Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty is one of India’s most respected cardiac surgeons and the founder of Narayana Health, one of the largest and most affordable healthcare networks in the country. Known as the “Henry Ford of Heart Surgery,” he revolutionised medical care by making life-saving treatments accessible to millions.
Who Is Dr. Devi Shetty?
Dr. Devi Shetty is an Indian cardiac surgeon, healthcare entrepreneur, and founder of Narayana Health.
He is known for performing thousands of complex heart surgeries at low cost and for his innovations in affordable healthcare.
Dr. Devi Shetty – Early Life & Background
Devi Shetty was born on 8 May 1953 in Mangalore, Karnataka.
He grew up in a large family with eight siblings and developed an interest in medicine at a young age.
At age 12, he read about Dr. Christiaan Barnard performing the world’s first heart transplant — inspiring him to become a heart surgeon.
Education – Foundation of Excellence
Dr. Shetty completed his schooling in Karnataka and studied:
MBBS from Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore
MS in General Surgery
FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons, UK
His rigorous training shaped him into a world-class cardiac surgeon.
Early Career – Training Abroad
Dr. Shetty worked in the UK where he gained experience in advanced cardiac procedures.
He later returned to India with a mission to make heart surgery affordable for common people.
Major Achievements & Surgeries
Dr. Devi Shetty has performed over 15,000 heart surgeries, including:
Pediatric heart surgeries
Bypass operations
Complex cardiac repairs
Heart transplants
He is also known for operating on Mother Teresa, who later became his patient and guide.
Founding Narayana Health – A Healthcare Revolution
In 2001, Dr. Shetty founded Narayana Hrudayalaya (now Narayana Health) in Bengaluru.
The goal was simple:
Provide world-class healthcare at affordable prices.
Today, Narayana Health operates:
Hospitals in multiple states
Cardiac centers
Cancer centers
Multi-specialty hospitals
Telemedicine networks
It is one of Asia’s biggest healthcare systems.
Why Narayana Health Is Unique?
Low-cost surgeries
High efficiency models
Large-scale operations
Health insurance for low-income families
Use of technology to reduce costs
Telemedicine in rural areas
Narayana Health shows how healthcare can be affordable without compromising quality.
Dr. Devi Shetty Net Worth
Dr. Devi Shetty’s estimated net worth is ₹3,500–4,000 Crore.
His wealth comes from:
Narayana Health
Medical consulting
Investments
Healthcare innovations
Despite his wealth, he lives a simple and disciplined lifestyle.
Dr. Devi Shetty Family
Father: Srinivasa Shetty
Mother: Mukta Shetty
Wife: Shakuntala Shetty
Children: Four
His family remains closely involved in his hospital’s mission.
Awards & Achievements
Padma Shri (2004)
Padma Bhushan (2012)
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Karnataka Rajyotsava Award
Listed in Time’s top health leaders
He is internationally recognised for healthcare innovation.
Philanthropy & Social Impact
Dr. Shetty introduced many social initiatives:
Micro-insurance schemes
Low-cost heart surgeries
Rural telemedicine
Charitable foundations
Affordable medical training programs
His life’s mission is to ensure no one dies because they can’t afford healthcare.
Leadership Style & Success Principles
Dr. Devi Shetty believes in:
Innovation over tradition
Affordable healthcare as a right
Systems over individuals
Large-scale medical operations
Compassionate care
Technology-powered healthcare
His forward-thinking approach transformed India’s medical ecosystem.
Why Dr. Devi Shetty Inspires Millions?
World-class surgeon
Built hospitals accessible to the poor
Pioneered affordable healthcare models
Saved countless lives
Combines skill with compassion
He is a true symbol of service, excellence, and humanity.
Conclusion
Dr. Devi Shetty’s biography is a powerful story of medical brilliance and compassion. From performing thousands of heart surgeries to building one of the largest healthcare networks, he dedicated his life to making high-quality treatment accessible for all. His legacy continues to inspire doctors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across India.
