ALL labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence, said Martin Luther King, Jr. The Master’s in Hospital Administration course is meant for those people who share these sentiments, because job responsibilities range from giving astute guidance in administration to managing the daily affairs of the hospital. Efficient management can play a role in saving more lives. With the advent of medical tourism and rapid development in technologies the health sector is emerging as one of the fastest growing sectors in India. Several corporates and business organisations have forayed into the healthcare sector, thus resulting in the healthcare delivery system becoming more organised, systematic and efficient. Hence, the healthcare industry needs professionals who can handle these challenges.

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A Career in Hospital Management, Master’s in Hospital
Administration (MHA)/MBAin healthcare Management.
By Dr.Mahboob ali Khan MHA,CPHQ,Phd
FAST FACTS
Course: Master’s in Hospital Administration (MHA)
Duration:Two academic years divided into four semesters, each of six months
duration. Annual intake is about 40 students a year per institute.
Eligibility:Bachelor’s degree in Arts/ Science/ Commerce/ Engineering/
Technology/ Medical/ Dental/ Pharmacy/ Agriculture or any other professional
courses from recognised Indian universities
Entrance test: Written test (MCQ-type of one-hour duration) followed by a Group
Discussion and Interview
ALL labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be
undertaken with painstaking excellence, said Martin Luther King, Jr. The Master’s
in Hospital Administration course is meant for those people who share these
sentiments, because job responsibilities range from giving astute guidance in
administration to managing the daily affairs of the hospital.
Efficient management can play a role in saving more lives. With the advent of
medical tourism and rapid development in technologies the health sector is
emerging as one of the fastest growing sectors in India. Several corporates and
business organisations have forayed into the healthcare sector, thus resulting in the
healthcare delivery system becoming more organised, systematic and efficient.
Hence, the healthcare industry needs professionals who can handle these
challenges.
The programmes enable individuals to take on leadership roles by equipping them
with training in planning, project and operational management, financial, material
and human resource management.

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Programme basics
The success of a hospital manager lies in several things - multidisciplinary conceptual
skills to protect the medical profession and clients from unnecessary litigation, human
resource development, quality and risk management, environment conservation,
marketing and product diversification and logistic emergency management. “The
MHA programme aims to prepare a candidate to assume the responsibilities of a
hospital administrator or executive in a government or corporate or any other
hospital,” says Dr .Mahboob Khan Phd , Leading Healthcare Consultant.
ed institutions offering courses in Hospital Management:
FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS:
 AIIMS
 Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
 Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
 Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad
 The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi
 Faculty of Management Studies, New Delhi
COURSES FOR NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS AVAILABLE AT:
 TISS
 Apollo Institute of Hospital Administration, Hyderabad
 Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Jaipur
 Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute (Deemed University),
Chennai
 Deccan School of Hospital Management ,Hyderabad

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The programme emphasizes developing knowledge, skill and attitude pertaining to
Hospital Managers. It also helps the candidates in developing expertise in planning
and managing different types of hospitals and will equip the student with problem
solving devices.
The hospital administrator of the future needs to be well-equipped to meet the
challenges arising out of rising healthcare cost; procurement, utilisation and
maintenance.
With medicine becoming more and more technology dependent, and equipment-
intensive, the need for a system driven approach to its practise has now become very
crucial. An administrator’s prime role is to ensure that all these diverse systems and
equipment ultimately serve the purpose of healing. Delivery of efficient services
without intimidating the patient is the hallmark of a good hospital administrator.
Course curriculum
The curriculum is designed to cover conceptual and quantitative skills needed by
future managers in high performing contemporary hospitals. There are two stages:
Stage 1: Teaching of basic introductory course comprising basic managerial concepts,
development of health services in India and research methodologies, what is a hospital
and system approach to hospital management.
Stage 2: Teaching of basics of computers, communication, personnel, financial and
marketing and equipment management in hospital, legal issues in hospital
administration, biomedical waste management, disaster management in hospitals and
management information system.
An internship, a project and on-the-job training is also a part of the curriculum in most
programmes.

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How to choose an institute
This profession is still evolving. So, beware of institutes that promise you the moon
and dupe you! Factor in a few things before taking admission, such as the kind of
exposure the institute is providing to handle the challenges of being in hospital
administration.
The institute must have reputed and well-qualified faculty that can train you in
handling the pressures of hospital administration.As I think , different people may
have different priorities when they recommend choosing an institute. “Broadly
speaking, I believe that students should opt for an institute, which has a reputed
faculty, structured and appropriate curriculum and the means to impact the
knowledge. This includes the practical training in a hospital since it is an essential
component by education in the field of hospital administration,”I think. A school that
emerges out a hospital chain is always more attractive since option of training at
multiple locations becomes a realty.
Challenges of the job
An important aspect of a hospital administrator’s life is to be able to act as a
successful intermediary between governing boards, medical staff, and department
heads and integrate the activities of all departments so they function smoothly as a
whole. “Hospital administrators are busy people. He or she encounter many problems
ranging from the simple to the very serious, such as maintenance, lack of materials,
lack of hygiene, reports of investigation and patients’ grouse with the nurses or
doctors,” I am convinced that the life of a hospital administrator is tough and
demanding.
The buck stops with a chief administrator i.e. the CEO, who is accountable and
responsible for the hospital management, administration, clinical outcomes, and
financial revenue and over all functioning of the hospital.
It is a good 10-12 hours day. The key to progress is to have a performance-based
review system for clinical doctors and hospital staff, monitor the clinical progress of
all patients, ensure unrelenting medical ethics and last but not the least, have
compassion towards the sick.

