MBA Dreams….

There are ways we live,

And ways we talk.

Less time to learn,

No time to stop.

The race we are running is so fast,

There are time when I think, "who would end up last?"

My mind has innovations, ideas so new,

But less are opportunities... Indeed they are few.

Yet I live to become a Leader,

For people to follow me, make my legacy forever.

And that's what MBA is all about

Leadership it is.. indeed; no doubt.

This is the dream I wake up with everyday..

I will turn it into reality.. after my MBA..

For dreams are hopes that keep us alive,

And with this hope, success can be bought our lives.

Dr. Saniya Husain

MBA HHM 13 -15 batch 

The Indian Healthcare System: Governance and Management Challenges

Prof K.V.RAMANI, Chairman, Centre for Management of Health Services an eminent personality in the field of healthcare, from India’s one of the most prestigious institute IIM-AHMEDABAD addressed  a gathering in Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences. It was indeed a privilege to be a part of such a gathering.

Taking about the healthcare scenario prevailing in India, his main focus was on the things which are important in our everyday life in our health and essential for maintaining a quality. He gave a very brief example stating that people are more worried about the soft drinks that they are consuming are free from any contamination rather than to check the water which we all are consuming is free from contamination or not. But we people have stopped looking into the small things which are essential to maintain a quality health standard.

He gave emphasis on Public Health and Health for All. He stressed upon the fact  India has plenty of resources which are not been utilized properly. In fact the ample amount of resources present are being wasted because there is no proper coordination between government and the health sector.

Our first step towards improvement of health care should be the proper utilization of the resources like manpower, knowledge, skill of people, spending more on improving the infrastructure, creating awareness of health among the society and emphasising on the concept of Health. Health does not mean only to be free from any disease but it is a state when an individual is socially, physically and economically stable and in a proper state.

He also enlightened the students about the government spending on healthcare in India as compared to other countries. Although India is a growing economy but still it’s spending on public health is very low as compared to developed and developing nations.

Taking about ways to  improve Health care scenario in India Prof. Ramani emphasised on increasing  government spending and proper utilization of resources.  For strengthening his views he gave very simple and everyday examples that we all see around us but never think about them and pay attention to improve them.

                           

WRITTEN BY: -                                                      

DR. SWATI SONIK  

MBA HHM  (Batch13-15)                                               

Mr and Miss Symbi fit

Hello folks, as we all know, in the 1^st week of December a fitness competition “Mr and Miss Symbi Fit” was organised for all the symbiosis international university students across all the campuses in Pune, Bangalore and Nashik. It was the first time, such a competition was organised, and organisers were our very own RWC( Recreation and wellness centre staff) across the campuses.

Well, to be frank, we took it as lightly as the weight of the registration form (remember that form, I was screaming and distributing and collecting… that one..!!) and never bothered to work-out or go to the gym. The idea did not even cross our minds (except for a few of us who go to the gym and workout every day).

And finally the day for our first round of Mr and Miss Symbi Fit arrived and we went to the battle field to get our Height, Weight, BMI, Flexibility etc. measured. And believe me it all went so smoothly that I never imagined what was waiting for us the next day, as the second part of the first round.

Oh lord, how miserably unfit I felt when I completed 100 squats, some 37 sit-ups, a heart rate test and a few push-ups, and was unable to sit,  stand, walk or do anything. That was the day I promised to myself that I will exercise regularly, no matter what.

Third part of the 1^st round felt as though I was being operated upon, without anaesthesia (oops..! I think that is a little too much). Weight lifting and leg press..!! I do not remember if I have ever done that in my entire life, but as they say there is a first time for everything.

And when the results for the first round were announced and It registered to me that I along with three more batch mates of mine names Amrita Singh, Meenita Pawar and Preeti Pillai, had been selected in the first 30 girls amongst all the campuses across India, I forgot all my sufferings and pain I had gone through. And once again I was a happy soul and I promised to myself to join the gym and start working out regularly.

Two days passed and the day arrived when we had to go to the Lavale campus for practice of the second round, which was to be held the next day morning. Upon reaching there, we were routed to the rooms allotted to us. At 5 pm we were supposed to gather at the ground where all the arrangements had been done and the props set. It looked more like one of those military training institutes, and scared the hell out of me. As we started practising it was clear to us that it was not an easy task to clear that level. And thus we mentally prepared ourselves to fight the battle, no matter what..!!

But, the scariest part was yet to unveil, in the evening we got the news that our 1^st semester results had been out. With the worst service connection (an idea can change your life..!!), we kept on trying to get a glimpse of our results. After some 20 minutes (which seemed like years to us) we got to know our result through a friend of ours.Well the good news was that we all had passed with dignity, and thus we thanked our heaven, had our dinner and went off to sleep.

The due date came and we had to wake up at 5:00 am to reach the ground on time. The competition started and one by one we had to complete a farmer’s walk, tire flip and a hurdle race. Well we all tried our level best to complete the level but only one girl amongst us (our very own topper Amrita Singh) got through to the next level.

And the next and final level comprised of ramp walk, talent round, question answer round etc. It was indeed an entertaining and glamorous evening with the celebrities and famous personalities as judges and audiences.

