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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2025}}
{{short description|Indian oncologist and entrepreneur|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Infobox medical person|honorific_prefix=|name=B S Ajai Kumar|honorific_suffix=|image=File:Dr. BS AjaiKumar.jpg|image_size=|alt=|caption=|birth_name=|birth_date={{birth date and age|df=yes|1951|08|22}}|birth_place=[[Bangalore, India]]|death_date=|death_place=|death_cause=|citizenship=|education=[[St. John's Medical College|St. John’s College, Bangalore]],<br>[[University of Virginia School of Medicine|University of Virginia Hospital]],<br>[[University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center|MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston]]|occupation=[[Oncologist]] and entrepreneur|years_active=|known_for=Innovation in Cancer care.<br>Value based healthcare model|relations=|website=|profession= Non-Executive Chairman and founder Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd.|field=|work_institutions=|specialism=|research_field=|notable_works=|prizes=|child=|module2=|signature=}}

'''B S Ajai Kumar''' (22 August 1951) is an Indian [[Oncology|oncologist]] and entrepreneur. He is the founder and [[executive chairman]] of HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd, a South Asian provider of [[Oncology|cancer care]].

In Feb 2024, HCG sold 54% stakes to [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts|KKR]], for $400 million while Dr. BS Ajai Kumar will take on a new role as Non-Executive Chairman.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-23 |title=KKR to buy cancer care hospital chain HCG from CVC for $400 million |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/kkr-to-buy-cancer-care-hospital-chain-hcg-from-cvc-for-400-million/articleshow/118508549.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-02-25 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

== Career ==
Kumar got his [[Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery|MBBS]] from [[St. John's Medical College|St. John's Medical College, Bangalore]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-leader-speak/dr-bs-ajaikumar-chairman-ceo-healthcare-global-enterprises-ltd-116031100437_1.html|title=Dr. BS Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd|website=www.indiainfoline.com|language=en|access-date=2019-01-17}}</ref> He completed his residency at [[University of Virginia School of Medicine|University of Virginia Hospital]]. Then, he obtained a MD at [[University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center|MD Anderson Hospital]] in [[Houston|Houston, Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://events.vccircle.com/content/dr-b-s-ajai-kumar|title=Dr. B. S. Ajai Kumar {{!}} VCCircle Events|website=events.vccircle.com|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181445/http://events.vccircle.com/content/dr-b-s-ajai-kumar|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hcgel.com/board-of-directors/|title=Board of Directors « HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd.|access-date=2019-02-20|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181641/https://hcgel.com/board-of-directors/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the course of his career he visited India frequently. In 1989 he founded Bharath Hospital and Institute of Oncology in [[Mysore]], built with grants given by the government of the United States through a non profit trust.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bharathcancerhospital.com/Dr.B.S.AJAIKUMAR|title=Bharat Cancer Hospital Mysore|website=bharathcancerhospital.com|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111062115/http://bharathcancerhospital.com/Dr.B.S.AJAIKUMAR|url-status=live}}</ref> He began practising [[Humanistic medicine|value based medicine]], which consists of giving the same treatment at a much lower cost than in the United States and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fortuneindia.com/macro/value-based-medicine-new-patient-centric-approach-to-healthcare/102585|title=Value-based medicine: New patient-centric approach to healthcare|website=www.fortuneindia.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-01|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181613/https://www.fortuneindia.com/macro/value-based-medicine-new-patient-centric-approach-to-healthcare/102585|url-status=live}}</ref> Then he started the Bangalore Institute of Oncology.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://healthmarketinnovations.org/sites/default/files/HCGCase_study_Final_0.pdf|title=Health Care Global Enterprise|last=|first=|date=|website=healthmarketinnovations.org|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2021-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023082731/https://healthmarketinnovations.org/sites/default/files/HCGCase_study_Final_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

