’Dad wanted city to be medical tourism hub’

Late Dr Keki Grant wanted the Parsi community to keep up with times and change outdated customs, says son Dr Pervez Grant

'Dad wanted city to be medical tourism hub'

Late Dr Keki Grant wanted the Parsi community to keep up with times and change outdated customs, says son Dr Pervez Grant

On Monday evening, Ruby Hall Clinic founder Dr Keki Byramjree Grant (91) breathed his last at the hospital that he set up more than 52 years ago. With his demise, the medical fraternity lost the first citizen of the city in the medical profession.
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A recipient of numerous awards, cardiologist Dr Keki Grant was an inspiration for all, not only for his pioneering work but also for his vision and unorthodox approach in getting things done.

The avid jogger who maintained a strict exercise routine and diet until his last days left much more than just a hospital for his son Dr Pervez Grant to manage. In an exclusive interview to MiD DAY, Dr Pervez Grant, a renowned cardiologist and medical director of Ruby Hall Clinic, spoke of his father's legacy and vision for the city.

On Dr Grant's wish for city's medical sector
He wanted Pune to have the best medical expertise and the best of equipments. In fact, he was the one to start the first MRI, Cathlab, PET scanner, among others, at the Ruby Hall Clinic. He wanted to be the first in everything we did.

On his vision for the city
He wanted Pune to be a hub for medical tourism. He said that we have all the technological know-how, the best of doctors, then why can't we lead the world? In his lifetime, he converted more than 10 per cent of our patient pool to medical tourists and I will see to it that in the coming days, we do much better.

On any unfinished plans
Yes, he had a wish to start four new hospitals. Two are in the process at Wanowrie and Hinjewadi. Talks are on for starting one at Amanora Town, while a fourth location is yet to be finalised. Because of his failing health in the past one year, he had taken my help on these projects and now I will take them forward. He decided to be buried instead of choosing the Tower of Silence as most Parsis do.

Isn't last rite by burial still a debatable subject amongst Parsis?
Yes, there is the old school of thought that says burial should happen only at the Tower of Silence. But my father had written in his will that he wanted to be buried next to my mom in the Parsi graveyard. A few Parsis opt for this, though it may not be popular. I think with time some practices should change. My father believed
in leading by example so he decided on burial. The modern Parsis are going away from old ways. To keep up with the times, things have to change and I'm proud my father showed the way.