. Lewis G. Gradon
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
New Zealand
Lewis G. Gradon has been Managing Director and CEO of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare since April 2016, following 15 years as SVP of Products & Technology and six years as General Manager of Research & Development. His 41-year career at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare includes various engineering roles overseeing product development, manufacturing, quality, IP, supply chain and clinical research.
Previously, he worked in product development leadership. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
3. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon Limited
India
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is the Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon Limited, India's largest biopharmaceutical company.
Her leadership has transformed Biocon from a small enzyme-producing company to a fully integrated biopharmaceutical enterprise. Kiran's focus on innovation and affordable healthcare has led to the development of numerous biosimilars and novel biologics. Her vision extends beyond business success to improving global health outcomes, particularly in developing countries.
Kiran's contributions to the healthcare and biotechnology sectors have earned her numerous accolades and recognition as one of the most influential business leaders in India.
2. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy
Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group
India
Prathap is the Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, one of India's largest hospital chains. His vision to bring world-class healthcare to India has revolutionised the country's medical landscape. Under Prathap's leadership, Apollo has pioneered numerous medical breakthroughs and introduced cutting-edge technologies in Indian healthcare. His focus on preventive healthcare and telemedicine has improved access to quality medical services across India. "Success should make us humble and inspire us to do more for the country," he said.
Prathap's contributions extend beyond Apollo, as he has been instrumental in shaping healthcare policies and promoting medical tourism in India.
1. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty
Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health
India
Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty is the Founder and Chairman of Narayana Health, a chain of multi-specialty hospitals known for providing high-quality, affordable healthcare. A renowned cardiac surgeon, Devi's vision is to make healthcare accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
His innovative ‘micro-health insurance’ scheme has enabled millions of poor Indians to access quality healthcare. Under his leadership, Narayana Health has pioneered low-cost, high-volume healthcare delivery models, significantly reducing the cost of complex surgeries. Devi's approach has been studied globally as a potential solution for healthcare challenges in developing countries.
“As we move with the times, we realise that technology has a huge role in making our services way more efficient and by its application, way more human as well.”
******
Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at Healthcare Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Tech & AI LIVE 2024
******
Healthcare Digital is a BizClik brand