He practised for two decades in USA (he was charged by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of Iowa with professional incompetence and practice harmful or detrimental to the public; he surrendered his Iowa license to resolve the matters in 2006 <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medicalboard.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2017/12/ajaikumar_basavalingas._m.d.-02-97-101_02-98-282_02-02-217.pdf|title=Settlement Agreement|access-date=2021-05-24|archive-date=2021-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720204243/https://medicalboard.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2017/12/ajaikumar_basavalingas._m.d.-02-97-101_02-98-282_02-02-217.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>); in 2003 he decided to return with his family to India, and in 2005 he formed HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.forbesindia.com/printcontent/32888|title=Beyond Cancer - Handled With Care|last=|first=|date=|website=www.forbesindia.com|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106062249/http://www.forbesindia.com/printcontent/32888|url-status=live}}</ref> introducing new technology for cancer treatment.<ref name="p948">{{cite web | title=Dr. B.S. Ajai Kumar delivers Heroes of Healthcare Lecture at GMU – THUMBAY Group News | website=Thumbay Group | url=https://www.thumbay.com/news/dr-b-s-ajai-kumar-delivers-heroes-healthcare-lecture-gmu/ | access-date=2024-07-16 | archive-date=2017-10-03 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003165336/http://www.thumbay.com/news/dr-b-s-ajai-kumar-delivers-heroes-healthcare-lecture-gmu/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021 HCG had around 21 comprehensive cancer care centres.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hcgel.com/existing-centres/|title=Existing Centres « HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd.|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181655/https://hcgel.com/existing-centres/|url-status=live}}</ref>

He also partnered with [[Kamini A. Rao]] to establish [[Fertility|fertility centers]] in India in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/health-trends/-1769499.html|title=HCG & BACC join together to redefine fertility care|website=Moneycontrol|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220235820/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/health-trends/-1769499.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kumar is also the President of Association of Healthcare Providers Bangalore<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ahpi.in/governing_board.html|title=Association of Healthcare Providers (India)|website=www.ahpi.in|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2018-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018030136/http://www.ahpi.in/governing_board.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and Chapter and Advisor of the Federation of Healthcare Associations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiannewz.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/announcement-of-the-formation-of-federation-of-healthcare-associations-karnataka/|title=Announcement of the formation of " Federation of Healthcare Associations "– Karnataka & To discuss developments in the private healthcare sector.|date=2017-01-09|website=Indian Newz|language=en|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181705/https://indiannewz.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/announcement-of-the-formation-of-federation-of-healthcare-associations-karnataka/|url-status=live}}</ref> He has given several talks at [[Harvard Business School]] and other universities<ref name="p948"/> and participates in different health initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/480737/govt-persuade-farmers-against-growing.html|title=Govt will persuade farmers against growing tobacco: Khader|date=2015-05-31|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181618/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/480737/govt-persuade-farmers-against-growing.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2018/dec/11/tobacco-farmers-agree-to-switch-to-alternative-crops-but-set-conditions-1909897.html|title=Tobacco farmers agree to switch to alternative crops, but set conditions|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181638/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2018/dec/11/tobacco-farmers-agree-to-switch-to-alternative-crops-but-set-conditions-1909897.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Awards and achievements ==
* CEO of the Year at the Asian Healthcare Leadership Awards 2014<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indicure.com/hcg-hospital.htm|title=HCG Cancer Hospital {{!}} Best Cancer Hospitals India {{!}} IndiCure|website=www.indicure.com|access-date=2019-02-01|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220235837/https://www.indicure.com/hcg-hospital.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2011 [[Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award|Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ey.com/in/en/about-us/entrepreneurship/entrepreneur-of-the-year/eoy-2011-india-finalist---bs-ajaikumar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120142947/http://www.ey.com/IN/en/About-us/Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneur-Of-The-Year/EOY-2011-India-finalist---BS-Ajaikumar|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 January 2013|title=Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011. Revolutionizing cancer-care|last=|first=|date=|website=Ernst and Young India|access-date=}}</ref>
* CII Regional Emerging Entrepreneurs Award 2011<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/Recognising-and-inspiring-enterprise/article20412564.ece|title=Recognising and inspiring enterprise|website=@businessline|language=en|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2021-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305042125/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/Recognising-and-inspiring-enterprise/article20412564.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Dr. B. C. Roy Award|BC Roy Award]] by the Indian Science Monitor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/president-confers-b.c.-roy-award-on-eminent-doctors-26841-2008-07-01|title=President confers B.C. Roy Award on eminent doctors|date=1 July 2008|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=2019-01-17|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220181453/https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/president-confers-b.c.-roy-award-on-eminent-doctors-26841-2008-07-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Frost & Sullivan]] Oncology Leader of the Year 2009-2010 and 2010 - 2011.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thumbay.com/news/dr-b-s-ajai-kumar-delivers-heroes-healthcare-lecture-gmu/,%20https://www.thumbay.com/news/dr-b-s-ajai-kumar-delivers-heroes-healthcare-lecture-gmu/|title=Dr. B.S. Ajai Kumar delivers Heroes of Healthcare Lecture at GMU|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-17}}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* HealthCare Global Enterprises became a case study at [[Harvard Business School]] for affordable healthcare for the poor in India<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hbr.org/2013/11/delivering-world-class-health-care-affordably|title=Delivering World-Class Health Care, Affordably|last=Govindarajan|first=Vijay|date=2013-11-01|work=Harvard Business Review|access-date=2019-01-17|last2=Ramamurti|first2=Ravi|issue=November 2013|issn=0017-8012|archive-date=2019-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125112707/https://hbr.org/2013/11/delivering-world-class-health-care-affordably|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hbr.org/product/hub-and-spoke-healthcare-global-and-additional-focused-factory-models-for-cancer-care/313030-PDF-ENG?autocomplete=true|title=Hub and Spoke, HealthCare Global, and Additional Focused Factory Models for Cancer Care|last=Herzlinger|first=Regina E.|last2=Ghorawat|first2=Amit|website=hbr.org|access-date=2019-01-17|last3=Krishnan|first3=Meera|last4=Saggi|first4=Naiyya}}</ref>

