Devi Shetty
Devi Shetty is a renowned Indian cardiovascular surgeon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has made a significant contribution to the Indian healthcare system. He is the founder and chairman of Narayana Health, one of the largest healthcare providers in India, and has performed over 15,000 heart surgeries.
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Early Life Devi Shetty
Devi Prasad Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon and entrepreneur, was born on the 8th of May, 1953, in Kinnigoli, a small village situated in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. As the eighth of nine siblings, Shetty cultivated a passion for heart surgery at a young age after learning about Christiaan Barnard, the South African surgeon responsible for the world’s first heart transplant. This interest set the foundation for his future professional journey.
Personal Life
Not much is publicly known about Shetty’s personal life, including his hobbies and personal interests. However, it is evident that his personal life is deeply intertwined with his professional mission. His dedication to affordable healthcare is not only a professional goal but also a personal belief that influences his lifestyle and choices.
Professional Life Devi Shetty
Devi Shetty received his education at St. Aloysius School, Mangaluru, and went on to complete his MBBS in 1979. He furthered his studies with post-graduate work in General Surgery from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, and finally completed his FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, England.
Returning to India in 1989, Devi Shetty initially worked at B.M. Birla Hospital in Kolkata, where he achieved a significant milestone by performing the first neonatal heart surgery in the country on a 21-day-old baby in 1992. Shetty also served as Mother Teresa’s personal physician, operating on her after she suffered a heart attack.
Devi Shetty later moved to Bangalore and established the Manipal Heart Foundation at Manipal Hospitals, with financial support from his father-in-law. In 2001, Shetty’s entrepreneurial vision took shape with the founding of Narayana Hrudayalaya, a multi-specialty hospital located on the outskirts of Bangalore. Shetty has always believed that the cost of healthcare can be significantly reduced by leveraging the economies of scale.
Under Shetty’s leadership, Narayana Hrudayalaya has grown exponentially, providing services across cardiology, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, haematology, transplant services, and nephrology, among others. The hospital has gained global recognition for performing over 30 major heart surgeries a day.
In addition to Narayana Hrudayalaya, Shetty has founded the Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences in Kolkata and entered several partnerships with governments and organizations to expand affordable healthcare across India.
Awards and Recognitions
Devi Prasad Shetty’s contributions to affordable healthcare have been recognized at both national and international levels. Some of his notable awards include the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012, which are among the highest civilian awards in India. He has also received the Karnataka Ratna award in 2001, the Ernst & Young – Entrepreneur Of The Year – Life Sciences in 2012, and the 2011 The Economist Innovation Awards for the Business process field, among many others.
Age
As of the current year, 2023, Devi Prasad Shetty is 70 years old.
Salary
While the exact salary of Devi Prasad Shetty is not publicly disclosed, it’s known that he has dedicated a significant part of his career to providing affordable healthcare services.
Parents’ Name and Family
Details about Devi Prasad Shetty’s parents and family are not publicly available. However, it’s known that Shetty is one of nine children, growing up in a family that nurtured his ambition and allowed him to become one of India’s most prominent cardiac surgeons.
FAQ
What is Devi Shetty's educational background?
Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty was born on May 8, 1953, in Kinnigoli, Karnataka, India. He pursued his medical education at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, earning his MBBS and MS degrees. To further specialize in cardiac surgery, Dr. Shetty trained under the National Health Service in the United Kingdom from 1983 to 1989, working at prestigious institutions like Brompton Hospital and Guy’s Hospital in London. This extensive training laid the foundation for his illustrious career as a cardiac surgeon.
Which organizations has Devi Shetty founded?
Dr. Devi Shetty is the founder of Narayana Health, formerly known as Narayana Hrudayalaya, established in 2000. This healthcare network encompasses 47 facilities, including a hospital in the Cayman Islands. Narayana Health is renowned for providing affordable and high-quality healthcare services across India. Dr. Shetty also played a pivotal role in designing Karnataka’s Yeshasvini micro-insurance scheme, aimed at offering low-cost health insurance to rural farmers.
What is Devi Shetty's net worth?
As of February 2025, Dr. Devi Shetty’s net worth is estimated at $2 billion, positioning him among India’s wealthiest medical professionals. His wealth primarily stems from his role as the chairman and founder of Narayana Health, a prominent hospital chain headquartered in Bangalore. Under his leadership, Narayana Health has expanded to 47 healthcare facilities, including an international hospital in the Cayman Islands.
Who is Devi Shetty's wife?
Dr. Devi Shetty is married to Shakuntala Shetty. While specific details about their marriage and Shakuntala’s personal background are not widely publicized, the couple has four children. Dr. Shetty’s family has largely maintained a private life, away from the public eye, focusing on supporting his medical and philanthropic endeavors.
What is Devi Shetty's age?
Born on May 8, 1953, Dr. Devi Shetty is 71 years old as of February 2025. With a medical career spanning over four decades, he has made significant contributions to cardiac surgery and healthcare accessibility in India. His innovative approaches and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
What is Narayana Hrudayalaya?
Narayana Hrudayalaya, now known as Narayana Health, is a multi-specialty hospital chain founded by Dr. Devi Shetty in 2000. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, Narayana Health operates 47 healthcare facilities, including a hospital in the Cayman Islands. The network is acclaimed for delivering affordable, high-quality medical care across various specialties, with a notable emphasis on cardiac surgery. Dr. Shetty’s vision has been to make advanced healthcare accessible to all segments of society.
Who is Devi Shetty's son?
Dr. Devi Shetty and his wife, Shakuntala, have four children. Their son, Dr. Varun Shetty, has followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in medicine. Specific details about Dr. Varun Shetty’s medical specialization and professional endeavors are not widely publicized, as the family maintains a private profile regarding their personal lives.
What hospitals has Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty established?
Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty has been instrumental in establishing several hospitals under the Narayana Health network. Some notable facilities include:
• Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bangalore: A flagship hospital specializing in cardiac care.
• Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Kolkata: A multi-specialty hospital with a focus on cardiac sciences.
• Health City Cayman Islands: An international hospital offering a range of medical services.
