The healthcare and the diagnostic sector have gone through a tremendous makeover brought in by technology, it is developing the healthcare sector by leaps and bounds. Technology in the health sector presents numerous opportunities for improving and transforming healthcare which constitutes reducing human errors, improving clinical outcomes, improving practice efficiency, and tracking data over time. Indeed, it’s an undeniable fact that fast & accurate healthcare investigations and diagnostics could mean the difference between life and death. According to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control And Prevention ) USA, 14 billion lab tests are ordered annually, and 70 percent of medical decisions depend on laboratory results. That means that laboratory professionals play a vital role in healthcare and patient advocacy. Prompted and motivated by the need for diagnostic services and the potential it holds for the prevention of diseases, early detection, and saving lives, Dr. Neepa Chowdhury chose her career path in diagnostics. Neepa holds an MBBS degree from Medical College and Hospitals, Kolkata; where she also pursued her MD specialization in Biochemistry. She is one among the leaders who set examples by actions. Being a young member of the board, Neepa is currently leading the Clinical Biochemistry Department at Suraksha Diagnostics. In an exclusive interview, Neepa talks more about her professional journey and how she is leading change in the industry.

What are some important features of your expertise as a business leader? Takes us through your professional journey.

Soon after completing my MD, I started my career with Suraksha Diagnostics. It’s been over 10 years now working as a Consultant Biochemist. Currently, I am working as the Section Director of the Clinical Biochemistry Department. My expertise is in Clinical biochemistry, Special Immunology, Fluorescence Microscopy, Haemoglobinopathy Screening, Metabolic diagnostics, LC-MS and Molecular Biology. I am also a trained Technical Assessor in Biochemistry from National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

Introduce us to Suraksha Diagnostics. In your opinion what makes the diagnostic centre unique?

Suraksha Diagnostics is a brand that carried 30 years of legacy in providing both all pathology and radiology services under one roof. Known for quality and convenience, we are recognized as the leading diagnostic chain in eastern India, it today ranks among the top 5 nationally with more than 45 centres (labs, polyclinics, OPDs) across West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. I am currently leading the Biochemistry and LC-MS department of the central lab, which is the main lab, serving 5000 to 6000 patients per day. We maintain strict quality protocols in all our centres and operate centres on PPP (Public Private Partnership) basis with the State Government in NRS Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata and Meghalaya. We have high-calibre diagnosticians (Radiologists, Biochemists, Pathologists, Microbiologists as well as skilled technicians) and our services range from Radiology to Pathology, Histopathology, Molecular Biology, Cytogenetics, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, and Neurology tests.

Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the Section Director for Suraksha Diagnostics. What are your current focus areas in terms of driving growth for the firm?

As a doctor, my first responsibility is patient service. At the end of the day, the patient should receive their reports on time and they should be accurate as well. Speaking of our department, that is biochemistry which is the biggest, I have to ensure a smooth workflow. There has to be proper coordination from the time we receive the patient sample to till patient reports are sent out. Along with that, some marketing aspects and training for tests when launched. I take care of additional aspects such as the Quality control part which is crucial and needs immense expertise and also work on accreditation for the quality aspects.

"Convenience, along with our unwavering commitment to accuracy and service are the reason for our steady growth and popularity"

Throw some light on the most critical business challenges you face as a business leader in the diagnostics industry. What has been your success mantra?

People tend to gravitate towards labs that charge a comparatively lesser price, but they don’t realize that the quality of the tests differs as well. This quality factor, which is given stringent importance has to be explained to the patients and doctors. I do not have any success mantra but I am guided by the principles of sincerity and honesty along with hard work. Do your work with dedication and growth will follow.

Dr. Neepa Chowdhury, Section Director, Suraksha Diagnostics

Dr. Neepa Chowdhury holds over 10 years of experience as a Consultant Biochemist who joined Suraksha Diagnostics in 2011. She is also trained as a Technical Assessor – Biochemistry from the National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL) as per ISO 15189:2012 – Medical laboratories and a Life Member of AMBI, ACBI, and IMA. She has various publications in reputed National journals.

Dr. Neepa has attended several CMEs and conferences. Recently she participated as a Resource Person and Chairperson at the 5th Annual Academic Sessions 2020 organized by The College of Chemical Pathologists of Sri Lanka along with IFCC collaboration in Colombo, Sri Lanka.