Introduction

Chairman of GHC Hospitals and Masina Heart Institute, Dr, Zainulabedin Hamdulay is a well-respected and formidable name as a Cardiac Surgeon having performed over 15000 cardiac surgeries in a span of 24 years from patients suffering from heart ailments ranging from 3 year old children to elderly patients of 90 years.

To say that Dr. Zainulabedin Hamdulay is well-known for winning many heart won’t be wrong, literally speaking too. The well-known Cardiac Surgeon has performed several heart surgeries successfully and literally given a quality life to many of his patients. No wonder, he is known to be one of the best doctors in the fraternity.
Having pursued and practiced as M.Ch., M.S., D.N.B. at Sion hospital ,Mumbai.and trained at Toronto General Hospital, Canada, Manchester Royal Infirmary and Royal Liverpool Children’s hospital ,UK gave Dr. Hamdulay the much-needed sound foundation needed for every professional in the business. It also gave him precious experience that would come handy in his practicing years.  

He went on to practise for over 24 years at prestigious hospitals in India, like Global Hospital, Wockhardt Hospitals & Prince Aly Khan Hospital. Now serving as Chairman of GHC Hospitals and Masina Heart Institute ( A unit of GHC Hospitals ), it was natural that  leadership and mentorship became his key roles in his professional life.

To date, Dr. Hamdulay has to to his distinction over 15000 cardiac surgeries that he has performed on patients with heart ailments with a wide age range 3 years children to elderly aged people of 90 years.
Speaking about his expertise in his field, Dr. Hamdulay says, “My expertise in specialised surgeries are Bentall’s Repair, Hemiarch and Total Arch Replacement, Aortic Dissection Repair, Beating heart surgery using internal arteries , Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Sutureless Valve Surgery , Heart and Lung Transplant. I take efforts to perform these complex procedures by adapting and learning new advanced technologies and methodologies. It is mandatory for all medical practitioners to be updated with new methods and technology useful in the betterment of the society.
Modern lifestyle, physical environment , habits, physical inactivity , genetics has impacted the health of our population. The newer technology has both positively affected as well as negatively impacted us. As rightly said, Health is Wealth !! Post COVID we all agree to this.

In my institute we conduct various hands-on workshops and conferences by eminent speakers across the Globe. We conduct live cases presentations at Masina Heart Institute and GHC Hospitals moderated by an expert panel of consultants.

I too visit as a speaker and perform my skills in various hospitals who need a mastery to handle critical cases. My team also put up blogs and videos for public awareness.”

Speaking about the role of newer and advanced technology in its field, he says, “Yes, there has been remarkable transformation in the medical arena. As far as cardiac surgeries go, the best so far is the patient centric approach. There are minimal invasive surgeries, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) which is a path breaking technology.  Hybrid surgeons are the most promising ones from my point of view.”.

With heart ailments on the rise since a few decades, Dr. Hamdulay notes the reasons for the increase as unawareness amongst our population and health care providers, financial struggles by the weaker section to name a few. He also cites affordability issues as major challenges as well as the unavailability of equipment required for advanced tests and instruments or machinery for further diagnosis which leads to aggravating the patients conditions.

According to Dr. Hamdulay, India is a developing country with a vast population from various regions and genetic drift. He feels the Indian health sector has grown over the years. It is a hub for medical tourism as we are providing treatment at an affordable price to patients all over the world. Though not fully equipped as per the international standards, results are at par with them but we still have to cross that extra mile. From midline sternotomy to minimal invasive, there has been a major progression and there are many transformations and trials which are being conducted all over the country.
As for his opinion on the contribution of the medical industry as a major contributor to the national economy he has a holistic approach as he feels that the individual of a country contributes to the major part in the economy and hence the better health, the better his  contribution to the economy.

GHC MEDICAL HOSPITAL IN THANE (MUMBRA) is counted among one of the finest hospitals for specialties ranging from orthopedics, gynecology, and cardiology to organ transplants and minimally invasive surgeries. With the mission of ‘Heal with Humanity’, this medical institute is a beacon of hope and wellness for its patients.

GHC Hospitals was founded on a simple yet profound vision: to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare with a focus on compassion, dignity, and innovation. T was envisioned as a facility that not only met but exceeded patient expectations, combining cutting-edge medical expertise with a holistic approach to wellness. In that sense, the  commitment of the staff was not just to treat ailments but to understand the patient as a whole physically, mentally, and emotionally. The motto has always been to "Heal with Humanity," and that principle guides everything done at GHC Hospitals.

GHC Hospitals offers a broad spectrum of specialties, from orthopedics, gynecology, and cardiology to organ transplants and minimally invasive surgeries. The hospital provides targeted care through specialized clinics such as the weight loss clinic, orthopedic screening, and gynecological health programs. The services go beyond traditional medicine by incorporating holistic elements such as dietary guidance, mental health support, and physiotherapy, aiming to treat patients from a 360-degree perspective. For example, in the gynecology and orthopedic departments,  physical therapy, lifestyle counseling, and ongoing support groups to address both physical and emotional needs.

GHC Hospitals takes immense pride in several milestones. Notably, the hospitals have made strides in organ donation awareness and transplantation procedures under the leadership of Dr. Zainulabedin Hamdulay. Additionally, the campaigns, such as the "Ride for Rise to Secure Heart" initiative with the Harley Owners Group, have helped promote heart health awareness and healthy lifestyle practices within our community. Speaking about the same, he says, “We’ve taken a firm stand against violence toward healthcare professionals, advocating for justice and safety, which has strengthened our connection with healthcare advocacy groups across the nation.”

