Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Dr. Pratibha Agarwal, Co-founder of Aarvi Hospital, Jaipur
With years of experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr. Pratibha Agarwal, Co-founder of Aarvi Hospital, Jaipur, has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive women’s healthcare, infertility management and minimally invasive gynaecological treatments. Having trained at premier institutions and specialised in infertility, laparoscopy and Non-Descent Vaginal Hysterectomy (NDVH), she has dedicated her career to making quality healthcare both accessible and affordable. Along with Dr. Devendra Gupta, she co-founded Aarvi Hospital with the vision of offering ethical, patient-centric care under one roof.
In this interview, Dr. Agarwal shares her journey, discusses the evolving landscape of women’s health, addresses the growing burden of infertility and lifestyle-related disorders, highlights the role of technology and artificial intelligence in modern gynaecology, and explains why awareness and evidence-based medical advice are essential for improving healthcare outcomes.
Question: You are the Co-founder of Aarvi Hospital. Please tell us about your journey so far and the inspiration behind choosing this field.
Answer: My journey into medicine has been deeply influenced by my family as well as the values instilled in me by my parents. All my siblings are doctors, so I grew up in an environment where medicine was regarded as a profession of service and responsibility. Seeing their dedication towards patients naturally inspired me to follow the same path. At the same time, the sacrifices made by my parents gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream, and I remain grateful for their constant encouragement.
I completed my MBBS from Baroda and later pursued my postgraduate degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from SMS Medical College, Jaipur. As my interest in women’s reproductive health grew stronger, I went on to complete fellowships in infertility and laparoscopy from Vasundhara Hospital, Jodhpur. I also specialised in Non-Descent Vaginal Hysterectomy (NDVH), a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows the uterus to be removed through the vaginal route, leading to faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort for patients.
Over the years, I realised that quality treatment is not only about medical expertise but also about creating a healthcare environment where patients feel safe, respected and well cared for. With that vision, my husband, Mr. Devendra Gupta, who is a general physician, and I established Aarvi Hospital in Jhotwara, Jaipur. Our objective has always been to provide ethical, affordable and comprehensive healthcare while ensuring that every patient receives personalised attention.
Question: What are the services that you offer at Aarvi Hospital?
Answer: At Aarvi Hospital, we aim to provide comprehensive healthcare under one roof. I am available round the clock for obstetric and gynaecological care, including pregnancy management, high-risk deliveries, infertility treatment, menstrual disorders, laparoscopic procedures and preventive women’s healthcare.
Dr. Devendra Gupta manages general medicine and emergency cases involving conditions related to the heart, kidneys and other medical emergencies. We have developed a dedicated hospital with modern infrastructure so that patients receive quality diagnosis, treatment and emergency care without unnecessary delays.
In addition, we have orthopaedic and paediatric specialists available on call whenever required. Our focus is to ensure that patients receive multidisciplinary care while maintaining high standards of medical practice.
Question: What were the major challenges you faced while starting the hospital?
Answer: Establishing a hospital is both professionally and personally demanding. As healthcare providers, we are responsible not only for treating patients but also for managing every aspect of hospital administration. From ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and maintaining infrastructure to handling staff and patient expectations, every responsibility ultimately rests with us.
One of the biggest challenges is that healthcare is not a profession with fixed working hours. Emergencies can occur at any time, requiring us to be available throughout the day and night. This often means sacrificing personal time and maintaining a careful balance between family responsibilities and professional commitments.
Another challenge in recent years has been the spread of misinformation through the internet and social media. Patients often come with incomplete or incorrect information, which creates unnecessary anxiety and misconceptions. A significant part of our consultation involves educating patients, addressing myths and helping them understand the scientific facts behind their condition. Our priority has always been to provide evidence-based treatment while building trust with every patient.
Question: How has the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology evolved over the past few years?
Answer: The field has expanded tremendously over the last decade. Earlier, obstetrics and gynaecology was primarily associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Today, it encompasses a much broader range of specialised services.
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries have transformed surgical treatment by reducing pain, hospital stay and recovery time. Cosmetic gynaecology, including procedures such as vaginoplasty, has also emerged as a specialised area for selected patients. Infertility management has advanced significantly, giving hope to couples who previously had limited treatment options.
My practice also includes sonography and infertility management, enabling early diagnosis and timely intervention. Equally encouraging is the fact that women today are becoming more aware of their health. They are seeking preventive care, regular health check-ups and early medical advice instead of delaying treatment, which is a positive development for women’s healthcare.
Question: How has the changing lifestyle affected women’s health? What are some of the common problems you see today?
Answer: Lifestyle changes have had a considerable impact on women’s health. One of the noticeable trends is that girls are attaining puberty at a younger age than before. Changes in dietary habits, reduced physical activity and increasing consumption of processed foods may be contributing factors.
Hormonal disorders have become increasingly common. Conditions such as irregular menstrual cycles, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders affect many young women today and should never be ignored.
Many women also experience persistent white vaginal discharge but hesitate to discuss it because of embarrassment. However, consulting a gynaecologist at an early stage can help identify the underlying cause and prevent complications.
Preventive healthcare is equally important. Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening. Similarly, women should perform breast self-examinations and undergo appropriate screening so that breast cancer, if present, can be detected and treated at an early stage.
Question: In today’s changing healthcare landscape, how is the doctor-patient relationship evolving?
Answer: Technology has certainly improved access to health information, but it has also led to the spread of misinformation. Today, many people rely on social media platforms for medical advice, where unqualified individuals often share health-related content without scientific evidence.
