Elite Hospital was my ‘ leap of faith ’ that struck a chord : Dr. Prashant Katiyar

Established in 2020, Elite Hospital has swiftly earned its place among Lucknow’s most trusted healthcare institutions, bringing together advanced technology, compassionate care, and expert professionals. Built with the vision to provide a higher standard of treatment, the hospital has created countless success stories in just a few years, inspiring both its medical team and the community it serves. With over four years of trust, more than 50,000 happy patients, and a record of 95% effective treatments, Elite Hospital stands as a beacon of medical excellence.

At the core of Elite Hospital’s mission is a patient-first approach. Every individual who enters its doors is welcomed with empathy, careful diagnosis, and treatment rooted in evidence-based medicine. The hospital’s advanced infrastructure includes a fully equipped ICU, ventilator support, pathology services, in-house pharmacy, and Ayushman Bharat coverage, ensuring accessibility to all sections of society.

The institution offers super-specialized departments:

·         Gastroenterology, led by Dr. Prashant Katiyar (MD, DM), providing advanced procedures such as EUS,  upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, fibroscan, ERCP, gastric balloon placement, and endoscopic therapies for liver, pancreas, and gallbladder disorders.

·         Gynaecology, spearheaded by Dr. Nidhi Katiyar (MBBS, MS), focusing on high-risk pregnancies, infertility treatment, laparoscopic surgeries, and gynaecological cancers.

·         General Surgery, managed by Dr. Athar Parvez, offering laparoscopic surgery, hernia repair, haemorrhoidectomy, and complex abdominal procedures.

With state-of-the-art diagnostics, modern ICUs, and highly skilled specialists, Elite Hospital has set a benchmark for quality healthcare in Lucknow. Its philosophy combines technology with humanity—ensuring that every patient receives not only world-class treatment but also dignity, comfort, and hope.

In this candid conversation, Director, Elite Hospital, Dr.Prashant Katiyar who is leading the hospital with Dr. Nidhi Katiyar who is also a Director at the institution reflects on his medical journey, the values that guide his practice, the challenges he faces, and his vision for the future. EXCERPTS

Q: So please tell us about your medical journey and what motivated you to start Elite Hospital?

Dr. Prashant Katiyar: My journey began in a small town, where I never imagined I would one day establish a hospital of my own. My father and mother were the real motivators who pushed me towards medicine. After completing my MBBS and MD at KGMC, I went on to pursue my DM at SMS, Jaipur. That was where my career in gastroenterology truly began, under the guidance of my mentors who inspired me to specialize in this field.

I worked at SMS Hospital in Jaipur for about nine months, followed by a stint at Vivekananda Hospital. But soon, I felt the need to create something of my own that combined medical excellence with patient empathy. That’s how Elite Hospital came into existence in 2020. Looking back, it was a leap of faith—yet one that defined my life’s work.

Q: How do you define excellence in delivery of care?

Dr. Katiyar: Excellence in healthcare is not about perfection; it’s about empathy and evidence. For me, excellence means delivering patient care that is compassionate, backed by scientific knowledge, and guided by evidence-based medicine. It also means knowing the limits—when to proceed with a treatment and when to stop. Medical science is not mathematics; every procedure has its pros and cons. A doctor must be aware of what suits the patient best.

Another important aspect is constant learning. Medicine is evolving at lightning speed. Every few months, new procedures and technologies emerge, especially in gastroenterology. To keep pace, I regularly attend conferences and ensure I am trained in the latest procedures like third-space endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound. At Elite Hospital, we’ve introduced several of these advanced techniques to benefit our patients.

Q: In your day-to-day functioning, how do you ensure patients and their families feel comfortable, informed, and cared for?

Dr. Katiyar: Patient comfort comes first. At Elite Hospital, we emphasize feedback—both from patients and their families. If there’s any problem, we make sure to address it promptly. We also have a core team that constantly discusses how to improve our services.

It’s equally important to involve families in medical decisions. We explain procedures and possible risks in simple language, ensuring that everyone understands what’s happening. Healthcare is not just about treatment—it’s about trust.

Q: How is technology aiding better diagnosis and outcomes at your hospital?

Dr. Katiyar: Technology is revolutionizing healthcare, and gastroenterology is at the forefront of this change. At Elite Hospital, we have state-of-the-art machines for endoscopy, fibroscan, pathology, and advanced CR systems. Our endoscopic ultrasound, which includes both radial and linear scopes, allows us to get extremely close to organs for precise diagnosis.

We also perform advanced procedures like POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy), polypectomies, and complex stone extraction. These minimally invasive techniques reduce patient discomfort and improve recovery. Our aim has always been to bring world-class technology within reach of patients in Lucknow.

Q: When you connect with your patients, how important is medical counseling?

Dr. Katiyar: Counseling is central to good medicine. Patients often don’t understand complex medical terms, so doctors must communicate in simple, relatable language. Counseling ensures treatment adherence, which is particularly important in conditions like hepatitis B and C, where incomplete treatment can lead to resistance and wider community risk.

Q: What challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?

Dr. Katiyar: The biggest challenge in India is financial. Most of our patients come from middle or lower socio-economic backgrounds. For them, cost is a huge barrier. Secondly, despite progress, awareness about modern medicine is limited. Patients often arrive late or after experimenting with alternative treatments.

We overcome this with patience, counseling, and a strong emphasis on education. Slowly, we’ve built trust. People now know that Elite Hospital offers advanced yet affordable treatment options.

Q: What are your future plans for Elite Hospital?

Dr. Katiyar: We are already planning an upcoming hospital with more advanced facilities. This includes expanding our diagnostic units, establishing an advanced ICU, and introducing cutting-edge endoscopy systems like the 190 series. Our vision is to keep pushing boundaries in gastroenterology and beyond.