== Philanthropy ==
Kumar has established the "International Human Development & Upliftment Academy", near [[Mysore|Mysore, Karnataka]], which is engaged in alleviating rural illiteracy, empowering women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://guidestarindia.org/Summary.aspx?CCReg=378|title=International Human Development & Upliftment Academy|last=|first=|date=|website=guidestarindia.org|access-date=2019-02-01|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220204906/https://guidestarindia.org/Summary.aspx?CCReg=378|url-status=live}}</ref> The HCG Foundation does free cancer treatments for patients from economically backward families.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hcgfoundation.org/|title=HCG Foundation|last=|first=|date=|website=HCG Foundation|access-date=|archive-date=2018-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229231257/http://www.hcgfoundation.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Antardhwani'' is an independent [[Think tank|Think Tank]] of HCG which works in health, education and agriculture projects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onthinktanks.org/articles/seethalakshmi-s-and-rahul-nandan-chief-mission-officers-at-antardhwani/|title=Seethalakshmi S and Rahul Nandan, chief mission officers at Antardhwani|website=onthinktanks.org|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-01|archive-date=2019-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220182043/https://onthinktanks.org/articles/seethalakshmi-s-and-rahul-nandan-chief-mission-officers-at-antardhwani/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also works on anti-tobacco control programmes to fight cancer.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biospectrumindia.com/news/77/12528/hcg-who-antardhwani-mull-over-the-growth-of-tobacco.html|title=HCG, WHO, Antardhwani mull over the growth of tobacco|website=www.biospectrumindia.com|language=en|access-date=2019-02-01|archive-date=2019-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117195047/https://www.biospectrumindia.com/news/77/12528/hcg-who-antardhwani-mull-over-the-growth-of-tobacco.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Books ==
* Excellence Has No Borders (Penguin Random House) - 2019{{fact|date=July 2025}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/interview-dr-b-s-ajaikumar-chairman-ceo-hcg-bengaluru/50619818 Interview Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, HCG, Bengaluru]
*[https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/enigma-called-cancer-how-doctor-sought-change-approach-treatment-116157 Extract from his book Excellence Has No Borders]
*[https://qz.com/india/1804666/india-needs-value-based-not-cheap-health-care-says-hcg-founder/ Extract from his book in Quartz]
*[https://medicalboard.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2017/12/ajaikumar_basavalingas._m.d.-02-97-101_02-98-282_02-02-217.pdf]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Ajai}}
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:Indian oncologists]]
[[Category:Indian medical researchers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Cancer researchers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian medical doctors]]
[[Category:University of Virginia alumni]]
[[Category:University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center alumni]]
[[Category:Medical doctors from Bengaluru]]

Ajai Kumar - Revision history

Ledx at 07:56, 14 March 2026