And this way the “Mr and Miss Symbi Fit” came to an end but with a promise to come back the next year with a bigger event involving all the colleges across Pune.

P.S.- I still have not joined a Gym or started exercising. But I promise I will someday.

By- Dr Beauty Sinha

 2 nd semester

MBA-HHM

International Relations Conference @Symbiosis: Sharing of Experiences and Best Practices in the Area of Sustainability and Healthcare in Asia and Africa

Symbiosis International University achieved one more milestone by successfully hosting Conference on International Relations (IR) on 14^th and 15^th of December 2013. With the remarkable theme of India and Development Partnerships in Asia and Africa: Towards a New Paradigm  the conference provided a platform for academicians, researchers, corporates and policy makers both national and international to delve into the multifarious aspects of development partnerships.

International collaborations and partnerships have proven to be the key to development in Asia and Africa.  Healthcare being a crucial area in developing partnerships was discussed intensively in the conference. The healthcare track titled Sharing of Experiences and Best Practices in the Area of Sustainability and Healthcare in Asia and Africa brought together some of the eminent and distinguished speakers. The session was chaired by Dr Rajiv Yeravdekar, Dean, Faculty of Health and Biomedical Sciences, SIU and co- chaired by Dr. Subhash Salunkhe  Senior Advisor, Public Health Foundation of India ; Former WHO representative to Indonesia.

Discussing about the role of  GOI & Pharmaceutical Companies in enhancing Healthcare delivery in Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Hussein Mwinyi , Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Tanzania highlighted the  improved  accessibility and affordability of healthcare in Tanzania . Dr  Mwinyi  elaborated how the  collaboration between Indian pharmaceutical companies  , GOI and Tanzania has helped them in control of some dreaded diseases..

In her address on Development Partnerships in the Healthcare Sector between Iraq and other Nations,  Ms. Safia Al Suhail, Member of Parliament, Iraq said that cooperation with India in the field of Health will be widened through collaboration between  government of Iraq  and the Government of India. She also mentioned that at least 75 Iraqi patients travel to India on a daily basis for medical treatment.  Hundreds of Iraqis prefer to send their children for higher education to India on self-financing basis.Majority of the Iraqis visit India for Medical purposes, and education and for business.

The Role of Indian Diaspora & GOI in enhancing Healthcare in West Asia was splendidly elaborated by Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman, DM Healthcare Group, Dubai. He also stated how the Indian healthcare providers have brought affordable quality healthcare within the reach of people in West Asia.

The need of Augmenting Allied Health Services for Quality Healthcare was prominently brought out by Dr. Vishwas Mehta, IAS Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. He mentioned about the  initiatives taken by Govt. Of India to optimally utilize the existing resources (Infrastructure/HR etc.) and to create more institutions, strengthen the available  resources and optimal use of technology that to cope up with the Scarcity of resources. He emphasized on creation of a new public health  cadre with introduction of B.Sc.(Community Health ) Course to have a middle level officers  to be posted at Sub-Centres / PHCs in Rural areas.

Dr. Bulbul Sood, Country Director Jhpiego spoke on Strengthening of ( Reproductive and Child health) services through reinforcement the Pre service education for the nursing and midwifery cadre. Jhpiego initiatives have been proven successful in revitalization of Postpartum Family Planning and IUCD services. Jhpiego’s safe childbirth checklist program has improved quality of intrapartum and immediate postpartum care for the mothers and their new-born.

Dr. Shubhra Trivedi, Senior Program Manager of Population Service International, UP, India mentioned about the innovative PSI social franchise Model which encompasses a network of qualified health practitioners linked through contracts to provide socially beneficial services under a common brand.  She highlighted that social franchising has proven beneficial to  Low-income communities  as well as  to private healthcare providers. High-quality services at affordable prices are now accessible. Private providers benefit from increased clinic revenues that are generated through an expanding clientele Governments have improved national health indicators and an enhanced stronger, better regulated private health sector.

Ms. Neha   Bhagatkar

Assistant Professor

SIHS

IMPRESSIONS 2013: SIHS Re-Union

RECONNECTING THE EX-INHABITANTS - IMPRESSIONS 2013….

With the magnificent efforts put in by the Alumni committee of SIHS on 30^thNovember was all ready to kick off the first alumni meet ”IMPRESSIONS 2013 “in a very superlative fashion.

Everyone was ready to greet the ex-inhabitants of our institute with enthusiasm.

The event was a way for the alumni to meet some of the students while reconnecting with their peers.

It was an evening solely dedicated to our alumni, where the alumni revisited and relived the best times of their college life.

It all started with a warm welcome address which made everyone feel back at home.

All the Alumni shared their experiences and what is their cherished memory of SIHS that they still carry with them.

SIHS students  stepped onto the stage and brought the house down with one liners ,strange quizzes ,musical  chairs and other games.

A video was pictured which was exclusively made for the event which made the alumni reminiscent of  their college days, the times of masti, study, photo sessions and so on..

Our faculty and alumni whole heartedly participated in the show, won prizes and laughed their heart out. 

        Distinguished Alumnus Awards:

But the fun wasn’t over yet.....

