The UAE’s healthcare industry has undergone a stunning transformation. Once a sector that left much to be desired, it has now become one of the region’s most dynamic growth stories. Government investments, which topped AED 20 billion in 2023, have been pivotal in reshaping healthcare quality and accessibility. Today, with over 170 hospitals and 12,500 licensed professionals, healthcare contributes around 4% to the national GDP. As a result, the UAE is well on its way to a projected market size of USD 19.5 billion by 2028, positioning itself as a global leader in healthcare and medical tourism. One of the companies making significant strides in the healthcare ecosystem of UAE is Burjeel Holdings, a healthcare provider serving the people of UAE for more than one and a half decades. Its founder, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, has been nothing short of an inspiration for the up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
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The Stage of an Illustrative Career
Dr Shamsheer has had a nimble childhood. He was born in a small town, Kozhikode, in the Indian state of Kerala. After completing his schooling at his local school, Dr Shamsheer aspired to become a doctor and started his academic career at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. After completing his MBBS, he joined the prestigious Shri Ramchandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai. Here, Dr Shamsheer pursued an MD in radiology in 2006.
Professional Journey: A New Beginning
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil started his journey as a radiologist at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi. He worked there for almost 12 months, and finally, he had enough expertise to open up a hospital of his own. In 2007, he opened his very own hospital, LLH Hospital in Abu Dhabi. He worked with utmost determination and hard work to expand his hospital chain and started a new company called VPS Healthcare. Under the VPS Healthcare banner, he started Burjeel Holdings, which is one of the leading healthcare providers in the UAE and the Middle East.
Cracking The Healthcare Industry
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil’s journey from a practising radiologist to one of the most influential healthcare pioneers in the Middle East is a story of vision, resilience, and social commitment. With an initial focus on addressing gaps in the UAE’s healthcare system, Dr. Vayalil established VPS Healthcare in 2007, starting with a single hospital. Today, VPS Healthcare has grown into a multinational conglomerate, encompassing more than 20 hospitals, 125 medical centres, and numerous diagnostic and pharmaceutical facilities spread across the UAE, Europe, and India.
Dr. Vayalil’s impact as a healthcare pioneer has been marked by his commitment to expanding healthcare access and improving clinical quality. Under his leadership, VPS Healthcare has introduced numerous specialised care services in the UAE, including advanced cardiac care, oncology, and emergency services, each benchmarked against international standards. His emphasis on quality care has led VPS to earn Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for several of its hospitals, making them among the most trusted healthcare institutions in the region.
Achievements and Philanthropy
In addition to his corporate achievements, Dr. Vayalil is deeply committed to humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives. He has led significant charitable efforts, including support for healthcare needs in conflict zones, relief efforts for disaster-affected areas, and financial support for underprivileged patients. His philanthropic work extends to education and health programs in India and the UAE, embodying his belief that healthcare should be accessible to all.
Moreover, Dr Vayalil’s contributions have been recognized by numerous awards and honours, reflecting his reputation as a healthcare innovator. He has been listed among the Forbes Middle East’s Top Indian Leaders in the Arab World. He has received accolades such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, India’s highest honour for non-resident Indians. Through VPS Healthcare, he has also fostered collaborations with leading global institutions, facilitating knowledge exchange and adopting cutting-edge medical practices in the UAE.
A Visionary Leader In the Making
With his strategic vision, Dr. Vayalil has redefined healthcare in the UAE and set a benchmark for the industry in the Middle East and beyond. His commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and community service underscores his role as a pioneering force in the region’s healthcare transformation.
As of now, Dr. Vayalil has a net worth of around $2.4 billion dollars, and with his illustrious chain of hospitals, he is poised to make a difference in not only the healthcare industry of the Middle East, but also the healthcare industry of the world.
