CSR Times presents From the Leaders’ Desk: a series that brings together inspiring collection of perspectives and insights from leaders! Marking World Health Day, this edition amplifies voices, fostering meaningful dialogue on building a healthier, more resilient India, where well-being is not a privilege, but a universal right within everyone’s reach.
“Health and wellbeing of employees remain central to building resilient, future-ready organisations. At Myntra, we place employee wellbeing at the core of our people philosophy. Through MynShield, our flexible and comprehensive insurance, we offer inclusive, end-to-end coverage spanning physical, mental and preventive care, alongside support across diverse life stages. This is complemented by thoughtfully designed workspaces, from fitness-led interventions like pickleball court to mindfulness spaces such as Dhyaan Kaksha, along with flexible work policies, access to counselling and holistic wellness initiatives, as we continue to foster a culture that prioritises care, awareness and accessibility at scale.”
Mr. Govindraj MK
CHRO, Myntra
“Healthcare ecosystems must be built around proactive, last-mile delivery rather than reactive care-seeking. It requires meeting communities where they are - particularly women who often deprioritise their health - by integrating awareness, early screening, and preventive interventions into everyday community touchpoints. In our experience, shifting the focus to early engagement and prevention builds long-term trust and participation at the grassroots, while improving health outcomes. One such example is Jindal Foundation’s Kishori Express initiative, which tackles anaemia among adolescent girls, and our Hospital on Wheels programme that delivers last-mile healthcare access. Our interventions span critical areas including maternal and child health, nutrition, menstrual hygiene, preventive care, and strengthening local health infrastructure. By co-creating solutions that resonate with communities and leveraging local trust networks, we can make sustainable public healthcare systems."
Mr. Rishi Pathania
Vice President and CSR Head, Jindal Foundation
"On World Health Day, we must recognise that a nation’s progress is measured not just by its hospitals, but by access to preventive care.
At Muthoot Finance, our mantra is simple. Preventive care.
Muthoot Snehasraya was built on a clear insight. The rise in lifestyle diseases reflects gaps in early detection. Too often, treatment comes too late, especially for vulnerable communities.
Over the past 12 years, we have intervened in the lives of more than 8 lakh people through the Snehasraya project. Today, our mobile diagnostic model is active across five states, taking essential screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and kidney health directly to those who need it most.
This is not just a service. It is a shift in approach. From reacting to illness to enabling early action.
Our goal is clear. To build a resilient India where prevention is not a privilege, but a basic right."
Mr. George M George
DMD, Muthoot Finance Ltd.
“Good health is fundamental to how individuals, families and communities grow and thrive. Yet, access to timely and quality healthcare continues to be influenced by geography. At HDFC Bank Parivartan, we are focused on strengthening last-mile access to primary and preventive care through initiatives such as Mobile Medical Care Units serving over four lakh individuals across the country, alongside awareness and early detection efforts. Our work also extends to improving access to safe sanitation and clean water across 950 villages, recognising the close link between living conditions and health outcomes. Our experience on the ground shows that when people have access to early care and reliable information, they are better equipped to make informed choices for themselves and their families. By supporting preventive healthcare and strengthening community-level systems, we aim to contribute to healthier and more resilient communities across India."
Ms. Nusrat Pathan
Head- CSR, HDFC Bank
“Health always stands as a cornerstone for shaping the well-being and future of our nation. As we observe World Health Day under the theme ‘Together for health. Stand with science,’ we are reminded that true wellness is built on the foundation of scientific awareness, preventive care, and informed everyday choices. At Vestige, we are committed to nurturing a culture of holistic well-being, fostering nutritional literacy, and enabling access to scientifically backed wellness solutions through our products. Empowering individuals with the right knowledge creates a powerful cycle of health that benefits families, communities, and the country as a whole. Through the power of wellness, we remain dedicated to helping people take charge of their health and contribute towards building a more resilient, vibrant, and prosperous India. "
Mr. Gautam Bali
Founder and Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd
“Building a resilient and inclusive healthcare ecosystem in India requires ensuring that quality care reaches the last mile. In many rural communities, barriers such as limited access to services, low awareness, and stigma around issues like mental health continue to affect overall well-being. One of the most effective ways to bridge this gap is through community-based health systems. Village-level health champions—such as Sakhis and Mental Health Mitras—play a critical role in identifying health concerns early, raising awareness, and connecting families to the formal healthcare system. At Ambuja Foundation, our health initiatives focus on strengthening these community networks while improving awareness around preventive care, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and mental well-being. When local institutions, frontline workers, and communities work together, we can build a healthcare ecosystem that is more accessible, responsive, and resilient for rural India."
