NN Online :
Praava Health, a leading healthcare company in Bangladesh, announced the appointment of Dr. Simeen M. Akhtar as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). A founding member of Praava’s leadership team, Dr. Simeen brings extensive operational expertise and a strong commitment to clinical excellence.
Since joining Praava in March 2017, Dr. Simeen has played a pivotal role in establishing the company as a trusted name in patient-centered healthcare in Bangladesh. Most recently, she served as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), where she led the development of clinical programs and championed quality and patient safety.
In her new role as COO, Dr. Simeen will oversee the Medical Services and Service Excellence divisions. Her focus will be on enhancing operational efficiencies, delivering better clinical outcomes, and strengthening patient satisfaction.
Mohammad Abdul Matin Emon, CEO of Praava Health, expressed confidence in Dr. Simeen’s leadership, stating, “Dr. Simeen’s dedication to patient care is unparalleled. Even in her senior leadership role, she personally follows up with patients to ensure their concerns are addressed. She is the glue that holds our team together, and she truly deserves this position.” He emphasized that her experience and commitment will be key to driving Praava’s next phase of growth.
Dr. Simeen M. Akhtar commented, “It has been a privilege to work in a dynamic organisation like Praava for the last 8 years. As I step into this new role, I am humbled but simultaneously look forward to continuing to work strategically with this amazing, innovative, and talented team to ensure Praava maintains its position as a pioneer and trailblazer in Primary Health Care.” She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing Praava’s mission of delivering trusted, high-quality healthcare across Bangladesh.
Dr. Simeen has over 40 years of healthcare leadership experience across Bangladesh, the U.S., Thailand, Spain, Malaysia, and the U.K. She began her career at icddr,b after completing her MBBS from Dhaka Medical College, later earning advanced degrees including a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and an MPH from Mahidol University, and a Master’s in Human Nutrition from King’s College London. She also completed a clinical fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center and pursued further studies in Health Science Management at North South University.
She has held leadership roles at Bangkok General Hospital, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Evercare Group (formerly Apollo Hospitals Dhaka), where she was General Manager of Quality Assurance. She is also a recipient of the Medal of Appreciation from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
About Praava Health:
Praava Health is Bangladesh’s first fully integrated, international-standard outpatient healthcare platform, designed to serve the country’s growing middle class with compassionate, high-quality care. Combining in-clinic services with advanced digital health solutions, Praava is redefining healthcare delivery through preventive, promotive, and curative care anchored in long-term relationships with family doctors.
Praava operates one of Bangladesh’s few international-standard diagnostic labs, launched the country’s first patient app and molecular cancer diagnostics PCR lab, and delivers lab services nationwide.
Recognized globally for its innovation, Praava has been named a World Economic Forum Global Innovator (2023), a Technology Pioneer (2021), and a Fast Company World Changing Idea (2020). Harvard and Columbia Business Schools have also featured Praava in case studies. In 2023, it was listed among the Top 100 Meaningful Businesses by EY and Hogan Lovells, and in 2024, it won the Global Health Innovation Award from the TEAMFund.
Dr. Simeen M. Akhtar joins Praava Health as COO
