PRASHO Foundation

PRASHO is led by a dedicated team committed to advancing healthcare and making a positive impact in communities worldwide. Our leadership comprises individuals with diverse expertise and a shared vision for driving innovation and fostering sustainable health outcomes.

“Envisioning PRASHO as a transformative lighthouse, we aim to guide society towards equitable, affordable, and sustainable health and social development. The essence of our initiative lies in the words ‘sustainable’ and ‘outcomes’, which are not just terms to us, but actions that set us apart. Our deep societal influence will be rooted in empowering stakeholders with evidence-based interventions, molding policies and strategies for positive evolution. We’re not merely envisioning a healthier, fairer, and prosperous world – we’re actively creating it.”

Our top leadership team brings extensive experience and strategic leadership to guide PRASHO towards its mission of transforming healthcare delivery and addressing global health challenges.

LEADERSHIP

Mr R. Govindhari
Chairman
chairman@prasho.org
Mr. R. Govind Hari is a seasoned development strategist and social entrepreneur with over 45 years of experience. His focus is on creating self-sustaining institutions in quality education, eye care, and healthcare. He aims to improve communities and promote ancient Indian culture, Vedic literature, and spirituality.
Quality Eye Care: As the founder of Pushpagiri Vitreo Retina Institute (PVRI), a non-profit NABH- recognized super speciality eye hospital in Secunderabad, Mr. Govind Hari has been delivering affordable, high-quality eye care to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for over 15 years. He currently serves as the Chairman of the PVRI group, overseeing its expansion to 3 super speciality tertiary eye care hospitals and 1 secondary hospital.
Community Empowerment and Education: He is dedicated to sustainable development and community empowerment. The PVRI Post Graduate Ophthalmic Institute, affiliated with the Telangana government, has trained numerous ophthalmologists, optometrists, and paramedical workers under his guidance. He also holds leadership roles in educational institutions such as Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan’s Manchi Revula School and Rajaji International Institute of Public Affairs and Administration (RIIPAA).
Preserving Indian Culture: Mr Govind Hari actively promotes Indian culture and humanism. He engages with various religious and cultural groups to spread wisdom and inspire others. His involvement includes roles at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), Dharma Prachar Parishad, and the University of Higher Vedic Studies, among others.
Mr. Govind Hari’s work extends to advisory roles in healthcare trusts, cornea care initiatives, and associations promoting healthcare standards. He is also a respected speaker on human rights, community development, and cultural revalidation.

Dr Ranga Reddy Burri
Vice-Chairman
vice.chairman@prasho.org
Dr. Ranga Reddy is recognized globally as a health policy advocate, focusing on promoting public health awareness, education, and training, with a special emphasis on infection prevention and control (IPC), antimicrobial resistance, patient safety, and one health. He is renowned for pioneering critical training and education in emerging countries, and forging alliances with prestigious universities, international organizations, and healthcare stakeholders. One of his proudest achievements is designing and implementing the first-ever Postgraduate level Diploma in IPC in India and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative aims to elevate patient safety standards in resource-limited nations and empower healthcare professionals with vital expertise.
With a background in medicine and an entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Reddy possesses exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively manage diverse teams from various cultures and languages. His versatile skill set spans public health policy, infection prevention and control education, antimicrobial stewardship, diagnostic stewardship, patient safety, general management, startups, healthcare strategy, strategic planning, and portfolio management. Committed to making a significant impact on global public health and patient safety, his advocacy knows no bounds, as he continuously strives for meaningful change through unwavering determination and tireless
dedication.

