In this episode of InnoHealth Magazine’s podcast, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Param Hans Mishra, a distinguished figure in the realm of hospital administration in India. With an impressive background in strategic planning and a robust academic foundation, Dr. Mishra has made significant strides in optimizing hospital departments and enhancing business outcomes. His journey is marked by hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in healthcare leadership. Dr. Mishra’s strategic planning skills have optimized critical hospital departments such as Wards, ICU, and Emergency services. His adept business strategies led to a remarkable increased revenue in ISIC by 300% in 6 in 9 years and 60% in IQ City Hospital in 1 year. He is known for his exceptional management of diverse teams, from doctors to marketing professionals. Dr. Mishra is also recognized for organizing Continuous Medical Education (CME) camps and strategic advertising campaigns. Having following academic qualifications: MBBS, MHA(AIIMS), DNB, PGDHHM, PGDIM, IIM(Ahd) MDP. He epitomises excellence in Hospital Planning and Administration.
The Journey into Hospital Administration
Dr.Mishra’s journey into hospital administration began with his realization of the broader impact he could make beyond treating individual patients. He believes that a medical administrator can help a large number of patients by implementing patient-centric policies, developing infrastructure, and ensuring that hospitals are patient-friendly. His education at AIIMS in the Master of Hospital Administration program, which started in 1965 and remains highly competitive, laid a solid foundation for his career.
The Role and Evolution of Medical Administration
Medical administration is a challenging yet highly satisfying field. Over the years, it has evolved from senior doctors transitioning into administrative roles to a specialised field requiring professional qualifications. Dr. Mishra emphasises the importance of having professionally qualified hospital administrators, which has significantly improved the efficiency and management of hospitals. Institutions like IIHMR, Symbiosis, and TISS Mumbai are now producing brilliant hospital administrators, highlighting the growth and importance of this field.
Effective Coordination and Use of Technology
Effective coordination among different departments within a healthcare facility requires a dedicated team and the right tools. Modern hospitals utilize software and dashboards to monitor progress and facilitate coordination. Dr. Mishra stresses the importance of management by walking around, interacting with people, and taking facility rounds to understand and address actual problems. Digital tools complement these efforts by providing real-time data and monitoring capabilities.
Benefits of Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
The integration of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is crucial for segregating and analyzing patient data efficiently. EMRs allow quick retrieval of patient information, facilitating research and improving patient care. Despite some resistance from doctors accustomed to handwritten records, the shift to EMRs is essential for reducing errors and enhancing the accuracy of medical records. Dr. Mishra advocates for the widespread adoption of EMRs, acknowledging the challenges but emphasising the long-term benefits.
Challenges and Solutions in Digital Health Records
While digitalization brings numerous benefits, it also raises concerns about data security and patient confidentiality. Dr. Mishra acknowledges that security issues exist with both hard copies and digital records. However, electronic records often provide better security through access controls and change logs. Cloud-based solutions further enhance the safety and accessibility of medical records.
Innovations in Healthcare Technology
Dr. Mishra highlights the potential of artificial intelligence and robotic systems in healthcare. These technologies promise to revolutionize medical specialties and treatment methods. However, he cautions against over-dependence on technology, advocating for a balanced approach that leverages technological advancements while maintaining the human element in patient care.
Health Insurance and Healthcare Delivery
Health insurance plays a vital role in shaping healthcare delivery and management. Dr. Mishra praises the Ayushman Bharat scheme but suggests making health insurance mandatory in India. This would prevent people from losing their valuables for medical treatment and ensure access to quality healthcare. He also calls for rationalizing insurance rates to ensure that hospitals can provide quality services without financial strain.
Standardization of Hospital Rates
The standardization of hospital rates, particularly aligning them with CGHS rates, is a contentious issue. Dr. Mishra believes that while rationalization is beneficial, making everything at CGHS rates is impractical. He suggests revising CGHS rates to reflect market conditions better and ensuring that hospitals are not forced to compromise on service quality.
Sustainable Practices in Healthcare
Sustainability in healthcare involves investing wisely and focusing on actual treatment rather than building extravagant facilities. Dr. Mishra advocates for medium-level hospitals with competent doctors who can provide quality care without exorbitant costs. Hospitals should also be conscious of resource usage, particularly in supply management, to minimize waste and reduce operational costs.
Reintroduction of Indian Medical Services
The reintroduction of Indian Medical Services (IMS) is seen as a positive step, but Dr. Mishra highlights the need for adequate infrastructure and support for doctors in remote locations. To fully utilize their talent, IMS officers should be provided with facilities comparable to those of IAS officers, ensuring they can perform effectively and efficiently.
Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Administrators
Dr. Mishra advises young students entering the field of healthcare administration to embrace the challenges and commit to continuous learning. He emphasizes the importance of financial and technology management skills, effective communication, and a patient-centric approach. Aspiring administrators should avoid a bossy attitude and focus on being facilitators and coordinators, supporting the doctors and nurses who are the backbone of any hospital.
Dr. Param Hans Mishra’s insights and experiences provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in hospital administration. His dedication to improving healthcare delivery through strategic planning, effective management, and embracing technological advancements sets a benchmark for excellence in healthcare leadership.
