Strategic Thinking in Indian Private Hospitals
Dr. Shenoy Robinson
Thought Leader - Growth Strategy I Innovative Business Models I Healthcare Investment Advice I Blend Clinical & Business Operations
When I start my discussions and interactions with promoters, investors and senior managers in the hospital industry, one of the first requests that I make is to shed some light on their strategy for the next 3 or 5 years. In case we are discussing a new project, I request for a strategy and business plan. Shockingly! In most cases they don’t have a clue. Half of them don’t even know what we are talking about and those that are aware lament the fact that they just lack the band width “to do strategy”. In case of investors I am met with a sense of frustration as they are not able to get this level of granularity from the management/ promoters of entities where they have interest.
The next question that I pose is: Who is doing the strategic thinking in your organisation? Usually the conversation now comes to an awkward pause!
What I am asking for is not rocket science, so what are the reasons that this main lynchpin of successful business growth is missing from the hospital industry? The six main reasons that I can think of are:
1. Financial pressure
2. Investor pressure
3. Lack of awareness
4. Lack of knowhow
5. Lack of expertise
6. “We know it all” mindset
To read more please access my blog at:
Strategist for Sustainable Carbon offsets
7 年Good post Dr. Shenoy Robinson. I would add "Business Culture in India" as another reason. Short-term thinking and pursuits appear to be more the norm than strategic planning. When I join an organization, I too am shocked to find out that the Senior Leadership (typically the Owners) have no answer to my simple question: What is your expectation from my role over the next 3-5 years? The same holds for what their budget is for IT for the same period. Am I alone in this? Do other CXOs face similar frustration? Or is it more common in the hospitals/healthcare sector? Would love to hear from you and your readers.
Consultant -Hospital operations and finance, Healthcare Professional with 20 years in hospital Operations, available for consulting. Writer by passion. #Satirist
7 年Could not quite understand how financial pressure could lead to lack of focus on strategic thinking. But yes the motely group of people wanting to invest in a supposedly profitable industry, should do a reality check on actual published results of listed healthcare providers vs. the image painted by the media