February Issue

Chairman Speaks
What is the inception story of
Alka?
I have always had an exposure to this
field and my network with the fraternity
increased over time. I started my own
wholesale shop in 2041. In 2046 I started
a Nursing Home in Lalitpur and by 2057
I started a Polyclinic. In between ‘59
-65, I operated Chitwan Hospital and
Om Hospital. Inaugurated in 2062, Alka
happens to be a cumulative result of
experiences I had.
But 62/65 year in history is marked
by political unrest, how did it
affect your new business?
There was always a threat hovering
on us. You know donations and some
unsolicited surprises. So we did what we
had to do to get past it.
On Alka’s competitiveness:
It might not be the topmost hospital
we have today, but we have all the basic
infrastructure in terms of technology,
human resource and quality services that
any hospital requires.
How do you monitor quality of
services at Alka?
We are ISO certified institute and our
activities are supervised in every six
months period by a team of experts. We
address our shortcomings promptly (if
any) and train the staffs periodically.
Why is private healthcare
expensive?
It is not expensive. Just that there are few
people who earn and many who don’t
or earn very less. We have to operate
as per the time, but the rate of income
generation of general public is not in
proportion with the rise in the price of
commodity.
Why do you think privatization is
important?
A country needs private sectors to up its
economy. If we govern and force people
into strict working hours, there is less
motivation. Let’s say, if working 8 hours
per day becomes mandatory, people will
only work for the prescribed period. But
in a private business you do not have a
limit to work, you will do the utmost to
reach your goal which eventually will
benefit the country’s economy.
What is the new scope for business
investment in Nepal?
We are blessed by nature in so many
ways. Researchers have proven that we
have mines, I think we need to invest in
it. We need to invest in harnessing our
natural resources as such.
Personal:
A childhood memory.
My mother expired when I was just
a child. I was not mature enough to
comprehend the gravity of the event
then. Picture this, I was inside the house
and since it was an old house with a
typical door, I could see her body that
was laid in the angan from the linear slit
between the doors since they won’t close
perfectly.
What motivates you?
The need for public service and value
for life. We live in a society where the
way of living has two extremes of social
standards with four segments. People
who start from zero and make it big,
people who are average, people who are
above average and, the ones that have
everything they want-uppermost. The
irony in these differences is intriguing
and if you contemplate it can motivate
you to make the most out of every
opportunity.
Do you feel you are successful?
No. There is still a lot to do. I wish
I could help the people in real need
of health care. There are tons who
cannot afford a minor surgery or basic
medicine. I would become successful if
I could address these problems without
being deceived.
What kind of father are you?
Parenting is something I consider my
failure. I have not spent much time
with my family and I feel my children
perceive me as a more serious man
than I am, so even if I joke around
there is always an ineffable solemnity
surrounding us. I think I am a liberal
father, but my children might not agree
to it.
Characters you admire in a person?
An agreeable attitude that makes others
feel comfortable in your presence. You
should be sociable and welcoming. I
like people who initiate conversations (I
learnt its significance later in life because
I was quite reserved and it took me a
great deal to learn to be social) and are
genuinely polite even if you have never
met.
Do you care about your
appearance?
No. But now I am considering it.
Are you active on Social media?
I seldom use Whatsapp.
What do you do at leisure?
I travel. In fact I recently explored
Shivapuri. I also read comics. (Laughs)
The farthest place you’ve been from
home is..
America. I went to Boston just to travel
around, and to Chicago to participate in
an event organised by Lions club.
Hidden talent
I dance(d). I even took a class in ‘42/43
in a place called Natya Sargam.
How often do you watch movies?
I am fond of movies. There was a time I
used to frequent theatres and watch the
same movie over and over.
If I had not taken up this career
path, I’d have become..
An artist, I guess. Although I was always
interested in taking Law or medicine.
Do you drink?
Yes. Out of necessity, in a sense that it
makes it easy to socialise.
Your message to the world.
Just don’t forget your purpose in
whatever you do.
Versatile | MARCH-CHAITRA 2018 31