Smita Mishra 
FEATURE: Odisha, known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, has witnessed a transformative wave in its healthcare landscape over the past two decades. At the heart of this change stands Dr. Priyabrata Dhir, Founder and Chairman of Sparsh Healthcare, whose relentless dedication and visionary leadership have redefined the state’s medical ecosystem. Sparsh Healthcare, under his stewardship, has evolved into a beacon of hope for millions, offering world-class healthcare facilities and reaching even the remotest corners of Odisha.
Dr. Dhir’s journey from a young medical graduate to a pioneering healthcare entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Holding an MBBS degree from the College of Medical Science, Nepal, he began his career with the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), eventually gaining rich experience across premier hospitals in India and abroad. However, driven by a deeper calling to serve his homeland, Dr. Dhir envisioned an institution that would blend empathy with excellence — a place where healthcare would not merely be about curing diseases, but about nurturing life itself.
In 2007, he laid the foundation of Sparsh Healthcare with just a handful of dedicated individuals. What began with seven people has today grown into a family of over 800, comprising some of the finest medical professionals in the country. Sparsh Healthcare has become a household name not only in Odisha but also in neighboring states, a testament to Dr. Dhir’s belief that true healthcare is a service to humanity. His guiding principle, “Service to mankind is service to the Almighty,” has been the cornerstone of Sparsh’s evolution.
Throughout his journey, Dr. Dhir has remained deeply rooted in ethics, integrity, and compassion. He emphasizes that there are no shortcuts to success, and his life’s work is a glowing example of perseverance and ethical leadership. His approach to healthcare management has always prioritized long-term relationships, transparency, and open communication, fostering a workplace culture where every team member feels valued and respected. Leadership, for Dr. Dhir, is not about authority but about building trust, understanding individual needs, and inspiring collective growth.
As Odisha witnessed rapid socio-economic development, the demand for advanced healthcare grew simultaneously. Dr. Dhir ensured that Sparsh Healthcare stayed ahead of the curve by embracing technological advancements. Over the last eighteen years, Sparsh transitioned from manual patient records to sophisticated Electronic Health Records (EHR), dramatically improving efficiency, patient care, and treatment outcomes. The introduction of telemedicine platforms further widened access, enabling expert consultations for patients in even the most remote areas. Remote monitoring tools and wearable devices have also become integral to their operations, reflecting Sparsh Healthcare’s commitment to leveraging innovation for better healthcare delivery.
However, Dr. Dhir’s vision extends beyond hospitals and technology. Understanding that preventive care is as vital as curative services, Sparsh Healthcare actively promotes holistic wellness. Dr. Dhir recognizes that modern lifestyles, marked by hectic schedules and constant stress, often hinder people from making healthy choices. To counter this, Sparsh runs extensive wellness programs, mental health initiatives, lifestyle development workshops, and Yogic therapy sessions. Through these initiatives, individuals are educated about nutrition, mental wellbeing, and the importance of a balanced life, empowering them to take control of their health proactively.
Expanding the scope of his mission, Dr. Dhir has set his sights on strengthening healthcare education in Odisha. Sparsh Healthcare is preparing to launch new educational institutions equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities. These institutes aim to nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals — individuals who are not only competent but also compassionate, carrying forward the values that Sparsh stands for. Simultaneously, a network of new pharmacies is in the pipeline, ensuring easier access to quality medicines and healthcare products for communities across the state.
At the core of Dr. Dhir’s leadership philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to democratic and participative management. He fosters a culture where open communication is encouraged, employee welfare is prioritized, and ethical practices form the bedrock of all operations. Drawing an analogy with familial bonds, he believes that the relationship between employer and employee should mirror the nurturing care of parents for their children. This philosophy extends to the patient community as well, ensuring that every individual who walks into Sparsh feels valued, heard, and cared for with dignity.
In a rapidly evolving sector like healthcare, staying updated with compliance and regulatory frameworks is crucial. Dr. Dhir remains vigilant, constantly engaging with the latest publications, participating in professional discussions, and attending Continuous Medical Education (CME) activities. His proactive approach to understanding government regulations and statutory compliances ensures that Sparsh Healthcare not only maintains its stellar standards but also pioneers new benchmarks for operational excellence.
When asked about his advice for emerging leaders in the healthcare sector, Dr. Dhir’s response is deeply reflective of his own journey. He urges young leaders to always remain honest — with themselves, their colleagues, and their patients. He emphasizes that real success comes not from shortcuts but from building enduring relationships and communicating effectively. The blessings of parents and divine grace, he believes, play an integral role in shaping a fulfilling and impactful career.
Today, Sparsh Healthcare stands tall as a symbol of empathetic healthcare, visionary leadership, and unyielding integrity. The group’s hospitals, wellness programs, and future educational ventures are all extensions of Dr. Priyabrata Dhir’s dream — a dream rooted in the belief that healthcare is not merely a profession but a sacred duty to society.
As he continues to chart new territories and push the boundaries of what healthcare can achieve, Dr. Dhir’s story serves as a shining example for many. It is a story of resilience, compassion, and vision — a journey where every milestone is a step towards a healthier, more equitable future for Odisha and beyond.
Through Sparsh Healthcare, Dr. Priyabrata Dhir has not only healed countless lives but also sowed the seeds of hope, making healthcare a heartfelt service to humanity.