Prof. GVS Murthy
President
president@prasho.org
Prof. Murthy is an international expert on public health disability and has been engaged in generating evidence on healthcare access and health concerns of persons with disabilities. He has developed innovative interventions to dismantle these barriers and has undertaken research projects in India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
President of PRASHO Foundation, Hyderabad:
As the President of PRASHO Foundation, Hyderabad, Dr. Murthy leads with a visionary zeal, transforming communities and shaping the future of healthcare. His steadfast commitment to empowerment and inclusivity drives the foundation’s mission forward, envisioning a world where healthcare is a fundamental human right.
Distinguished Professor at LSHTM:
At the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Dr. Murthy’s tenure as Professor of Public Health Eye Care & Disability has been nothing short of transformative. His insights illuminate the path for future generations of public health leaders, nurturing a legacy of excellence and innovation.
Director of Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad:
During his tenure as Director at the Indian Institute of Public Health in Hyderabad, Dr. Murthy pioneered groundbreaking initiatives that revolutionized healthcare delivery in India and beyond. His visionary leadership laid the foundation for transformative change, setting new standards of excellence in public health education and research.
Chair of Institutional Ethics Committees:
Dr. Murthy’s influence extends beyond academia to the realm of ethical governance. As Chair of Institutional Ethics Committees at esteemed institutions such as the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and Mission for Vision, Mumbai, he ensures that ethical considerations remain at the forefront of healthcare decision-making.
Global Health Advisor:
Dr. Murthy’s expertise is sought after on a global scale, with advisory roles in prestigious organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). From guiding initiatives on school health services to shaping policies for the reopening of schools post-COVID-19, his insights shape global health agendas and drive meaningful change.
Pioneering Researcher and Educator:
With over 300 peer-reviewed publications and numerous grants to his name, Dr. Murthy’s impact on research and academia is unparalleled. From integrating ROP services in public health systems to championing accessibility audits, his research initiatives address the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time.
Recipient of Numerous Awards and Accolades:
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Murthy has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, recognizing his outstanding contributions to public health and eye care. From oration awards to recognition for excellence in medical education, his accolades mirror a lifetime of dedication and service.
As we navigate the complexities of healthcare in the 21st century, Dr. GVS Murthy stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and pioneering spirit continue to shape a world where health equity knows no bounds.

Dr. Vishal Govindhari
Director (Medical)
director.medical@prasho.org
Dr. Vishal is a passionate ophthalmologist, researcher, and advocate for not-for-profit eye care. He is driven by a strong desire to eliminate avoidable blindness and ocular morbidity.
Dr. Vishal is known for his belief that accessible eye care programs implementing high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions can be launched across all economic, social, and geographical barriers through joint efforts.
As an aspiring entrepreneur, he is passionate about leveraging technologies like AI-powered diagnostics to revolutionize eye care, particularly through preventive measures.
Dr. Vishal’s focus is believed to be on revolutionizing eye care alongside public health research in niche areas such as retinopathy of prematurity, low vision, and research capacity strengthening. These areas are believed to have far-reaching social impact.
Dr. Vishal’s mission is described as lighting the way for brighter futures. This is achieved by bringing high-quality eye care and making a difference in underserved communities through curated and impact-centric initiatives.

Dr. Anirudh Gaurang Gudlavaleti
Director (Public Health)
director.publichealth@prasho.org
Dr Anirudh is a public health professional with over 8 years of professional experience in the field of training of health workers, curriculum designing for health workers, implementing public health projects across states, managing and operating his self-founded social enterprise. He is a trained dentist and completed his master’s degree in social entrepreneurship with a focus on disability and health systems. He is currently pursuing his PhD from the University of Maastricht, and his thesis focuses on health systems and training of healthcare workers.
He was chosen as one of the 20 best social entrepreneurs in India by PwC and was chosen to the School of Social Entrepreneurs (2017-18). His enterprise was chosen as one of the 50 best social entrepreneurs in Asia by the Development Bank of Singapore in 2018 and was awarded the first prize at the Sandbox Samvidha event by Deshpande Foundation in 2017. He has been awarded the prestigious Humphrey Fellowship in the United States for the period 2025-2026.

V Krishna Reddy Burri
Director (Community Engagement)
director.communityengagement@prasho.org
Driven by a commitment to social justice and equity, Krishna envisions a world where access to healthcare is a fundamental right for all. Through his work, he’s hopes to build awareness of the public health initiatives being taken up at PRASHO. He is dedicated to driving effective communication strategies that contribute to positive health outcomes globally.
Krishna Reddy Burri’s blend of expertise in communication, marketing & entrepreneurship coupled with a genuine commitment to socially relevant endeavors, has propelled him to success in the entrepreneurial landscape. He has overseen the establishment and profitable exits of startups operating in the manufacturing sector. Central to his proficiency is mastery in taking sector-agnostic concepts to reality through strategic formulation, market insights & effective messaging.

TEAM

Mr. Hira Pant
Director-Health Data Sciences
hira@prasho.org
As the Senior Faculty for Health Data Management Systems at our organization, Hira has a keen focus on mentorship and support, providing guidance to individuals navigating the complex realm of data analytics. Hira’s dedication extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as evidenced by the design and delivery of competency-based skilling programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.

