In this Telugu podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Bhaskar Rao Bollineni, one of India’s leading cardiothoracic surgeons and the visionary founder behind KIMS Hospitals, to trace an extraordinary journey that begins in the unlikeliest of places. Before he wore the doctor’s coat, he was a sarpanch in the 1990s but then life pulled him in a different direction. Influenced by a local RMP doctor and a deeply personal incident involving his sister. He says he chose medicine, not for money, but out of respect for the profession and a burning desire to save lives. Why cardiac? Because the heart, to him, represented both the fragility and resilience of human existence.
He opens up about the evolution of Aarogyasri, the landmark health scheme launched by YSR, the real intent behind it, and how he came to be part of its initiation. With candid honesty, he discusses the allegations of misuse, how the rich often exploited benefits meant for the poor, and why the insurance premium model needs a serious rethink. He also explained how co-payment can change the way people look at health care in India; Dr. Bhaskar Rao takes us through the economics of healthcare & employment generation. His insights turn into practical advice for every listener—why money spent on health is not an expenditure but an income, how small rechecks in our budget can save us from becoming poor. His brutally honest examples will make you rethink how you view your health & security.
The conversation goes deeper into what it truly means to be a doctor. His practical advice for young students…a personal SWOT analysis, being an observer in the field before committing, the real meaning of education beyond degrees, the widening gap between education & employment, the dignity of labour that’s celebrated in developed countries but often overlooked in India. He then recalls unforgettable medical cases, the dilemma of handling critical patients with little chance of survival, and the emotional toll of explaining death to grieving families. With empathy, he highlights why quality of life matters more than mere quantity and how end-of-life care must be treated with dignity.
We also explore the nuts and bolts of running a large hospital chain; the unsung role of paramedics and hospital staff, the urgent need for reskilling, the pay disparities, and the importance of continuous training. As a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, he walks us through the sheer complexity of organ transplants, the magic of preserving hearts at sub-zero temperatures, and the drama of green channel operations that use chartered flights to save lives. He sheds light on the story behind KIMS--one of India’s most accessible and quality-driven hospital networks, and even expanding into Afghanistan. He responds to allegations about corporate hospital pricing, and demystifies advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, MRgFUS, robotic surgeries, and the economics behind them.
Beyond medicine and management, Dr. Bhaskar Rao shares his thoughts on everyday health; food, exercise, and discipline. He reflects on how values must be built in childhood, and how his own upbringing shaped his worldview. From 108 ambulances to civic responsibility, from private equity pressures to doctor poaching, no subject is off the table in this raw and eye-opening discussion.
Whether you’re a student, a doctor, a policymaker, or simply someone who cares about health and life, this conversation with Dr. Bhaskar Rao Bollineni will leave you inspired, informed, and questioning how we as a society value healthcare.
