Veena Kohli

First Lady of Indian Diagnostics

Founder & CEO @ Vanguard Diagnostics | Industry Leader | Policy Advocate

About

Veena Kohli is an Indian entrepreneur and healthcare industry leader recognised for her pioneering role in India’s in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) sector. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vanguard Diagnostics, known for its contributions to indigenous manufacturing of diagnostic reagents and kits, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With over 35 years of experience, Veena has led global teams across the diagnostics industry, spanning R&D, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, marketing, and business management, with both domestic and global responsibilities.

Vanguard Diagnostics (CEO)

Education &

Early Foundations

A Foundation Built on Science & Leadership

MSc in Pharmacology,
AIIMS - New Delhi

BSc in Human Biology,
AIIMS - New Delhi

Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’
School - Jaipur

Veena Kohli’s academic background is rooted in some of India’s most respected institutions, grounding her lifelong commitment to science and healthcare innovation.

Leadership Journey

From Scientist to CEO

Veena began her career at Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited in the diagnostics division as a scientist. Over 19 years, she gained cross-functional expertise, progressing from R&D to business leadership roles.

In 2006, she was appointed Head of the Diagnostics Business at Ranbaxy Fine Chemicals Limited (RFCL).

In 2010, she joined Avantor, becoming the first woman to lead its Global Diagnostics Business Unit.

In 2015, Veena Kohli founded Vanguard Diagnostics alongside three former colleagues from Ranbaxy and RFCL, driven by a bold vision to transform India’s diagnostics manufacturing ecosystem. Her mission was clear: reduce the country’s reliance on imports and build world-class solutions from within. Under her leadership, Vanguard became the first CDMO of IVD in India. The venture quickly grew and emerged as a trusted partner in healthcare innovation—delivering critical support during one of the most defining moments in India’s public health history.

Making Impact At Scale

6.5 Million VTM Kits Supplied During COVID-19

Reduced import dependence and saved vital foreign exchange during the pandemic.

15 Million Litres of IVD Reagents Substituted

Achieved significant import substitution through indigenous development and manufacturing.

Pioneered Indigenous ELISA Test with DRDO

Collaborated on antibody test development recognised at the national level.

FICCI Award for COVID-19 Manufacturing Scale-Up

Recognised for rapid and large-scale production of essential diagnostics for COVID-19.

“Start-Up of the Year” (Medical Devices) by Govt. of India

Honoured for innovation, scale, and impact on national diagnostics readiness.

Driving Innovation in Diagnostics

Diagnostics that Transforms Public Health

Veena’s focus on innovation, accessibility, and healthcare resilience:

Launched India’s First Patented RT-PCR Typhoid Test

VANSCAN® test addressed diagnostic gaps and reduced antibiotic misuse.

Introduced First RT-PCR Test for Sickle Cell Disease

Developed with CCMB, validated by ICMR with 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Influencing Policy & Industry Standards

Shaping India’s Diagnostics Future

First Woman President of Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers of India (ADMI)

Led India’s largest diagnostics trade body, championing self-reliance during the COVID-19 crisis.

Enabled Use of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Standards for COVID-19 RT-PCR Kits

Broke regulatory barriers previously limited to US FDA and CE-approved products.

135 IVD Parameters Mapped for Public Procurement Policy

Her efforts led to a landmark revision of the Public Procurement Order in favour of domestic manufacturers.

Convenor, IVD Sub-group at Bureau Of Indian Standards (BIS)

Spearheaded the creation of India’s first vertical standards for in-vitro diagnostics — a global first in diagnostic standardisation.

Advocated GST Reduction on IVD Reagents from 18% to 12%

Made diagnostics more affordable and accessible across India.

Facilitated the Transition to Medical Devices Rules, 2017

Collaborated with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on IVD classification, performance guidelines, and materiovigilance frameworks.

Presented Reports to the Rajya Sabha's Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare on COVID-19 and Local Manufacturing in 2021

Provided critical insights on the pandemic impact and domestic opportunities.

Contributed Policy Recommendations to Lok Sabha's Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers in 2022

Helped shape national strategy on medical devices and diagnostics.

Government Committees

Veena has represented the diagnostics industry on various Government of India platforms, including:

Standing Forum of Medical Devices Associations, Department of Pharmaceuticals,Govt. of India.
Committee for Planning the Way Forward for COVID-19 Medical Devices, Department of Pharmaceuticals,Govt. of India.
Committee for Examining Issues Related to Medical Devices, Department of Pharmaceuticals,Govt. of India.
National Medical Devices Promotion Council, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Govt. of India
Medical Devices Technical Advisory Group, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, Govt. of India.
Convenor, IVD Sub-group, Bureau Of Indian Standards, Govt. of India.

Beyond Vanguard Diagnostics

Mentorship & Collaboration

Managing Director, Diagon-Vanguard Diagnostics (Hungary-India JV)
Mentor, Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.

Community Engagement

In line with her commitment to public health and animal welfare, Veena and her team established a diagnostics lab for deserted cows at the Shri Shyam Laxmi Cow Hospital & Research Centre (SSLCHRC) in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh.

my awards/honours

Awards & Recognition

Additionally, she has served as the Chairperson of ClinLab India in 2019, 2020, and 2022, and continues to mentor within the diagnostics sector.

Leadership Journey

Publications & Thought Leadership

Research Areas: Diagnostics innovation, Pandemic preparedness.

Veena has contributed to academic research on diagnostics innovation, infectious disease detection, and industry perspectives on pandemic preparedness.

Selected Publications:

Evolution of in-vitro Diagnostics Methods (IJHTI, 2024)
Cardiac Troponins as Molecular Markers (Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy, 2012)
ELISA for SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies (Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology, 2022)
COVID-19 Diagnostics: An Indian Perspective (Springer, 2023)