From Pharmacy to Purpose: Dr. Shilpa’s Inspiring Journey with Health On Board

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A Vision Rooted in Service and Affordability

In 2021, Dr. Shilpa, a Doctor of Pharmacy, transformed her professional journey by founding “Health On Board,” a pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare solutions company. Her inspiration was simple but profound: she wanted to make healthcare affordable and accessible to people from every economic background. What started as a mission in Karnataka is now expanding, fuelled by her vision of a more equitable healthcare system across India.

I wanted to bring affordable healthcare to everyone. It shouldn't be a luxury,” says Dr. Shilpa. With a strong foundation in pharmacy, she leveraged her academic knowledge to understand how the pharmaceutical industry works and, more importantly, how it can be improved to serve people better.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Launching Health On Board came with challenges, particularly as a woman stepping into the traditionally male-dominated pharmaceutical sector. Navigating complex licensing procedures and industry expectations could have been daunting, but support from a female drug inspector and mentorship from industry professionals helped her stay resilient.

“I realised how male-dominated the pharmacy industry is only after entering it. But with support from MSME resources, my vendors, and clients, I learned quickly,” she recalls. Her persistence and curiosity allowed her to turn obstacles into opportunities for learning and growth.

What Sets Health On Board Apart

Unlike conventional pharmaceutical distributors, Health On Board is building a reputation for specialised and affordable medication. The company focuses on categories such as antipsychotics and speciality medicines that are not easily accessible in the market. Dr. Shilpa also introduced Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) services, ensuring customers can get medications delivered to their homes at better prices than retail pharmacies.

“Our newly launched in-house products are combinations of existing molecules with improved usability, like reduced tablet sizes for easier swallowing. We are innovating based on real patient needs,” she explains. These thoughtful innovations reflect a patient-first mindset that’s uncommon in the generic pharma space.

Lessons from Leading Findx Pro

Before founding her venture, Dr. Shilpa served as the Chief Operating Officer at Findx Pro, an electronics manufacturing services company. The leadership, people management, and operations experience she gained there proved to be crucial when she transitioned into entrepreneurship.

“Being a COO taught me how to manage teams, operations, documentation, and back-end processes. All of this is now helping me run Health On Board efficiently,” she shares. Her multidisciplinary experience allows her to lead with both strategic clarity and executional excellence.

Building a Brand with Quality and Trust

Quality assurance is at the heart of Health On Board’s operations. Every product batch is stringently tested by a dedicated QC team, and those that don’t meet the standards are rejected outright. Lab reports and storage protocols are maintained meticulously to ensure product efficacy and consumer safety.

“We make sure our products are 100% effective and safe. Even our storage and logistics are designed to prevent contamination,” says Dr. Shilpa, underlining the importance of compliance and trust in healthcare.

Vision for the Future: Clinics, Pharmacies, and a Hospital

Dr. Shilpa’s vision extends far beyond distribution. She plans to launch a chain of clinics and pharmacies focusing on underserved specialities like psychology, cancer care, orthopaedics, and physiotherapy. The goal is to provide high-quality healthcare at a low cost.

The long-term dream? A multi-speciality hospital that upholds high service standards while remaining accessible to the common man. “Affordability with that’s our mantra,” she emphasises.

Leadership Values that Bridge Industries

Though she has worked in both electronics and healthcare, Dr. Shilpa believes core leadership values are universal. “Vision, risk-taking, communication, empathy, and integrity values help me lead in any industry,” she explains.

Transparency, long-term relationships with stakeholders, and customer satisfaction remain at the core of her leadership philosophy. Her approach is as much about building trust as it is about business growth.

A Heart for Service Beyond Business

Dr. Shilpa’s involvement with NGOs and health camps isn’t just extracurricular, but it shapes how she runs her business. By being close to the ground realities, she gains a better understanding of what people truly need.

“These camps help me see the gaps in the healthcare system, which I try to fill through my business. It’s an act of service as much as it is entrepreneurship,” she shares.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs

To aspiring pharmacy graduates and young women entrepreneurs, Dr. Shilpa offers heartfelt advice: take risks, stay curious, and never feel guilty for choosing your career.

“Opportunities will come if you keep learning and stepping out of your comfort zone. For women especially, balancing family and career is hard but not impossible,” she says, encouraging others to pursue their passion boldly.

Health On Board

29/1 A street, Krishna Rajendra Rd, near Metri Medicals,

opp. VANIVILAS HOSPITAL,

Kalasipalya Bengaluru, Karnataka 560002