He sheds light on the healthcare industry facing a myriad of challenges, including workforce shortages, rising costs, and the ever-present threat of violence against healthcare providers. Financial accessibility to high-quality healthcare remains an ongoing issue, particularly for economically disadvantaged groups. Another challenge is the rapidly changing medical technology landscape, which requires constant training and upgradation of equipment.

Providing a solution for it, he says, “In the future, I would like to see more government and industry support for healthcare professionals, not only in terms of safety but also in ensuring competitive compensation and mental health support. Enhanced cooperation between private healthcare providers and public health institutions could make advanced healthcare more widely accessible.”

Like all industries, the medical industry is witnessing rapid innovations in all spheres of operations. He says, “ We are currently at the forefront of several innovations. One of our main achievements has been adopting advanced minimally invasive techniques, which allow patients quicker recovery times and less postoperative pain. Our heart transplant and organ donation programs are also expanding rapidly, thanks to pioneering techniques in thoracic surgery led by our talented team of surgeons.
Our weight loss clinic embodies a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical intervention, counseling, and lifestyle management, which has been highly effective. This aligns with our vision of treating patients holistically and provides them with sustainable results, not just short-term solutions.”

Technology is the backbone of modern healthcare. At GHC Hospitals, the management has embraced state-of-the-art diagnostics, robotic-assisted surgery, and electronic health record systems to streamline patient care. AI and data analytics play a significant role in diagnosing, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans. Moreover, telemedicine has become an essential tool, especially post-COVID, allowing them to reach patients who may be physically distant yet require expert consultations. This is particularly helpful in initiatives to expand into international markets, such as the outreach in Africa, where telemedicine bridges the healthcare gap effectively.

Vis-a-vis, the significance of the healthcare sector being the cornerstone of any economy, the vision is crystal clear. He elaborates, “By improving population health, we directly contribute to economic productivity and stability. Healthy individuals are better able to work, contribute to the GDP, and lead fulfilling lives, which enriches society. The healthcare sector itself generates substantial employment and innovation, both of which are drivers of economic progress. Furthermore, advancements in medical tourism offer significant economic benefits, and India, with its skilled medical workforce, stands in an excellent position to attract patients globally, as we are witnessing through GHC Hospitals’ international patient programs.”

The future growth strategy is twofold: enhancing the infrastructure domestically and expanding the reach internationally. In India, there are plans to establish specialized centers of excellence across various cities, starting with critical fields like oncology, cardiology, and organ transplantation. Internationally, the focus is on building strategic partnerships in regions such as East Africa, where there is a significant demand for high-quality, affordable healthcare. By creating a network of referral and follow-up care centers in Tanzania and Mozambique, for example, the aim is to develop a constant patient base seeking treatment in India, establishing GHC Hospitals as a trusted name in global healthcare.

So have they achieved what they set out for? The answer is simple, “While we have achieved a great deal in terms of our mission, there is always more to strive for. Healthcare is an evolving field, and new challenges arise daily that require continuous innovation and adaptation. We have laid a solid foundation, but we aim to constantly improve patient care standards, expand access, and push the boundaries of medical science. We are driven by a relentless commitment to provide the best possible care to every patient and to evolve as one of the leading healthcare providers globally. “

Speaking of his future plans, Dr. Hamdulay asserts, “Introducing Robotic surgery in the field of Cardiovascular Science.I also want to incorporate wire skills for surgeons as a curriculum during cardiac surgical training and promoting organ transplant.

Moving closer we have started an association which plans to conduct workshops/fellowship programs for the surgeons all over India and prepare them for the future of cardiac surgery. The aim of starting this association is to make surgeons aware and confident in wire skills.

Its this The sense of satisfaction you get when your operated patient walks home. The gratitude when paid back in the form of a smile gives me immense joy to dedicatedly perform.

The best part I feel that my skills and mastery have benefited the patients with high risk or in untreatable conditions. However, sky is not the limit and the Universe is vast

Growing myself, utilising my abilities in the best possible way and training our upcoming CVT Surgeons and passing my mastery to them is what I aspire for. Also making  an institution which is offering the best treatment to the weakest sector, an institution that the nation is proud of possessing.”

What is the success mantra, we prod? And the answer is , “My success mantra is simple yet profound: "Lead with empathy and integrity." Healthcare is, at its heart, a service industry, and we are privileged to serve people during some of their most vulnerable moments. By leading with empathy, we ensure that every decision is patient-centered, and by maintaining integrity, we build trust, not only with patients but also within our team. A strong focus on empathy ensures we never lose sight of the human element in healthcare, while integrity keeps our operations transparent and ethical. Combining these values with a commitment to innovation and excellence has been our formula for sustained success.A combination of multiple factors i.e. lifelong learning, patient-centered care, unwavering dedication to ethical practice, continuous improvement through feedback, and a genuine passion for helping others. 

Delivering my best in good faith and blessings of my parents that instilled values in me that hard work pays off and consistent effort and dedication are crucial for achieving long-term success which has helped me to improve and better myself each day and not rest on past laurels.”

Conclusion

“My expertise in specialised surgeries are Bentall’s Repair, Hemiarch and Total Arch Replacement, Aortic Dissection Repair, Beating heart surgery using internal arteries , Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery, Sutureless Valve Surgery , Heart and Lung Transplant. I take efforts to perform these complex procedures by adapting and learning new advanced technologies and methodologies.” “There has been remarkable transformation in the medical arena. As far as cardiac surgeries go, the best so far is the patient centric approach. There are minimal invasive surgeries, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) which is a path breaking technology.  Hybrid surgeons are the most promising ones from my point of view.”.

Website