Upasana Kamineni Konidela says: prioritise health insurance, “the most empowering gift”
HYDERABAD, May 22 (The CONNECT) – Apollo Foundation which runs a chain of super specialty hospitals in the country has revisited its vision: “Today, our vision is to keep people out of hospitals. Preventive care is our new goal,” said Upasana Kamineni Konidela, renowned healthcare entrepreneur and Vice Chairperson of the Apollo Foundation.
Participating in an interactive session on “Legacy, Leadership & Purpose – The New Age of Wellness” organised by the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), Hyderabad Chapter.
“To me, legacy means bringing more women into the workforce. A stronger female workforce leads to healthier families and a more progressive nation,” Upasana said.
Reflecting on Apollo’s evolving vision, she remarked, “what we envisioned 40 years ago—to bring the best healthcare to India—is no longer enough. Today, our vision is to keep people out of hospitals. Preventive care is our new goal.”
She urged the audience to prioritise health insurance, calling it “the most empowering gift you can give yourself.”
On her entrepreneurial challenges, Upasana recounted, “When I wanted to start my own company and sought funding, my ideas weren’t taken seriously—only my identity was. I want to be respected for my work, not just my name. I’m here because of my self-worth, not my birth.”
Encouraging the audience to prioritise self-care, she asked, “What have you done for yourself today?” and emphasised, “don’t wait to get sick. Prevention is better than a cure. Rest is the best respect you can give yourself.”
“If a woman is healthy, the whole household will be healthy,” she observed
As an environmentalist and wildlife conservation advocate, she recalled a lesson from her grandfather during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting its zoonotic origins. “Humans and animals must coexist in harmony. That’s why I love and respect wildlife—we must protect nature,” she said.
Upasana launched FLO Health Kavach, a first-of-its-kind national initiative by FLO. This dedicated support system addresses key challenges faced by women, including legal rights, financial literacy, mental health, and cybersecurity.
In conversation with FLO Hyderabad Chairperson Ms. Prathibha Kunda, Upasana shared her personal journey and professional experiences, highlighting how purpose-driven leadership in healthcare can impact lives and communities. She stressed the significance of mental well-being, inclusive healthcare, and active community outreach.
She also highlighted a key initiative by Apollo Hospitals in partnership with WWF-India, offering free medical care and rehabilitation to forest staff across India, from Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari, who work in challenging terrains.
“Success, to me, is defined by the number of jobs I create, how happy I am, and the time I make for myself. Don’t chase success. First, define what success means to you, then pursue it,” she told the audience.
In her welcome address, Prathibha Kunda stated, “from predictive tools that detect disease early to virtual platforms delivering healthcare at our doorstep, technology is redefining wellness and how we engage with it. That’s why today’s conversation is so relevant.”
Praising the guest speaker, she added, Upasana represents a legacy that has transformed healthcare in India. She leads with compassion, innovation, and purpose—embodying wellness not just as a concept, but as a lifelong mission.