Dr. Sureshkumar Kamalakannan
Director -Cochrane Affiliate, Evidence Synthesis and Disability Research and Education
suresh.k@prasho.org
Dr Sureshkumar Kamalakannan has versatile academic research expertise in the areas of Occupational therapy, Public Health Disability, Health Systems & Policies, and Epidemiology. He is passionate about mainstreaming disability within the agenda for health, particularly in LMICs, and is enthusiastic to strengthen or develop inclusive health systems for disability and social care worldwide. His research, teaching and advocacy activities are focused on his passion. As a strategy to achieve his passion, he does evidence brokerage for global stroke care through technology-enabled interventions for community-based rehabilitation and care, particularly focused on LMICs.
He plays a key role in special committees of government agencies in LMICs to advocate for his disability within the health and social care plans. He contributes to the WHO research workstream of the World Rehabilitation Alliance and to the workforce strategy development for the World Federation of Occupational Therapy. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Advance in the U.K. He is an honorary associate professor for the International Centre for Evidence in Disability at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. A member of the Scientific committee of the International Stroke rehabilitation and recovery Alliance. He is an international practitioner member of the Faculty of Public Health in the U.K. He provides technical support to the government disability department of Telangana State, and he is an associate editor for the Indian as well as the British Journal of Occupational Therapy. He was also a clinical and public health research fellow for the Wellcome Trust-DBT India Alliance.

Dr Usha Rani Poli
Director-Oncology Research and Education
ushapoli@prasho.org
Areas of Interest:
·Principal Investigator and conducted many research trials over past 2 decades on community-based cervical cancer screening  and HPV vaccination studies in Telangana
·Master trainer, WHO/IARC training courses on colposcopy and cervical screening for developing countries since 2006.
·Established and monitoring the ongoing VIA based Screen and Treat cervical cancer screening programs in few districts of Telangana state, India. 

Mr. Ejas Shaikh
Project Scientist-I and Editorial Assistant
ejas.sk@prasho.org
Ejas is dedicated to supporting the publication and dissemination of the Community Eye Health Journal South Asia edition. With a focus on excellence and efficiency, Ejas plays a role in ensuring the smooth publication process and facilitating the widespread distribution of CEJ-SA. He is also involved in data collection for the SRIHER project.

Mr. Kaviyarasan Patchaiappan
Research Associate-Data Analyst
kavi.p@prasho.org
Project: Disability Data Initiative
Working as Data Analyst in Disability Data Imitative (DDI) project for South Asia Region, conducting in-depth microdata analysis to uncover critical insights into the prevalence of functional disabilities across various countries. We meticulously prepare reports that outline the key findings of these analyses, providing a clear picture of the challenges faced by different populations. Our approach includes detailed disaggregation of well-being data, ensuring that the nuances of each aspect are thoroughly examined and understood.

Ms. Kriti Shukla
Program Manager/Project Scientist-III and Editor (Community Eye Health
Journal – South Asia Edition)
kriti.shukla@prasho.org
With a strong passion for community-based approaches and equitable access to healthcare, Kriti plays a vital role in disseminating knowledge and best practices in ophthalmology and public health in eye care.
As an Editor, Kriti works closely with the international edition team at the International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the South Asia board to strategically shape themes and content for this PubMed-indexed quarterly publication. Her editorial stewardship ensures that the journal effectively addresses the unique needs of South Asia, reaching readers across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Ms. Sarah Jameel
Project Scientist-II (Public Health)
sarah.j@prasho.org
With an equity lens, Sarah’s research project looks at inclusive telemedicine for persons with disabilities. “Holistic Approach is the way out”, is her mantra driving her towards research initiatives aimed at promoting equity and accessibility for persons with disabilities. She is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that prioritize the needs of all individuals, particularly those with disabilities, in healthcare design and delivery. Her passion extends beyond her research project, as she actively engages in discussions and initiatives around Digital Health. She is deeply committed to exploring the reach and impact of these developments in the public health world.

Debangana Mahapatra
Project Scientist-1 (Data Analyst)
debangana.m@prasho.org
She is a dedicated Data Analyst with a Master of Science in Statistics from Christ (Deemed to be university), Bangalore. Her expertise lies in analyzing and interpreting biological data to drive innovative solutions in healthcare and life sciences. She specialized in biostatistics, focusing on the application of statistical methods to the biological and health sciences. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for data-driven decision-making, she delivers actionable insights that enhance research outcomes and support strategic initiatives. She is involved in the e-Sanjeevani Telemedicine Platform’s data analysis and Orbis project.

