Dr. Shuchin Bajaj Awarded Steward Leadership Honour for Transforming Access to Quality Healthcare

Dr Shuchin Bajaj_Ujala Cygnus

Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, renowned physician, visionary social entrepreneur, and Founder-Director of Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, has been honoured with the prestigious Steward Leadership Award for his unwavering commitment to ethical, purpose-driven innovation that creates tangible impact in healthcare. Among nominations spanning 23 countries worldwide, only 25 organisations were chosen for this esteemed award, including Ujala Cygnus as one of India’s distinguished representatives. This recognition places him among distinguished leaders selected for exemplifying “steward leadership”, a global standard that celebrates leaders who drive business success while advancing societal well-being, long-term sustainability, and collective good.

The Steward Leadership Award is part of the internationally recognised Steward Leadership 25 platform, which highlights organisations and individuals demonstrating strong moral courage, responsible decision-making, and impactful transformation in their respective sectors.

Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Board Member (NABH), Founder-Director, Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services, said, "I am truly honored to receive this recognition, which I gratefully share with the entire Ujala Cygnus family and the communities we proudly serve. Our unwavering mission has always been to make world-class healthcare accessible to all, not as a privilege, but as an undeniable right. This award strengthens our resolve to build scalable, compassionate healthcare models that seamlessly blend clinical excellence with empathy, innovation, and social responsibility. We remain committed to bridging healthcare gaps and improving the quality of life for millions across India."

This honour reflects Dr. Bajaj’s ongoing commitment to raising healthcare standards and ensuring that affordable, inclusive, and high-quality care reaches people across India. His focused initiatives have significantly improved access to advanced medical services in underserved communities, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where quality healthcare is often lacking. His initiatives have improved neonatal survival by 30% in areas like Kashipur, reduced maternal mortality, and facilitated care for over 60,000 patients under government insurance, easing out-of-pocket expenses. Teleconsultation has reached 45,000 remote patients, reducing travel-related emissions.

In addition to his impactful leadership, Dr. Bajaj has championed the integration of advanced digital technologies and sustainable healthcare practices, positioning Ujala Cygnus as a model for future-ready healthcare delivery. His efforts have fostered partnerships between public and private sectors, amplifying the reach and effectiveness of healthcare programs. Ujala Cygnus also champions sustainability through green hospital practices and has increased local employment by 30%. By 2026, the network plans to operate 30 hospitals, expand cancer care, and aims to serve over 10 million patients annually, setting a new standard for rural healthcare access and outcomes.

This award not only recognizes his past achievements but also serves as a catalyst for continuing innovations aimed at creating resilient, equitable health systems that can meet India's evolving needs in the coming decades.


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