As per the Forbes 'India's 100 Richest List' released Thursday (October 12), Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, the medical doctor-turned-entrepreneur from Kerala, is ranked no 57 with a net worth of $3.7 billion (₹30,770 crore).

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Dr Shamsheer’s net worth has grown 68% this year, from $2.2 billion (₹18,295 crore) in 2022, making him the richest doctor in India. Comparative data indicates Dr Shamsheer is also the fastest-growing non-resident Indian on the list.

At the helm of one of the UAE’s largest and most dynamic healthcare companies, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has enjoyed a meteoric rise in his career and his growth story from a doctor to a leader in setting up a physician-led medical business is inspiring.

Born in Kerala’s verdant coastal city of Kozhikode, Dr Shamsheer's path to medical and entrepreneurial excellence was marked by his unyielding commitment to healthcare.

He completed his medical training at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India, after which he received additional specialty training in radiology. His strong academic foundation would prove critical in shaping his future endeavors.

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He started his professional career at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, in 2004. Not one to dream small, Dr Shamsheer first considered the idea of owning a hospital when he was working as a radiologist.

Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship was a natural next step for the young doctor from a family of prominent businessmen. With a strong sense of purpose, he set out to disrupt the healthcare space at the young age of 30.

From Doctor To Entrepreneur

Since setting up his first hospital (LLH, Abu Dhabi) in 2007, Dr Shamsheer has built a thriving healthcare organisation - Burjeel Holdings, right from the heart of Abu Dhabi.

Under his leadership, Burjeel Holdings has grown into a private healthcare services platform providing the highest healthcare delivery and patient management standards across the UAE and the MENA region.

Dr Shamsheer has built diverse and successful offerings comprising hospitals, medical centers, homecare and occupational health, and retail pharmacies across the UAE, Oman, India, and Saudi Arabia.

As per the people close to him, what distinguishes Dr Shamsheer is not just his medical expertise, but his visionary approach to healthcare management. He has ensured that community engagement is built into the very essence of his business.

Through a unique hub and spoke model, he leads Burjeel Holdings’ efforts in elevating the level of care in the market across the demographic spectrum through brands like Burjeel Hospitals, Medeor Hospitals, LLH Hospitals, Lifecare Hospitals, Tajmeel, and PhysioTherabia.

Through his family office, VPS Healthcare, Dr Shamsheer's investments span companies like Burjeel Holdings, Response Plus Holding (RPM), LIFEPharma, Keita, and Ziva in the Middle East. In India, his investments include VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Dynamed, and Educare Institute of Dental Sciences.

By taking two of his companies - RPM and Burjeel Holdings - public and successfully listing them on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Dr Shamsheer has prioritised the creation of long-term value and consistently increasing dividend payouts over the years.

His strategic moves have revolutionised the Middle East’s healthcare landscape and catapulted him into the elite club of the world’s wealthiest billionaires.

A Philanthropic Leader and Changemaker

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr Shamsheer remains rooted in his values and is quick to lend a hand of support to people and communities in crisis around the world.

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When the Nipah viral infection was detected in Kerala in 2018, he announced a donation of emergency healthcare equipment worth Rs 1.75 crore to help the state’s fight against the deadly virus.

In 2018, Dr Shamsheer pledged his support to the flood-ravaged Kerala through immediate and long-term measures, including amenities and equipment worth Rs 2 crore for flood relief. He also rebuilt a government primary health center in the state’s northern region, spending Rs 10 crore, making it India’s largest family health center.

In 2018, Dr Shamsheer joined the Giving Pledge – a global initiative started by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett to publicly dedicate most of their wealth to philanthropy.

He is a regular contributor to the UAE’s 'One Billion Meals Initiative' to provide food to underprivileged communities around the world and has made contributions to the tune of AED 12 million (₹27.2 crore) to date. In 2023, Dr Shamsheer donated AED 5 million ( ₹11.3 crore) to the Emirates Red Crescent in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria.

First Published:Oct 13, 2023 6:47 PM IST