Dr. Vinayak Sonawane
Associate Director (Health) Ambuja Foundation
"Building an inclusive and resilient healthcare ecosystem begins with awareness, accessibility, and empathy at the grassroots level. At Girnar Foundation, we have focused on breaking taboos and bridging critical gaps through initiatives such as Female Health Matters initiative, which focuses on sanitary donation for underprivileged girls, educational sessions, and our Warm Care initiative, which provides winter clothing and essentials to underserved communities. These efforts are designed not only to address immediate needs but also to promote dignity, preventive care, and long-term well-being. However, meaningful and sustained impact requires deeper collaboration between institutions, communities, and policymakers. By strengthening last-mile access, investing in awareness, and fostering trust, we can build public health systems that are truly inclusive, responsive, and leave no one behind."
Ms. Pihu Jain
Head, Girnar Foundation
“ Building an inclusive, accessible, and resilient healthcare ecosystem requires moving beyond infrastructure to focus on last-mile delivery and preventive care. One of the major learnings has been that awareness, intervention, and engagement are critical to improving health outcomes, especially among disadvantaged groups.Our efforts have been focused on strengthening grassroots healthcare access through initiatives such as setting up dedicated clinics, conducting diagnostic camps, and providing comprehensive care to vulnerable communities, including truck drivers, women and children. These not only help addressing the immediate health needs but also promote prevention and holistic well-being. Going forward, the key will be to work together. "
Ms. Krupa Tanna
Lead- CSR, HDB Financial Services
“Health is the cornerstone of human development; without it, progress remains incomplete.” For over two decades, we have worked on-ground to address various healthcare gaps by strengthening and emphasising awareness, early intervention, and prevention across all life stages—from prenatal to geriatric care—for men, women, and children. We support advanced treatments, equip government hospitals, private hospitals, Primary Health Centers and enable skilled medical professionals. Beyond clinical care, we enhance patient and caregiver well-being, while also supporting hospital staff. Our work spans to supporting communicable and non-communicable diseases, ailments, palliative care, differently abled and access to affordable medicines—ensuring a holistic and inclusive healthcare ecosystem.”
Mrs. Ritu Prakash Chhabria
Managing Trustee, Mukul Madhav Foundation, CSR arm of Finolex Industries
“On World Health Day 2026, themed ‘Together for Health: Stand with Science,’ India must confront the disconnect between oral healthcare availability and outcomes. Despite integration into primary care, oral diseases remain high due to low awareness and poor preventive practices. Oral cancer, a major yet preventable burden, demands urgent nationwide screening, tobacco cessation, and education. Building a resilient system requires collaboration and a strong prevention focus. At Clove Dental, standardized protocols, technology, and patient education ensure consistent, high-quality care."
Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora
Chief Clinical Officer at Clove Dental
“To create an inclusive healthcare ecosystem, emphasis must be placed on the awareness of healthcare, especially in aspirational districts. During COVID-19, we donated 105 beds to frontline systems and established a 50-bed care center in Alibag, providing curbside oxygen, PPE kits, ventilators, and ICU beds to those living in Raigad. In addition, we improved emergency response through 4 ambulances throughout Raigad and Pune, while distributing more than 3,000 menstrual cups, promoting upholding preventive health practices. By bringing about public health through collective action when the entire community has access, awareness will become a continued outcome of success for everyone involved."
Mr. Amit Deshpande
Chief Operating Officer, Centre For Transforming India (CFTI)
“On this World Health Day, we reaffirm that preventive healthcare is fundamental to building resilient communities and enabling better learning outcomes. With over 15 years of working closely with children in government schools, we have seen their heightened vulnerability to communicable diseases. Our approach combines awareness with action through hygiene initiatives, employee-led sessions, and preventive health kits, while also supporting 28 schools with maintenance, health screenings, and access to clean water and solar energy. Together with our partners, we are fostering a culture where health becomes a daily habit, empowering students as changemakers within their communities.""
