Interview: Mahesh Makhija, Founder of QMS Medical Allied Services

Interview with Mahesh Makhija, Founder of QMS Medical Allied Services

Mahesh Makhija, a seasoned entrepreneur, is at the forefront of revolutionizing the healthcare industry in India.

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and an MBA in Marketing, Mahesh has leveraged his extensive experience in sales and marketing positions at renowned companies to pave his path towards entrepreneurial success.

With a vision to provide high-quality healthcare services and products, Mahesh founded QMS and has since transformed it into a leading healthcare service provider, catering to a wide range of stakeholders.

From the outset, Mahesh envisioned QMS as a company capable of providing a comprehensive range of services to healthcare businesses.

With relentless effort, this mission has been realized, and QMS now aims to become the leading healthcare provider in the country.

Their focus will be on further developing their consumer-facing brand, Q Devices, and expanding their service-based verticals, contributing to India’s journey towards a healthier nation.

Mahesh’s decision to embark on the entrepreneurial path was fueled by his desire to be his own boss and work without limitations.

He sought the freedom to think three-dimensionally, unburdened by conventional expectations. This drive led him to identify the immense potential in the healthcare sector and positioned him as a transformative force within the industry.

Mahesh Makhija’s entrepreneurial journey stands as a testament to his vision, determination, and passion for revolutionizing the healthcare landscape in India.

Through his leadership and the growth of QMS, Mahesh has provided valuable services, products, and innovative solutions to healthcare stakeholders.

With a focus on quality, reliability, and ethical business practices, Mahesh continues to drive QMS towards achieving new milestones, ultimately contributing to a healthier and brighter future for India’s healthcare ecosystem.

Tell us a little about yourself 

Mahesh Makhija: Hello, my name is Mahesh Makhija. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Wilson College in Mumbai and an MBA in Marketing.

With over 28 years of experience, I have had a diverse professional journey. I began my career in sales and marketing positions with leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies

Later, I ventured into entrepreneurship, founding QMS Medical Allied Services. On the personal front, I am happily married to my wife, Dr. Guddi Makhija, and we have two amazing children, my daughter Dr. Diti Makhija and my son Udit Makhija, who aspires to become a doctor.

Please tell us a little about your entrepreneurial journey

Mahesh Makhija: During my tenure in the healthcare sector, I recognized the need for professional, result-oriented, and ethical organizations to manage the supply chain and establish market presence for international healthcare companies entering India.

Through interactions with stakeholders, I grasped the immense opportunity that lay ahead. Overcoming initial hesitation, I founded QMS MAS as a business-to-business provider of medical devices and customized marketing solutions for healthcare clients domestically and internationally.

Over the years, QMS has expanded and transformed into a comprehensive service provider, catering to various stakeholders.

We currently employ close to 200 dedicated professionals and serve over 200 locations across the nation, offering high-quality services and products.

What service(s) or product(s) do you offer?

Mahesh Makhija: At QMS,  we offer a range of services and products to cater to the healthcare industry:

• Medical Device Distribution: We have established partnerships with leading and reputed healthcare companies. Over the past 25 years, we have been distributing their medical devices in the Indian market.
• Medical Camps: We conduct specialized diagnostic service camps throughout the country, focusing on various diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, Osteoporosis, Hypertension, COPD, and more.
• DITI Program: Our DITI Program provides consumers with personalized health plans to manage chronic lifestyle diseases. It includes monthly interventions by clinical dieticians and periodic diagnostic testing in the comfort of their homes.
• Q Devices: We have developed our brand of high-quality wellness and home care products called Q Devices. Manufactured in a USFDA-approved plant in India, these products are endorsed by the Biotechnology and Medical Devices Arm of IIT Mumbai (BETIC).

What is unique about your brand?

Mahesh Makhija: Our brand’s uniqueness lies in the values it represents. At QMS, we prioritize quality, service, reliability, and trust.

These values have been the foundation of our company since its inception. We conduct our business with utmost honor and dignity, which has allowed us to maintain long-term relationships with our customers for over 25 years. We are committed to upholding these values and nurturing enduring partnerships in the future.

What made you choose this type of business?

Mahesh Makhija: The decision to enter the healthcare industry was driven by the evident need for quality healthcare products and services.

It made logical sense to seize the opportunity and be actively involved in addressing this demand. With our partnerships and expertise, we are well-positioned to contribute significantly to India’s journey towards becoming a healthier nation.

What was your mission and vision at the outset?

Mahesh Makhija: From the very beginning, our mission was to become a versatile company capable of providing a wide range of services to any business in the healthcare domain. We have successfully achieved this objective through consistent efforts and dedication.

How many employees are in your organization?

Mahesh Makhija: Currently, we have a dedicated workforce of over 200 employees associated with QMS MAS.

What are your company’s goals?

Mahesh Makhija: Our primary goal is to become India’s leading healthcare provider. To achieve this, we will be focusing on the growth of our consumer-facing brand, Q Devices, and expanding our service-based verticals.

What was the inspiration behind becoming an entrepreneur?

Mahesh Makhija: The desire to be my own boss and work without constraints or limitations on my creativity and ideas compelled me to choose the path of entrepreneurship.

It provided me with the freedom to think in multiple dimensions and take calculated risks that eventually led to the growth of my business.

What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

Mahesh Makhija: Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have encountered numerous failures. However, I firmly believe that mistakes serve as the best teachers.

Learning from these experiences has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. The key takeaway is to never repeat the same mistakes and embrace failure as a natural part of the journey. Fear of failure should never hinder progress.

Key things to consider before starting a startup:

Mahesh Makhija: Before starting a startup, it is crucial to consider the following:

1. Market Readiness: Research and evaluate whether the market is ready for your product or service. Understanding the demand and competition will help you position your startup effectively.
2. Commitment and Sacrifice: Entrepreneurship demands a significant commitment of time, effort, and personal sacrifice. Be prepared to invest your time, energy, and even make personal sacrifices to drive your startup forward.
3. Patience and Profitability: Determine your timeline for achieving profitability and consider how long you are willing to wait for your startup to become financially viable. Patience is essential as success may take time.

Once you have answered these questions through thorough research, create an overarching strategic plan followed by a detailed action plan. Implement the plans diligently and adapt as needed.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?

Mahesh Makhija: One of the notable mistakes we made was adhering to the belief that slow and steady growth was the way to go.

We initially did not explore seeking venture capital or private equity for accelerated growth. Looking back, we realize that injecting significant funds into our business would have allowed us to not only grow but also rapidly expand into the Indian market.

If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?

Mahesh Makhija: My advice for someone just starting out is to embrace the journey and be patient. Success in entrepreneurship is not an overnight achievement but rather a culmination of small victories along the way. Work diligently, work smartly, and success will eventually find you.

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