India’s healthcare landscape is being reshaped by a powerful cohort of women leaders who are bridging science, clinical care, policy, and entrepreneurship. From advancing global health research and pioneering reproductive medicine to building patient-centric hospital systems and digital health platforms, these women are driving meaningful change across every layer of the ecosystem.
Their work not only reflects clinical excellence and innovation but also a deep commitment to accessibility, ethics, and equitable care.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is a leading scientist, pediatrician, and global health expert.
As Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization, she strengthened global research and led COVID-19 scientific efforts, supporting COVAX for equitable vaccine access.
As Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, she advanced India’s research capacity and policy integration.
She has authored 450+ publications and is a Fellow of leading global science academies.
This D.Litt. honors her outstanding contributions to global public health and medical research.
Dr. Devlina Chakravarty exemplifies a rare blend of clinical expertise and executive leadership, bringing a clinician’s precision into the boardroom. A trained radiologist with fellowships from UCLA, the University of Berlin, and Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, she joined Artemis in 2007 at its inception and transformed it into one of NCR’s leading quaternary care institutions. Under her leadership, Artemis became the first hospital in Gurugram to secure both JCI and NABH accreditations and earned recognition as the Best Technology-Driven Hospital in its inaugural year.
She firmly believes that quality and ethics are inseparable, embedding both into the hospital’s core values. At Artemis, strong clinical outcomes, patient safety, and transparency are not just policies but part of everyday practice. A doctor-turned-CEO, she continues to lead with the empathy and integrity of a clinician.
Dr. Indira Hinduja, a Padma Shri awardee, is a renowned obstetrician, gynaecologist, and infertility specialist who pioneered assisted reproductive technologies in India. She led breakthroughs in in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, delivering India’s first scientifically documented test-tube baby in 1986, the first GIFT baby in 1988, and the first egg-donation baby in 1990.
After excelling in her early education at a municipal school, she pursued an MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and later earned a PhD from the University of Mumbai in human in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. She has continuously driven research in stem cell development, embryo implantation, metabolomics, and the detection of genetic abnormalities in embryos.
Dr. Tarang Gianchandani is an orthopedic surgeon, MBA graduate, and seasoned healthcare administrator with over 25 years of national and international experience in hospital operations and multi-site management across public and private sectors. A graduate of Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, she specialized in orthopedics in Singapore and earned an MBA in Healthcare Management from the National University of Singapore.
Before joining Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, she served as CEO of a large multispecialty hospital and held key roles with Singapore’s Ministry of Health, Changi General Hospital, and Alexandra Hospital. She has received multiple honors, including Healthcare Leader of the Year (2022). She focuses on building sustainable healthcare systems, strengthening clinical outcomes, and enhancing patient experience through strong leadership, robust processes, and advanced technology.
Dr. Minnie Bodhanwala is a dentist-turned healthcare leader and CEO of Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children and Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital, Mumbai. She also serves as a board member across Wadia Group organizations, trustee of the Sir Ness Wadia Foundation, and advisor on CSR and education initiatives.
She began her career in dentistry and moved into hospital leadership with a vision to deliver accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. Under her leadership, Wadia Hospitals have strengthened services for women and children, expanded outreach programmes, and improved patient-centered care. She has also collaborated with global organizations, including UNICEF, reinforcing her commitment to advancing healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Punya Salila Srivastava has been serving as India’s Union Health Secretary since October 2024, playing a central role in shaping the country’s digital health ecosystem. She has driven key initiatives such as the National Digital Health Blueprint, privacy-focused health systems, and the responsible integration of AI into healthcare. She also launched the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan, a nationwide women’s health programme targeting over 11 crore beneficiaries.
A 1993-batch IAS officer (AGMUT cadre), she brings over three decades of administrative experience, including roles in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs during the COVID-19 response. She holds a Master’s in Public Management from the University of Maryland and a Physics degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. She represents India at global health forums, advocating its leadership in vaccines and generic medicines.
Dr. Garima Sawhney became the first doctor in her family, inspired by her father’s advice to serve the masses. She performed over 10,000 surgeries and worked across leading hospitals, where she identified persistent gaps such as unclear pricing, lack of care continuity, and limited patient support in elective procedures.
In 2018, she co-founded Pristyn Care to address these challenges through a technology-driven platform that streamlines consultation, surgery, insurance, and post-operative care. Backed by Peak XV Partners and others, the company achieved unicorn status with a $1.4 billion valuation in 2021. It now operates in 40+ cities, partners with 700+ hospitals, and has facilitated over 2 million surgeries. Dr. Sawhney continues to practice clinically, staying closely connected to patient care.
