Modern healthcare has witnessed some phenomenal shifts in the past two decades owing to tech integration, patient centric care, datadriven decision making and several other factors. Creating value based models is quite significant for the healthcare players to speak to the global populace. Harnessing the power of advanced healthcare alterations, Pattom Sree Uthradam Thirunal Hospital aka SUT Hospital, has been a cornerstone of modern healthcare in Thiruvananthapuram for over thirty-five years.

2. SUT Hospital:
A promise to
prioritizing
‘care before
commerce’…
SUT
HOSPITAL
PATTOM
Cover story
Modern healthcare has
witnessed some phenomenal
shifts in the past two decades
owing to tech integration,
patient centric care, data-
driven decision making and
several other factors. Creating
value based models is quite
significant for the healthcare
players to speak to the
global populace. Harnessing
the power of advanced
healthcare alterations, Pattom
Sree Uthradam Thirunal
Hospital aka SUT Hospital,
has been a cornerstone
of modern healthcare in
Thiruvananthapuram for
over thirty-five years.
To cover the overall journey as well as the length and breadth of the
institution, we sat down with Col Rajeev Mannali, the CEO, for a virtual
interview. In the conversation, we discussed various aspects of the
institution and its worth more than a glance at the journey of revolutionizing
the healthcare experience in the country. We hope the insights shared here
would befit your entrepreneurial fervor and offer you insightful ideas to
contemplate.
The profile
SUT Hospital was established in 1987. Since its inception, it
is bridging critical healthcare gaps in the region. So far, it has
emerged as a trailblazer in providing tertiary and quaternary
healthcare services to people. The foundation of the institution
was laid by Dr. C Bharath Chandran, a distinguished cardiologist
and strengthened by the steadfast commitment of its clinical and
support teams. The hospital has become a leader in healthcare,
crafting a narrative of unmatched excellence in treatment and pa-
tient care. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman B R Shetty,
SUT Hospital has reached unprecedented heights as a premier
healthcare provider. Collaborative efforts from all stakeholders
have been instrumental in not just navigating challenges but also
propelling the hospital towards the pinnacle of excellence. Under
his guidance, the hospital has transformed into a dynamic institu-
tion that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge medical advancements
with compassionate care, fostering an environment where patients
not only recover but thrive.
When referring to what sets the institution apart from the rest, Col. Mannali
articulated that it stemmed from its transformation from a renowned palace
into a healthcare facility. After a huge change in ownership which occurred
in 2012-2013 under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Shetty and the group, the
hospital scaled to greater heights. This shift marked its evolution into a
common man’s hospital, shattering the typical image of prestigious medical
institutions. As mentioned by Dr. B.R. Shetty, the chairman, the hospital’s
ethos revolves around prioritizing the primacy of human life over financial
benefits unlike most multi-specialty hospitals.
The leader in command
Col. Rajeev Mannali leads the institution from the forefront
based on his extensive experience of serving the Indian Army.
His spectacular voyage is a testament to versatility and excellence
that blends tenor with profound dedication. Starting his academic
and professional training at a young age, he transitioned from a
distinguished military career to a transformative role in healthcare
leadership.
Dr. B R Shetty
Chairman Sree Uthradam
Thirunal Hospital

3. “My approach is to consider leadership over management principles. I
draw inspiration from my military background. We focus on caring for our
people, fostering a people-centric environment in a dynamic workforce
oriented environment like the one prevalent Kerala. Encouraging managers
to embody leadership qualities, we aim to create a culture of leadership at
every level. My goal is to nurture and empower more leaders, ensuring that
the organization can function independently without reliance solely on top
leadership,” explained Col Mannali about his leadership mantra that has been
shaping the institution’s growth.
Col. Mannali’s influence has now extended beyond healthcare where he has led
many initiatives in societal development and has been applauded nationally. In
a nutshell, his journey is an inspiring narrative of sheer dedication, resilience
and a steadfast commitment to excellence, making him a multifaceted luminary
in both military and healthcare domains.
A Legacy of Innovation
SUT Hospital never fails to amaze its peers with its innovative streak. In its
early years, the institution was successful in launching several groundbreaking
milestones, including hosting Kerala’s first beating heart surgery and performing
the first complicated mitral valvuloplasty within three years of its establishment.
These milestones speak volumes on the hospital’s dedication to pushing the
boundaries of medical science and delivering state-of-the-art treatments.
A pledge to serve people
SUT Hospital has been grabbing nationwide acclaim for its dedication to serving
people. And this assertion is evident in the hospital’s policy of not increasing
tariffs for the past six years, a remarkable feat that sets it apart from other
institutions. This commitment to affordability and accessibility aligns with
the hospital’s mission to provide the best care, including primary, secondary,
tertiary, and quaternary services, at rates that could allow the community to
afford ‘best- in-class healthcare’. Indeed, this mindfulness stands in contrast
to practices observed elsewhere testifying the hospital’s unwavering focus on
ensuring quality healthcare, accessible to all.
His military career speaks
volumes of his valor and
leadership. In this expedition,
he spearheaded pivotal roles
during active operations
and strategic diplomatic
engagements. When he
transitioned his career to
healthcare after retiring from
defense services, he led
institutions to premier status
based on his learning from his
previous roles that made him
earn accolades for excellence in
management.
Receiving the Young Indian Excellence in Healthcare Award from Hon’ble Governor
of Kerala Shri Arif Mohammad Khan on 10th Dec 2023.
Col Rajeev Mannali
CEO