As doctors, we frequently meet patients who have already formed opinions based on online videos or social media posts. While awareness is important, healthcare decisions should always be based on consultation with qualified medical professionals. Doctors undergo years of education and training before they are authorised to advise patients, and this expertise cannot be replaced by unverified online information.
Responsible health communication and greater public awareness are essential to strengthening trust between doctors and patients.
Question: What are the major reasons behind the increasing cases of infertility today?
Answer: One of the most important reasons is delayed parenthood. Today, many couples prioritise education and careers before planning a family, often after the age of 35. Although these are personal choices, fertility naturally declines with age because both the quality and quantity of eggs reduce over time.
Lifestyle-related factors also contribute significantly. Chronic stress, obesity, lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, processed foods, smoking, alcohol consumption and prolonged screen exposure all negatively affect fertility.
Medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and metabolic disorders further increase the risk of infertility.
It is equally important to understand that infertility is not solely a woman’s issue. Male infertility contributes to a significant number of cases, and therefore both partners should undergo evaluation and treatment whenever required.
Question: Fertility treatment can be emotionally challenging. How do you counsel couples during this journey?
Answer: Emotional counselling forms an important part of fertility care. The first step is to reassure couples that infertility is a medical condition and not something that should lead to guilt or blame.
We explain the possible causes after conducting appropriate investigations for both partners and discuss the treatment options available. We also help them understand the role of advanced reproductive technologies in improving treatment outcomes.
Equally important are healthy lifestyle modifications. We encourage balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management and spending quality time together as a couple. A positive mindset and emotional support from family play a crucial role throughout the treatment process.
Question: How do you assess the role of technology and Artificial Intelligence in gynaecology and fertility treatments?
Answer: Technology has revolutionised women’s healthcare by enabling earlier diagnosis and more precise treatment. Advanced ultrasound imaging helps us identify abnormalities at an early stage, allowing timely medical intervention.
Fertility preservation techniques such as egg freezing have become valuable options for women who wish to delay pregnancy due to medical or personal reasons.
Artificial Intelligence is also gradually becoming an important part of fertility treatment. AI-assisted systems can analyse sperm quality, egg quality and embryo development more accurately, helping clinicians make better decisions during IVF procedures.
Another important advancement is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), which allows embryos created through IVF to be screened for specific genetic abnormalities before implantation, improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy in selected cases.
Question: What are some of the common myths surrounding pregnancy that you frequently encounter?
Answer: There are many myths that continue to circulate regarding pregnancy.
One common misconception is that pregnant women should avoid consuming milk or curd. Scientifically, these are excellent sources of calcium and protein and should be included as part of a healthy and balanced diet unless there is a specific medical reason to avoid them.
Another widespread belief is that opening a woman’s hair during labour influences whether she gives birth to a boy or a girl. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this. The baby’s biological sex is determined at the time of conception through chromosomes inherited from the parents.
Another harmful practice is restricting water intake after childbirth. In reality, adequate hydration is essential for recovery and breast milk production. Scientific awareness is the best way to eliminate such myths and ensure healthy pregnancies.
Question: How do you see the government’s role in strengthening women’s healthcare?
Answer: The government has made significant efforts to improve maternal and women’s healthcare across the country. Institutional deliveries have increased considerably, contributing to safer pregnancies and better maternal outcomes.
Healthcare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, RGHS and CGHS have expanded access to quality treatment for many families. Better antenatal care, improved availability of medicines and stronger healthcare infrastructure have contributed to reducing maternal mortality and neonatal mortality rates.
Continued investment in awareness programmes, preventive healthcare and medical infrastructure will further strengthen women’s healthcare in the coming years.
Question: What is your long-term vision for Aarvi Hospital?
Answer: Our vision is simple but meaningful, to continue providing quality healthcare at affordable costs without compromising ethical medical practice. Over the next few years, we plan to expand the hospital’s infrastructure, introduce additional specialised services and adopt newer technologies that improve patient care.
Although Aarvi Hospital has completed only three years of its journey, we remain committed to growing responsibly while ensuring that every patient receives compassionate and personalised treatment.
Question: How do you see India performing in terms of healthcare services compared to other countries?
Answer: India’s healthcare system has made remarkable progress over the past decade. Both private and government hospitals have significantly strengthened emergency care, diagnostics and specialist services.
Despite serving a very large population, India has demonstrated its ability to provide timely emergency treatment and quality healthcare across different levels of the system. While many developed nations have access to more advanced technologies, India is steadily adopting these innovations and making them increasingly available to patients.
In Rajasthan particularly, tertiary healthcare has witnessed substantial improvements. Government hospitals have expanded infrastructure, recruited more specialists and extended healthcare benefits through various public welfare schemes, making quality treatment accessible to a larger section of society.
Question: Finally, what message would you like to give to aspiring doctors?
Answer: Medicine is much more than a profession, it is a lifelong commitment to serving humanity. Obstetrics and gynaecology is especially demanding because every decision often affects two lives simultaneously: the mother and her baby.
The profession requires dedication, compassion, continuous learning and emotional resilience. Balancing personal and professional responsibilities can certainly be challenging, but the privilege of supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth and other important phases of life makes the journey immensely fulfilling.
For young medical aspirants, my advice would be to choose this profession only if they are genuinely passionate about caring for people. If you are committed to learning and serving with empathy, medicine will always be one of the most rewarding careers.
