When Dr. Ch Mohana Vamsy, renowned chief surgical oncologist and founder of Omega Hospital, recently walked into Chanchalguda prison with his daughter, taking “Mulaqaat” as “Mulaqaat”, it was her sight – behind the bar – breaking something inside him. Dr Namrata Chigurupati, former CEO of Omega Hospital, was arrested on May 11 for allegedly purchasing cocaine worth Rs 5 lakh. She transferred the amount online.
“She is in good condition and looks good,” he told the Hyderabad Chronicle hours after the meeting. “She is taking drugs now and asked me to get her out of jail – she is also a mother.”
Her arrest has brought people to a shock wave through the medical community and revealed a deeper, more miserable layer – an excellent doctor who struggles with mental health issues after a painful divorce and falls into drug abuse.
A promising career that is derailed by personal pain
Dr. Namrata is known for his academic glory and attitude and never has a single person enjoyed family privilege. After completing her major in radiation oncology, she worked in hospital management at the prestigious Esade University in Spain.
Despite being the founder’s daughter, she won Omega’s place in her merits. “I always see her as my son – full of energy, new ideas and excellent negotiation skills,” Dr. Vamsy said.
She took over Omega as CEO and transformed the hospital from a modest setting to a corporate entity in just a short time. “She brought Morgan Stanley and she had a vision,” Dr. Vamsy recalls. But her personal life caused losses. After the divorce, she voluntarily resigned. “She felt she couldn’t fulfill her responsibilities effectively. Later, she started the cosmetics business in order to devote more time to her children.”
“Why did she sell her property?”
Dr. Vamsy responded to rumors about her selling her property to fund her drug habits, and he firmly said: “This is the wrong news. Why is she selling her property? She is not an ordinary person. No need.” He admitted that she has been using drugs for the past few months. “She flexed under pressure,” he said, adding that his world now revolves around his two grandchildren.
Tough times, but hope
Despite personal destruction, Dr. Vamsy is still hopeful. “She is a strong person. She will rebound,” he said. “Once she’s out, she’ll be with me and we’ll try to spend more time together.” The emotional damage is obvious. “I founded this empire (Omega). I came to Hyderabad alone 30 years ago and worked very hard. But Namrata did change the hospital.”