Ms. Shaina Ganapathy
Head of Community Outreach Initiatives, Embassy Group
“On the occasion of World Health Day, we are reminded that a resilient healthcare ecosystem is fundamental to sustainable growth and inclusive development. Building this ecosystem requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes accessibility, quality infrastructure, and community well-being. At Capacit’e, we go beyond construction, developing spaces that support better health outcomes while fostering safety, dignity, and care. Equally important is addressing mental well-being and strengthening grassroots awareness. It is imperative for corporates, institutions, and communities to work together to ensure healthcare is accessible, equitable, and responsive to evolving societal needs."
Mrs. Sakshi Katyal
Executive Director- Procurement, Capacit’e Infraprojects Limited
"The secret to building a truly inclusive, accessible, resilient, and sustainable healthcare ecosystem lies in fostering meaningful partnerships between non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and the government. Our experience stands as a testament to the fact that NGOs possess both the capability and the capacity to reach the grassroots—where many systems, institutions and individuals often fall short. The way forward is not working in silos but nurturing collaborations rooted in trust, shared responsibility, and a collective vision for healthier communities."
Dr. Geetanjali Chopra
Founder & President, Wishes and Blessings
"Building an inclusive, accessible, and resilient healthcare ecosystem requires shifting from fragmented efforts to integrated, community-led solutions. We need to design systems that are people-centric, where affordability, awareness, and accessibility go hand in hand. The focus must be on strengthening last-mile connectivity so that even the most underserved communities are effectively reached. Institutions must invest in CSR initiatives that strengthen grassroots infrastructure, enable preventive care, and bridge urban-rural gaps. Equally important is empowering communities through consistent health education, making scientific knowledge simple, relatable, and actionable. A truly resilient system is built on a strong foundation of preparedness, participation, and trust, enabling sustainable and effective public health outcomes over time."
Mr. Prerrit Mansingh
Secretary, Aayom Welfare Society
"On World Health Day, it is important to recognise that building a truly inclusive and resilient healthcare ecosystem goes beyond infrastructure it requires empathy, awareness, and accessibility at every level. Health must shift from a reactive approach to a preventive, community-driven mindset, where affordability, education, and cultural relevance are prioritised. At Yoginii, through initiatives like Saheli: The Yoginii Circle, we are working to create safe spaces for women to engage in open conversations around holistic well-being. Stronger public health systems will emerge when health becomes a shared responsibility, driven by collaboration, awareness, and sustained action."
Ms. Kashika Malhotra
Founder & CEO, Yoginii
"On World Health Day, we are reminded that building an inclusive, accessible, and resilient healthcare ecosystem must start with prevention—and oral health is a critical, often overlooked entry point to overall well-being. At Colgate-Palmolive India, our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program has grown into a nationwide movement. By anchoring healthy habits in a child’s most formative years, we aren't just teaching hygiene; we are engineering a lifelong foundation for wellness. By aligning with national health priorities and working closely with governments, educators, and communities, we move from isolated interventions to systemic impact. When institutions, communities, and industry unite with a shared purpose, we can drive awareness, expand access, and enable sustained behavior change at scale—paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future for all."
Ms. Shilpashree Muniswamappa
Director - ESG & Communications, Colgate-Palmolive India
"World Health Day is a reminder that healthcare must be inclusive, accessible, and rooted in community impact. At 750AD Healthcare, our CSR initiatives, driven through the Auxilium Opportunity Foundation, focus on bringing preventive care and essential health services closer to underserved communities. From free health camps to awareness programs, our aim is to ensure early diagnosis and promote healthier lifestyles at the grassroots level . We believe that standing with science also means standing with communities, because true healthcare progress is achieved when no one is left behind."
Mr. Mithun Majumdar
CEO, 750AD Healthcare Pvt. Ltd
"In India, the pace of work is intense, with most things expected to be delivered almost immediately. In such an environment, the real question is how to get more done without constantly stretching people. At Grapes Worldwide, we have outlined clear practices to encourage a healthy work culture. Firstly, we promote active use of AI, to reduce the burden of repetitive tasks, aiding teams to save more time for themselves. Secondly, we encourage people to ask for help and structure their work better, prompting smart work over hard work as reiterations can waste a lot of time and effort. And thirdly, we are mindful about saying no to clients when timelines become unreasonable. These are simple steps, but they help protect mental wellbeing and give people more control over their time."
Ms. Shradha Agarwal
Co-Founder & Global CEO, Grapes Worldwide