Dubai, UAE — 3rd October 2025 Dr. Sanjay Mukand Paithankar, Founder and Board Member of Right Health, the UAE’s largest value-based healthcare chain, has been conferred with the “Icon of the UAE” Award by India Today Group, powered by NKN Media. The prestigious honor recognizes his visionary leadership and lifelong mission to redefine affordable healthcare across the UAE.
Dr. Paithankar’s journey from Nagpur, India to the United Arab Emirates is a remarkable story of compassion and service. After completing his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Government Medical College, Nagpur—earning numerous gold medals—he pursued advanced training in cardiology at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai. In 1988, he moved to the UAE with a deep commitment to serve the underserved, particularly blue-collar workers who lacked access to basic healthcare facilities.
In 1993, driven by a vision of “Healthcare with Humanity”, Dr. Paithankar opened his first clinic and pharmacy in Ajman, near labor accommodations. His model—high-quality care at ultra-affordable prices—was revolutionary. Consultations and medicines were offered for as little as AED 25–30, a price point that remains unchanged even today.
What began as one small clinic has now grown into Right Health, a network of over 60 facilities across the Emirates, including clinics, pharmacies, diagnostic centers, and a 24/7 urgent care facility. Collectively, these serve more than 4,000 patients daily and over 2.5 million annually.
Dr. Paithankar’s commitment to accessible and dignified care was most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his clinics became front-line hubs for free and low-cost testing, treatment, and support. In partnership with the Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Police, his team screened thousands daily and extended help beyond medicine—providing food, shelter, and repatriation support to stranded workers.
His contributions also extend beyond healthcare. Through philanthropic initiatives in both the UAE and India, he has funded medical infrastructure, supported education for underprivileged children, and promoted Indian culture through the Maharashtra Mandal UAE, which he founded over three decades ago.
Over the years, Dr. Paithankar’s pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Living Legend Award (2025) from the Maharashtra Government, GDRFA Award for Healthcare Contribution (2022), Magnetic Maharashtra Award (2021), and the Dhanwantari of the Gulf Award, among others.
Receiving the “Icon of the UAE” Award, Dr. Paithankar said: “This recognition belongs to every member of the Right Health family and to the countless blue-collar heroes who inspire our mission. True healthcare must be affordable, accessible, and delivered with compassion—because the sick cannot wait.”
Through his low-margin, high-volume model, Dr. Sanjay Paithankar has built a sustainable system that balances compassion with operational excellence—cementing his legacy as a healing visionary and a true icon of the UAE.
Right Health is the UAE’s largest value-based healthcare organization with over 60 medical facilities including clinics, pharmacies, diagnostic centers, and a drug store. With a mission to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to all, Right Health serves over 2.5 million patients annually across the Emirates.