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Job profile
Hospital administrator’s job has a 24 X 7 quality about it, which demands high
adrenaline levels as well as leadership abilities, creativity, social responsibility and
inter-personal skills in high-stress situations. I am convinced that hospital
administration is a platform, which tests an individual’s all-round abilities.
“Previously a hospital administrator used to be a medical man.
The role of administrator has undergone a sea change. The current thinking is that a
doctor should confine himself to clinical work and that an administrator should be a
specialised person trained in hospital administration from a recognised institution. He
could be a medical or non-medical person. It is not a job for the weak hearted,” I
think.
I elaborates that the role has evolved, due to the growing expectations and demands of
educated patients, the massive task of retaining the best medical talent, to keep pace
with the great advancement in medical technology and equipment, and to have both
doctors and patients satisfied. The role of the hospital administrator has now changed
to aggressively keeping pace with competition, yet deliver affordable, accessible and
accredited healthcare. “We have also the distinct role to take medical research,
academics and teaching to newer frontiers,”I shall add.
Entering the field
A Master’s degree in Health Administration is one entry-point, an MBA is another.
Health Services Administrators normally start as administrative assistants in large
centres or as assistant administrators in medium-sized institutions. They advance by
taking increasing responsibilities such as associate administrator and, finally reach the
coveted post of a CEO.

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Salary structure
An entry-level position as Assistant Medical Superintendent could command between
Rs. 40,000-50,000 and then go up to Rs. 50,000-55,000 as Deputy Medical
Superintendents, then close to Rs. 1 Lakh as Medical Superintendent. As your career
progresses you could reach the level of an MD and earn between Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per
month. Perks include HRA, Medical, transportation and accommodation. Medical
professionals who become administrators can earn a slightly higher package.
The future is bright
Estimated at US$35 billion in 2007, the Indian healthcare market is expected to grow
to US$70 billion by 2012. According to the Investment Commission of India the
healthcare sector has experienced phenomenal growth of 12 percent per annum in the
last four years. And the abysmal beds to population ratio could only make the demand
for hospitals more.
So, the prospects of a hospital administrator is very bright. As I always says, “There is
a relative scarcity of good and capable hospital administrators. Both public sector and
corporate sector hospitals are recruiting them. Besides hospitals and healthcare
sector, allied sectors such as the insurance sector are also recruiting.” You can
certainly make a career out of helping others lead a healthy life.

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EXPERT SPEAK
Dr. Mahboob Khan MHA,CPHQ,Phd
Leading Healthcare Consultant
Q. Who should pick hospital administrators as a career and why?
A . I believe that someone with an aptitude for management who has good
communication skills, patience, and empathy should opt for this field. First-hand
knowledge of hospitals and the kind of work involved is very important and for this
reason. I also believe that medical background is a definite advantage for being a
successful hospital administrator.
How do you look at the life of a hospital administrator?
A . This branch of medical science is very challenging since the management of a
complex and matrix organization like a hospital is inherently an arduous task. The
task requires a dynamic approach since no two situations are the same. But it is not to
say that it is stressful, rather it is a satisfying experience. The sense of achievement
and gratification of being able to serve humanity enriches the life of hospital
administrators.
Q. How has the role of a hospital administrator evolved over the years?
A . The role has transitioned from a part-time obligation to a full-time specialised job.
Realisation has dawned that it is a job which is as important and time consuming as
any other job in the hospital and is now being looked upon as such. And the scope of
work is constantly enlarging with the rapid changes in the technology governing the
delivery of healthcare services.
Q. What is the scope of hospital administrator in India?
A . Hospital administrator is basically a facilitator who has to ensure that the complex
system of hospital works smoothly. He/she is also a leader who has to lead the
workplace to achieve the organizational goals and community welfare. Hence the
spectrum is wide as far as the scope is concerned, may be from a micromanagement
level to the level of leadership within the community.

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Q. What changes are expected in hospital administration education?
A. As they say that nothing is constant except change. The advancements in
technology, evidence-based medicine and newer concepts in healthcare administration
will always keep healthcare professionals on their toes to constantly deliver quality
care. These changes will surely reflect in the way that education in the field of
hospital administration is imparted.
Q. What is your advice to students entering this field?
A . would say to the prospective students that though challenging this is a fruitful
field in terms of career. Be prepared to do hard work, patiently and constantly and
you will have the most satisfying career ahead.
Q. What are some of the upcoming areas in hospital administration?
A . The evolution and understanding of the sector will lead to bringing in more
specialization in the field. Whole of the hospital, barring the direct clinical care,
comes within the ambit of hospital administration. Allied sectors like Information
technology related to healthcare, insurance sector etc., are also utilising the services of
these trained hands.
---------------------------------Wish You all Good Luck --------------------------------------------
For any queries: mahboob804@yahoo.co.in