Leadership, courage, and care converged in an inspiring fireside chat as Col. Rajeev Mannali, MD & CEO of SUT Patton Superspeciality Hospital, Kerala, took the stage to share his journey from the battlefields to the hospital CEO. Moderated by Mayank Badhwar, Senior Editor, Voice of Healthcare the session, titled ‘Command to Care: A Leadership Journey,’ offered a rare glimpse into the lessons, challenges, and ethos that shape a leader committed to service both on and off the field.
Col. Mannali shared his inspiring journey from the Indian Armed Forces to healthcare leadership. He cited Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, commanding officer of INS Kukri, as his motivation. During the 1971 war, INS Kukri was attacked, and Captain Mulla ensured the safety of his crew while going down with the ship, exemplifying unparalleled courage and leadership.
Reflecting on his military experience, Col. Mannali emphasized the importance of appreciating those who have sacrificed their lives for the country. He recounted his defining moments in Pune, observing young officers and soldiers who had lost limbs in war yet displayed remarkable courage and humor. “That’s when I truly understood what care means,” he said, highlighting how nurses went above and beyond to maintain a cheerful environment and distract soldiers from their pain.
Col. Mannali believes that more army veterans should enter the healthcare ecosystem. Having served across five hospitals, including a brief stint at CMC Vellore, he noticed that introducing discipline and structured processes led to significant improvements in patient care and hospital performance.
Drawing parallels between military operations and healthcare, Col. Mannali stressed that both require quick responses, preparation, and teamwork. From ambulance drivers to emergency room staff, every stakeholder must operate in sync to save lives.
On leadership, he remarked, “A leader should always be at the forefront, someone the organization can trust.” He also spoke candidly about the toughest professional decisions, including asking brilliant doctors to leave when ethical standards were compromised, underscoring that ethics are non-negotiable.
Col. Mannali reflected on the personal trade-offs between army life and hospital life, noting that army service often limited his ability to participate in key moments of his children’s lives.
The session concluded with Dr. Naveen, co-founder of Voice of Healthcare, presenting a token of appreciation to Col. Mannali. Senior Editor Mayank Badhwar thanked him for sharing his invaluable life lessons and experiences from both the battlefield and the hospital boardroom.
The fireside chat was part of the National Healthcare Leadership Forum and Awards 2025, hosted by Voice of Healthcare at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, on 17 December 2025, which brought together leaders from across the healthcare ecosystem to share insights, celebrate excellence, and inspire the future of healthcare in India.