India’s renal healthcare space has been defined by professionals who combine expertise with deep empathy for patients. In a field where efficacy, trust, and responsibility are crucial, true leadership lies in the ability to balance innovation with compassion. Those who dedicate their lives to this mission not only advance medical science but also improve the quality of life of patients.
One such leader is Mr Yogesh Puri, CMD of Steadfast Limited, who has been at the forefront of India’s renal pharmaceutical industry for nearly 40 years. After building a successful and secure corporate career, he made the bold decision to step away from his comfort zone for the betterment of the lives of patients with chronic kidney disease. Driven by his commitment to patient welfare, he founded Steadfast Limited from the ground up in 2008 to bridge gaps in renal healthcare. Today, he continues to raise industry standards, push boundaries, and redefine pharmaceutical standards in India with ethical, patient-focused care.
Turning Industry Experience into a Meaningful Mission
After spending a significant number of years in the pharmaceutical industry, Mr Yogesh Puri recognised several gaps in the renal pharmaceutical specialty. He noticed that many useful formulations were available but not being used effectively for patient care. In some cases, simpler and more affordable solutions existed, yet the industry often chose more expensive options. This realisation inspired him to launch Steadfast Limited.
Working in a pharmaceutical company is very different from running one. Mr Yogesh Puri faced many challenges at the beginning, such as establishing a market presence against well-known brands, navigating government regulations, and complying with longstanding regulatory requirements. As the company grew, new challenges arose, but he and his team have always met them with determination while maintaining strong ethical standards and principles.
Putting Patients at the Heart of Innovation
“Patient care is our first priority, because we truly understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden that chronic kidney disease places on patients and their families,” says Mr Puri. This belief has determined every aspect of Steadfast Limited’s operations. The company has consistently focused on developing affordable, effective, and easy-to-administer formulations. Under his steer, Steadfast has formulated more than 36 specialised medicines for kidney disease patients across key therapeutic areas, including CKD management, renal nutrition, and organ transplant management. Mr Yogesh Puri is also credited with many firsts in the industry. He launched India’s first pharmaceutical formulations in sodium bicarbonate, sodium acid phosphate, and magnesium oxide. By working closely with nephrologists, patients, and medical institutions, Steadfast has earned the trust of more than 7,000 healthcare professionals across the country.
Drawing on his decades of industry experience, Mr Yogesh Puri has fostered a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the organisation. Steadfast has steadily invested in research and development while actively supporting medical education through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs, conferences, and patient awareness initiatives. The company’s field teams play a crucial role in translating scientific knowledge into practical support for doctors and patients. This integrated approach, combining research, education, and responsible outreach, has enabled Steadfast to remain competitive while staying firmly committed to its patient-first philosophy.
Patient-Centred Research and Care
Steadfast has always been a research-driven organisation that carefully studies problems by consulting with doctors and healthcare professionals to find effective solutions. The company prioritises patients and is dedicated to improving their quality of life. In addition, Steadfast engages with patients directly to understand their challenges and works together with them to develop solutions that provide long-term benefits.
Strong Growth with a Human Focus
Steadfast has shown steady and consistent growth over the years, with an annual growth rate of nearly 20% and an EBITDA margin above 10%. However, the company does not measure its success solely by financial results. It also values the positive impact it has on patient health and outcomes. From the perspective of healthcare delivery, Steadfast has been effective in meeting patients’ urgent needs and improving their quality of life.
Today, Steadfast has one of the largest field-service networks in the country, supported by a strong team on the ground. Its extensive reach into smaller towns and micro-cities enables the company to provide care beyond major metropolitan areas, reaching patients in regions where care is often needed the most. The medicines developed by Steadfast have helped save the lives of millions of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease.
Partnering with Institutions for Patient Benefit
Steadfast has partnered with several medical institutions, both in India and internationally. This includes collaboration with the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC), for which the company has helped establish its centres. Steadfast has also worked closely with the Indian Society of Nephrology and the International Society of Nephrology, earning respect within the medical community as a patient-focused organisation. Moving forward, Steadfast will continue to build partnerships that support this vision.
Safety, Standards, and Patient Focus
As a pharmaceutical company, Steadfast strictly follows all ethical codes of conduct, regulations, and government policies. Compliance with these standards is essential for both the company and the medical community. Steadfast upholds high ethical principles and aims to become a global leader. To achieve this, the company adheres to all safety regulations and develops forward-looking policies focused on improving patients’ quality of life.
Steadfast values customer feedback and views it as an opportunity for improvement. With a patient-first approach, the company welcomes and listens to feedback from its customers. For example, a few years ago, there was growing demand for their products in smaller towns and cities where Steadfast had limited presence. Responding to this feedback, the company increased its workforce and expanded operations in these areas to make its products more accessible and support better healthcare outcomes.
Success Through Ethics and Dedication
Mr Puri has been in the industry for the past 40 years, and one important lesson he has learned is the need to be responsible to patients and attentive to their needs. He believes that maintaining ethical standards is essential in this business because it involves people’s lives. According to him, hard work is the key to long-term success, and shortcuts should never be taken.
Open Letter for Emerging Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals
Dear Emerging Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals,
Market trends are changing, and so are the needs of customers. To emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, my message is to remain ethical and dedicated to your profession, especially when you are in the healthcare sector and dealing with people’s lives.
There should be no shortcuts, and one should always remain ethical when working in such a sensitive arena. Success will come to those who choose the right path and work hard.
Sincerely,
Mr Yogesh Puri, CMD
Steadfast Limited
5 Key Takeaways from Mr Yogesh Puri’s Impact on Renal Healthcare
- Patient Care Comes First: Every decision is guided by the goal of improving patients’ lives and making treatment more accessible.
- Ethics Are the Foundation of Success: Strong values, honesty, and responsibility are essential for building long-term trust in healthcare.
- Experience Drives Meaningful Innovation: Decades of industry knowledge have been used to create simple, affordable, and effective solutions.
- Growth Is Measured by Social Impact: Success is not just about profits, but about reaching more people and saving lives.
- Hard Work and Learning Never Stop: Continuous effort, research, and collaboration are key to lasting leadership and progress.