4. Guiding the leadership as the CEO, Col. Manalli has guided
SUT’s values such that it is able to provide affordable
treatment. highlighting that the hospital has maintained
consistent treatment costs over the past six years. Despite
challenges such as fluctuating exchange rates and the
need for advanced medical equipment upgrades, SUT
prioritizes cost-effectiveness, ensuring that top-quality
healthcare remains accessible to all. The hospital adheres to
the principle of “Pulse before Purse” as articulated by the
Chairman Dr. B R Shetty.
Patient centric approach
SUT Hospital’s unique selling points (USPs) are deeply
rooted in its historical ties and patient-centric mindset.
Worth noting is the fact that it is named after a revered
ruler of the Travancore royal family. And based on this, the
hospital embodies a legacy of royalty and heritage while
fostering a strong relationship with the royal lineage. This
historical connection allows the institution to establish an
atmosphere where every patient is treated with utmost
respect and care, akin to royalty.
The hospital’s commitment to patient-centricity could be
measured by high Google rating acceptance. These ratings
showcase the positive experiences of patients and their
families. Upholding the principle of “do no harm,” SUT
Hospital prioritizes patient safety and well-being. These
values are guiding every member of the institution to
ensure that every care-seeker receives the highest standard
of care and attention.
Moreover, SUT Hospital goes beyond conventional
healthcare by actively engaging in disease prevention
initiatives. Establishing several medical camps and
awareness programs, especially in underserved areas
like tribal communities, the hospital promotes preventive
healthcare measures at minimal or no cost. This proactive
approach to preventing diseases underscores SUT
Hospital’s dedication to holistic wellness and community
health, making it a trusted destination for comprehensive
healthcare services.
Comprehensive Specialties and Services
In terms of explaining their service portfolio, SUT Hospital
is proud to talk of over 30 specialty / super specialty
departments. These include cardiac sciences, neurosciences,
gastro sciences, plastic surgery, urology, nephrology,
obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular surgery. The
hospital’s 24-hour emergency and trauma care services
further solidify its position as a comprehensive center of
care. From its modest beginnings with fewer than 100 beds,
SUT has expanded to a 200-bed hospital with seven state-
of-the-art operating theaters and 67 ICU beds.
Centers of Excellence and Accolades
SUT has plans to establish thriving centers of excellence and has commenced work with its
neuroscience department, garnering recognition for its outstanding contributions in stroke care. Dr
Thomas Iype, Head of the Neurology Department, received the “Best Stroke Care Provider of the
Year” Award in October 2023 from ‘Voice of Healthcare’, a national-level NGO. In addition to this,
SUT’s commitment to ethical clinical practice has been widely acknowledged.
Recognitions and Training Excellence
SUT is not just a healthcare provider but also a recognized training center approved by the American Heart Association,
offering courses in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Heart Saver courses.
The hospital ensures high-quality training with in-house AHA licensed instructors and faculties. SUT’s commitment
to quality is further evidenced by its esteemed certification from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals &
Healthcare Providers (NABH), ensuring patients receive care that not only heals but also upholds the highest ethical
standards. SUT is also an “Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center,” approved by the Pharmacovigilance Program of
India. Its exceptional dedication to Mother and Baby care has earned it the prestigious Mother & Baby Friendly Hospital
accreditation (MBFHI), with an impressive score of 99.03%, the second-highest in the state, solidifying SUT as a safe
haven for newborns and mothers.SUT conducts DNB courses under the National Board in four disciplines.
Commitment to Ethical Research
SUT’s Institutional Ethics Committee for Human Subject Research achieved a significant milestone in January 2024 by
obtaining approval from both the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research
(DHR). This recognition reaffirms SUT’s dedication to conducting ethical research in the healthcare sector.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare
In the current times, SUT Hospital stands as a beacon of healthcare excellence, embodying a legacy of innovation,
affordability, diverse specialties, and numerous accolades. For the upcoming years, the goal is to expand beyond Kerala.
The institution continues to influence and redefine healthcare standards everyday that exemplify the management’s
ceaseless commitment to excellence.
changes most willingly because we
know that some stagnancy and status
quoism is not a good thing for any
establishment”. Now, I look at the
challenges ahead of me. Firstly, we
have already talked about integration
of technology that’s going to be a major
challenge. We will take into account
what all we can do as far as technology
is concerned. Secondly, I find a very
disturbing trend happening across the
spectrum in healthcare that we have
all heard about attacks on doctors and
abusing them in the worst possible
way. There is somehow an animosity
that has come up between those cared
for and the ones who care. Now, the
most unfortunate thing is that, that
age-old bond between the doctors
and the patients no longer exists. We
would look at attempting to change
the scenario in every possible way. We
would like to adopt a leadership role in
fostering change in this particular area
which is particularly important in the
days ahead.
Explaining his goals and viewing the institution’s future, Col. Mannali shared, “Change is the
only constant in healthcare and we need to stay abreast of it.”So, we must prepare to accept
changes in, the way we function, the way we provide care, and everything that, you know,
seems to be dynamic, we have to be prepared to accept changes. And therefore, we accept
“Outlook Business Brand Icon of the Year 2023
Award” honored by Shri Kapil Mishra, Vice President
BJP Delhi and Bollywood Diva Ms. Kriti Sanon.