The cultural programme was a diverse mix of Indo-Western dances.

The students enthralled us with their display of a wide array of both traditional and western dances.

Then the dance floor was open to all.

A musical bonanza followed, where performances floored us with intoxicating blend of music and dances.

People were swaying to the pretty numbers played by the DJ.

Everyone was seen enjoying on the dance floor, a scene to be remembered and cherished.

As the stomach rumbled, food was served and the scene resembled a huge family get together.

The thunderous applause at the end of the event said it all.

 The alumni meet was a perfect blend of nostalgia, fun, professionalism and entertainment and truly an evening to remember.

Dr. Saylee Pawar

MBA HHM 

2013-15 Batch

Healthcare IT – Current scenario and Career prospects

If it is said that healthcare IT is the most promising area in terms of career growth there are valid reasons for this. In recent years healthcare IT has shown tremendous investments and growth. Also it is among the few fields which are free from the impact of the recession. Earlier the healthcare professionals were skeptical about the career growth and prospects in Healthcare  IT  but the now  the scenario has changed.

The greatest boom is because of the adoption of  EMR. Talking globally  , most of the hospitals in US demonstrate significant use of the electronic health records. This includes implementation ,use of e prescription and ability of the IT systems to send EMR data  electronically to public health agencies. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act set aside $19 billion for hospitals and physicians who demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records.  The Indian healthcare providers plan to spend Rs. 5700 Crore ($ 897.64 million) on IT in 2013, a 7% rise over 2012 revenues of Rs. 5300 Crore ($ 834.65 Million) as per a report by Gartner.

The second significant thrust behind healthcare IT growth is the tenth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, or ICD-10. ICD -10 affects coding for everyone covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). ICD-10 codes are to be used on all HIPAA transactions. Preparing for ICD-10 is a lot of work for most health organizations: the potential of updated software to install, staff training, changes in business operations, internal and external testing, reprinting of manuals to make this transition happen, the healthcare industry needs skilled healthcare IT people.

For healthcare managers a career in healthcare IT can be financially lucrative. But one should be ready to adapt to the continuous change particularly in the area of technology. The entry level position offered by various IT companies is that of a healthcare business analyst. Business analyst should possess a strong knowledge of Healthcare domain (claims, contracts, health insurance). Analysts gather data and conduct researches. After the research is complete, groups of healthcare business analysts may reconvene, review findings and investigate potential solutions. The growth trajectory is followed by the positions of Associate consultants , consultant and Principle consultant. Also there are prospects of working onsite.

Health care industry is gearing up really fast to proceed to the next level of technology with the improvised use of IT. Choosing a career in healthcare IT provides opportunity to grow individually along with the growing industry.

Ms . Neha Bhagatkar

Assistant Professor

MBA –HHM ( SIHS)

References

http://www.irs.gov/

http://www.healthcareitnews.com

Healthcare Management as a Career Option

For decades, having a doctor’s degree is considered to the biggest achievement. The tradition is to do post-graduation  and then establish practice . But Gen Y of doctors is open to  other options as well. One such option available for a medicine graduate is MBA in  healthcare management  The Post graduate degree in Healthcare Management  that suits ones   temperament and skills and where one can  successfully utilize my medical background as well.

Coming from ancient school of thoughts, most of the medicine graduates feel that the clinical knowledge would go waste. The fact is that MBA is not a change of profession but a medical degree will act as a basic platform to explore wide opportunities in globally evolving healthcare.

After MBA HHM  the opportunities are not only limited to the hospitals but it entails one to choose a career between various other verticals like healthcare IT, health Insurance, healthcare Consultancies , Pharmaceuticals & wellness. The initial position offered by the companies is at the mid-level management.  Even the opportunities in Public sector have increased tremendously. One can get an opportunity to work with WHO, NRHM, RNTCP, and UNICEF etc. Public sector companies prefer Doctors with MBA who are able to understand and solve the problems associated with healthcare delivery. Also one gets the opportunity to do research in Public health. 

The curriculum  in health care management provides courses  on organisational behaviour, health economics, organisational research, health plan, strategic management, how to design a hospital, requirements of a hospital, , national health programme, medico-legal acts, waste management, international health regulations, comparative health systems, accountancy , HR and so on. The program touches all the verticals of healthcare and gives an opportunity to choose work area as per ones interest.

The route to entry is via MBA entrance ( E.g. For Symbiosis: SNAP Test).  The aptitude test involves questions on logical reasoning, data interpretation and analytical skills. Medicos have a constant fear of Mathematics. But the aptitude test is more of applicability of the basics learnt during schooling. And when one can crack the toughest medical entrance test then why not an MBA entrance Test. 

The healthcare Managers need to be flexible, creative, analytical and organized in putting policy changes into practice. Healthcare managers must be able to effectively communicate with people at all professional levels. But what is treasured the most is the vast scope in all domains of health care and fast paced professional growth. The attractive compensation is also a significant part but not the entire part of the story. To sum up with, if you have the passion to learn, curiosity to explore and courage to lead then this is the right field.

Ms. Neha Bhagatkar

Asst. Professor

SIHS