Hyderabad: Known healthcare professional, author, former cricketer and cancer-conqueror, Dr. K. Hari Prasad, President, Apollo Group – Hospitals, talks about continuing the legacy of his father and taking concrete steps towards contributing to health, education and sports, the fields, he loves the most, in a tete-a-tete with Sudheer Goutham of APAC News Network.
Congratulations on starting a noble initiative through HES Society (Health, Education and Sport for All). Tell us about this whole idea about HES Society and how did it start?
Well, community has given me a lot. Whatever little I could do is because of the community. I always was looking for the opportunities to give back to the society and I have been doing in my own little way. However, I wanted to do something concrete and useful in the areas I love the most. Obviously, sports were my first love, education for youngsters is something of utmost importance and priority for the nation and health is obviously a priority for everybody. Meanwhile, I have been in healthcare industry and contributed for more than three decades now. So, through HES Society, I have been contributing in these three fields – Health, Education & Sports.
How is the HES Society being supported or funded?
I have written a book called ‘I’m Possible’. Besides, contribution from my family members to the society, I wanted all the proceeds of my book to go towards the society. My next generation, all of them came together and have said that they would take responsibility of the society. So the younger generation runs the society.
Your father, late Dr. KVR Prasad, was known for his healthcare services in Hyderabad for more than five decades. Especially, the Sridevi Nursing Home in Sitaphalmandi, Secunderabad area, founded by him was popular for serving the poor and needy. How’s this HES Society a reflection of his passion and legacy?
My father, Dr. KVR Prasad, was the Chairman of the HES Society; unfortunately he passed away because of COVID-19 recently. My father who was a doctor, loved his profession and was passionate about it dedicated his life in the service of the people. So, we have decided to sponsor meritorious student, under poverty line, who secures the seat in the government medical college for his/her entire MBBS education and needs. Depending on the availability of the funds we would also contribute on other two areas also, the society will also increase the number of candidates. Eligible candidates can apply online on http://hessociety.org/drkvrprasad
In his (Dr. KVR Prasad) absence, who would be running the Sridevi Nursing Home?
We are a family of doctors. Among the children and grandchildren of my father, there are about 10 doctors. But all of them are settled in different places and areas. But, we wanted to keep the memory of that hospital alive. He was very passionate about it. In fact, when the Corona pandemic set in and strict rules were in place and given his age, we made him sit at home fearing the infection. But, after spending two weeks at home, he started telling that he has been taking care of the patients for over 45-50 years, who will take care of them now. He started taking care of patients, that’s how he contracted COVID-19 and succumbed to it.
We wanted to continue his legacy. Now, we are redoing the whole hospital with modern facilities. This small break would be worth it as people can benefit out of the upgraded and enhanced facilities.
What would be the vision and plan of HES Society in the coming days?
There are many young talents in the field of sports and education who need support to realize their potential, we will facilitate them. At the same time many cannot afford healthcare services, we will continue to serve them. Though we may not be able to serve the entire nation or city, we would serve in our own little way.