P. Renuka
Project Manager
renuka.p@prasho.org
Renuka has over 15 years of experience managing the IARC-India Multi-centric HPV Vaccine Project in Hyderabad, Telangana. Her role involves supervising field staff, overseeing data collection, managing project activities, and maintaining the project database. She also has hands-on experience in community-based cervical cancer screening programs, contributing to improved health outcomes at the grassroots level. Her expertise lies in project management, field operations, and public health implementation, with a strong commitment to advancing women’s health.

Y. Varija
Auxiliary Nurse Midwife
varija.y@prasho.org
Varija has 9 years of experience as a Project ANM for the IARC-India Multi-centric HPV Vaccine Study in Hyderabad, Telangana. She specializes in conducting long-term follow-ups and specimen collection and assisting screen-positive participants in the Rasoolpura slum. She is also trained in community-based cancer screening and actively conducts awareness programs to promote health education and early detection.

Dr. Abhilash Patra
Project Scientist-III (Public Health)
abhilash.patra@prasho.org
Dr. Abhilash Patra is a seasoned public health professional with 08 years of experience in clinical and research domains, specializing in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health systems. His work spans oncology, non-communicable diseases, and community health, with a strong focus on translating data into actionable health policies and programs. He has contributed to high-impact research initiatives that strengthen evidence-based decision-making in healthcare. He has previously held key positions at the Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT), MAMTA-Health Institute for Mother and Child (MAMTA-HIMC), HCL Foundation, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), the Indian Institutes of Public Health (IIPHs), Centre for Catalyzing Change (C3), and KPMG, working across diverse geographies and health priorities. His skills include systematic reviews and meta-analyses, program evaluation, EMR-based analytics, health technology assessment, and large-scale epidemiological studies.  He has completed the Senior Research Fellowship at IIPH-Hyderabad, conducted in partnership with the Sahyadri Group of Hospitals and funded by Pfizer. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented at national and international forums. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Patra is deeply committed to building research capacity among healthcare professionals. His work bridges the gap between research and practice, ensuring that robust scientific evidence informs policy and program implementation for improved health outcomes.

Ranit Mukherjee
Project Scientist – Grade I (Biostatistics and Data Analysis)
ranit.m@prasho.org
Ranit Mukherjee holds a master’s degree in Statistics. As an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Data Analyst, he brings expertise in statistical modelling, data interpretation, and biostatistical analysis. With a strong analytical mindset and a focus on precision, he transforms complex datasets into actionable insights that support evidence-based decision-making and research innovation.

Haritha Boopalan
Project Scientist-I Disability Data Initiative 
haritha.b@prasho.org
A passionate public health professional who graduated with a Master of Public Health (MPH), specialising in Global Health, from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Karnataka.
She is currently working as a Project Scientist I with the Disability Data Initiative Project, focusing on strengthening data systems and promoting inclusivity across the South Asia region.
She is a deeply committed to advancing health and well-being through impactful public health initiatives, with a vision to bridge gaps in equity, accessibility, and health outcomes at both community and global levels.”

Sukanya Arandhara
Project Scientist-I
sukanya.a@prasho.org
A Passionate public health professional and trained Optometrist committed to improving health access in underserved communities. She holds a master’s in public health (Epidemiology) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and a bachelor’s in optometry degree. With experience in field implementation, data analysis, training frontline workers, and conducting eye health research, she brings both clinical insight and grassroots program management experience to NGO-driven public health initiatives.

Shalini Mekala
Administrative Manager
shalini.m@prasho.org
Shalini Mekala is an HR and Administration professional with 8 years of experience across multiple industries. She has strong skills in recruitment, HR operations, office administration, reporting, and team coordination. Shalini holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Osmania University. She is known for her communication skills, problem-solving ability, and commitment to smooth organizational functioning.

L.Vamsi Guruandh
Accountant
accounts@prasho.org
Vamsi is a highly experienced and dedicated Accountant with 4 years of expertise in accounting, auditing, and statutory compliance. He has a strong track record in preparing and analyzing financial statements, managing budgets, and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements. Vamsi is proficient in conducting comprehensive audits, handling tax filings, and maintaining precise financial records to support informed business decision-making. His advanced skills in accounting software, including Zoho, Tally, and Excel, further enhance his ability to deliver accurate and efficient financial management.