The process of healing, care, and rest has become increasingly vital in today’s fast-paced world. Good health remains the most powerful instrument for ensuring longevity, productivity, and quality living. Yet, life often takes unexpected turns where health challenges emerge without warning. In such moments, the importance of a strong, reliable healthcare system becomes undeniable. Today’s editorial brings to our readers the inspiring journey of a healthcare professional whose career spans over two decades, marked by dedication, resilience, and transformational achievements—Mr. Manoj Kr. Deka.
Manoj Kr. Deka is currently serving as the Director – Projects Development & Chief Operating Officer, with the additional responsibility of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chairman, at Health City Hospital Group, Guwahati. He has devoted his distinguished career to strengthening and modernizing healthcare institutions across Northeast India.
Looking back, Manoj reflects on his beginnings at GNRC Hospital, where he considers himself fortunate to have worked under the mentorship of Dr. Nomal Chandra Borah, the founder of the GNRC group & Affordable Health Mission. It was here he witnessed how leadership grounded in empathy, commitment, and innovation could transform not only systems but also lives. Helping families in moments of uncertainty and crisis gave him a profound sense of purpose—one that continues to guide his journey in healthcare.
The healthcare industry in the Northeast has significantly benefited from Manoj’s leadership. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in several landmark projects. Mr. Deka has led multiple hospital commissioning and expansion initiatives, including Health City Hospital, Ayursundra Superspecialty Hospital, Hayat Hospital, International Hospital (now Apollo Guwahati), and GNRC, along with advising and supporting many other healthcare institutions and emerging medical centers across the region.
His educational background further strengthens his strategic outlook. Manoj holds an MBA in Human Resources & Marketing and an additional MBA in Production Planning, Control, Maintenance, and Quality Management. He has completed the one-year postgraduate certificate in Advanced General Management from IIM Shillong and pursued executive education in Hospital Management at IIM Ahmedabad. He also earned a postgraduate diploma in Hospital Administration from Apollo Groups. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, with extensive training in NABH Accreditation Standards and Processes, Manoj brings a rare combination of academic depth and practical expertise to healthcare leadership.
Explaining his role at Health City Hospital, he highlights his responsibilities in operational excellence, infrastructure development, and strategic expansion. Working under the visionary leadership of Dr. Bhabananda Das, a renowned cardiac surgeon and Chairman of the North East Health City Group, Manoj emphasizes that healthcare innovation must be sustainable, impactful, and aligned with societal well-being. Drawing from more than two decades of wide-ranging experience in hospital commissioning, project execution, business development, public relations, quality systems, crisis management, and large-scale institutional planning, he brings a unique combination of strategic foresight and operational mastery. His deep understanding of healthcare infrastructure, patient-centric processes, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory frameworks enables him to lead teams effectively, ensuring that Health City continues to advance as one of the most trusted and progressive healthcare institutions in the region.
He leads a team committed to building a healthier Northeast, a healthier Assam, and ultimately, a healthier India. They are currently working on a historic mission—to establish the first private Comprehensive Health and Skill Development University in Assam, along with a network of Trauma Care Centers across Assam. This university aims to integrate medical education, research, healthcare delivery, and skill development under one unified vision.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Manoj demonstrated exemplary crisis leadership. He led the rapid transformation of Ayursundra Superspecialty Hospital into a fully operational 350-bed COVID-19 hospital, ensuring uninterrupted care and safety for both patients and staff during one of the most challenging phases in modern healthcare. His strategic intervention also contributed to the establishment of the first ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Critical Care Unit in Northeast India, which proved crucial during the region’s most difficult moments.
Manoj also leads quality accreditation, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with NABH and NABL standards. Under his strategic guidance, Health City has strengthened its reputation as a center of trust, transparency, technology, and compassionate care.
One of Manoj’s notable initiatives after the covid period is the region-wide movement “Catch the Young.” This visionary program focuses on empowering youth with essential health awareness and life-saving skills. It educates school and college students about lifestyle diseases, communicable diseases, and the harmful effects of smoking, tobacco, and alcohol. A key element of the program is Basic Life Support (BLS) training, equipping young people with the ability to respond effectively during medical emergencies at home, school, or in public spaces.
Mr. Deka’s achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Most Iconic Healthcare Leader in the Northeast – EIILM Kolkata (2024), Top 10 COVID-Time Leaders in India – CEO Insights (2022), and Best Hospital Administrator – News18 network, among others.
To upcoming management students, Manoj offers a compelling message: embrace healthcare management as a career pathway. He describes it as one of the few professions where business leadership meets human service. According to him, healthcare management is a remarkable blend of strategic planning, operational discipline, and the deep satisfaction of contributing to life-saving efforts. It allows young professionals to experience the thrill of meaningful work, the joy of serving communities, and the sense of purpose that comes from knowing their decisions can improve or even save lives. He believes that those who choose this field will find not just a career, but a calling that combines growth, responsibility, and social impact.
Reflecting on his vision, Manoj Kr. Deka shares,
“The Northeast deserves to be India’s next healthcare and education hub—and I want to help make that vision real.”
