PHU operates under a clearly defined governance structure that ensures institutional integrity, academic quality, financial accountability, and compliance with the laws and regulations governing higher education in Saint Lucia.
The Board of Trustees is the governing authority of the University and is responsible for establishing PHU’s strategic direction, approving institutional policies, safeguarding academic standards, and ensuring compliance with national regulatory requirements and international accreditation frameworks. The Board exercises fiduciary oversight and ensures that the University fulfills its mission in alignment with the expectations of the Ministry of Education and relevant quality assurance bodies.
The Board of Trustees comprises individuals with expertise in higher education, healthcare, governance, finance, and public service, providing independent oversight and strategic leadership. It operates through established committees, including academic governance, finance and audit, and institutional development, in accordance with recognized best practices in higher education governance.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MR. PERCIVAL MCDONALD
Mr. Percival McDonald was a Founding Member of the Board of Trustees of Pandraa HealthTech University (PHU) and a distinguished academic leader and public servant with more than five decades of service in healthcare, higher education, and public administration. He served as PHU’s Founding President and contributed at the governance level by providing strategic oversight and ensuring alignment with the University’s long-term mission, academic standards, and public purpose.
With over 24 years dedicated to medical and health professions education, Mr. McDonald brought exceptional expertise in institutional leadership, health systems planning, accreditation, and policy development. His professional experience spanned Saint Lucia, the wider Caribbean, the United States, and Canada, offering PHU a broad international perspective on governance, academic quality, and healthcare workforce development.
Mr. McDonald played a pivotal role in strengthening national healthcare delivery in Saint Lucia. He served for ten years as Chairman of St. Jude Hospital, where he guided significant institutional and service-level improvements. Prior to his retirement from government service in 1999, he held several senior leadership positions across the Government of Saint Lucia, including Permanent Secretary in key ministries such as Health, Tourism, Civil Aviation, and International Financial Services, as well as Commissioner of Crown Lands and Deputy Permanent Secretary in health-related portfolios.
During his public service career, Mr. McDonald spearheaded and supported major national initiatives, including the development of the Saint Lucia Health System Plan, the introduction of Universal Health Care, and the establishment of ICU, dialysis, and maternity/gynecology services at Victoria Hospital. His broader contributions included the creation of the Ministry of Tourism, the strengthening of the Saint Lucia Tourism Board, the advancement of fisheries through international cooperation, the development of the international financial services sector, and oversight of the Roseau Dam project, which significantly improved national water supply infrastructure.
Earlier in his career, Mr. McDonald spent over 15 years in Canada at Montreal Hospital, where he gained valuable clinical and scientific experience that continued to inform his leadership in healthcare education.
His academic qualifications included a degree in Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry, an M.Phil. in Management and Institutional Administration, a Diploma in Health Systems and Planning from Johns Hopkins University (USA), and a Diploma in Project Planning and Management. He was also a respected CARICOM external and peer evaluator for institutional accreditation, contributing to quality assurance and governance across the Caribbean region.
Mr. McDonald’s distinguished service was recognized through prestigious honors, including his appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2006 and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2024.
Beyond his professional achievements, he served in numerous leadership and community roles, including Chairman of the Soufriere Marine Management Area, Vice President of the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, Chairman of the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education (CARE), and through long-standing involvement in civic and charitable organizations. He served as a Justice of the Peace from 1996.
As a Founding Trustee of PHU, Mr. McDonald provided principled governance leadership grounded in excellence, accountability, and service. His guidance ensured that Pandraa HealthTech University remained committed to strengthening healthcare education and workforce capacity in Saint Lucia, the Caribbean, and the global community.
MRS. DEEPA PANDEY
Mrs. Deepa Pandey is the Founding Director and Board of Trustees at Pandraa HealthTech University, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s vision, governance, and strategic direction. With a career spanning over two decades in education, leadership, and institutional development, she brings a wealth of expertise to the establishment and growth of PHU.
As Founding Director, she has been instrumental in building PHU from the ground up -overseeing its establishment phase, guiding academic development, and fostering partnerships with local and international stakeholders. Her work is anchored in the belief that education, particularly in the health professions, is a transformative force that can address regional healthcare workforce shortages and improve public health outcomes.
Mrs. Pandey’s role on the Board of Trustees reflects her commitment to governance excellence and accountability. She works closely with fellow trustees, academic leaders, and investors to ensure that PHU not only meets but exceeds the standards of accreditation and recognition.
Passionate about empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals, she continues to advocate for accessible, high-quality, and globally relevant education that prepares graduates to meet the complex challenges of modern healthcare.
Email: admin@pandraa.org
Dr. Prarthana Y. Mehta
Dr. Prarthana Mehta is a distinguished Ayurvedic physician with over three decades of clinical, academic, and public health experience, recognized for her pioneering work in women’s health, Ayurveda education, and community health awareness. As a Founding Board of Trustee of Pandraa HealthTech University, she brings unparalleled expertise in holistic medicine, patient care, and integrative health education to guide the institution’s mission of advancing healthcare across the Caribbean and beyond.
Dr. Mehta’s academic career is marked by exceptional achievement from the very outset. She graduated with top honors in multiple years of her Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), securing national-level ranks in All India University examinations. She went on to earn her MD in Ayurveda with a specialization in Gynecology, completing her thesis on “White Discharge,” a landmark contribution in Ayurvedic women’s health.
Since 1989, Dr. Mehta has been at the forefront of Ayurvedic practice in India. She founded Shivam Ayu Clinic in 1991 and later Prarthana Clinic in 2009, which has grown into a premier Ayurvedic healthcare center offering specialized treatments in gynecology, infertility, dermatology, hair care, and mental wellness.
She has successfully integrated traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern healthcare demands, delivering patient-centered care and innovative treatment protocols.
A prolific writer, Dr. Mehta has authored influential books including:
Ayurved No Achman (2010) – A comprehensive guide covering women’s health, male infertility, dermatology, and beauty care.
Mahila Rog Nidan Chikitsa(2009) – Detailed insights into gynecological disorders and their Ayurvedic solutions.
Her expertise has been featured extensively in national newspapers as well as in specialized health magazines.
Dr. Mehta has reached millions through 110 televised episodes of the popular Gujarati health show Chusti Furti on ETV, and regular appearances on Sandesh News, TV-9, ABP Asmita, and News-18. For over five years, she has hosted the Ayurvedamprogram on GTPL Gujarati Channel 282, providing health guidance to a broad audience.
Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous prestigious honors, including:
Swami Vivekanand Medal – For national first rank in BAMS 4th Year.
Aatray Award (2008) – By Prayavaran & Sanskritik Rakshak Trust.
Ayurved Bhushan (2011) – For excellence in Ayurvedic research, education, and awareness.
Maha Samman (2019) – Awarded by the Chief Minister of Gujarat for being the best Ayurvedic doctor in the state.
Dr. Mehta actively engages in community service, organizing free Ayurvedic health camps, delivering public health lectures, and collaborating with NGOs such as the Lions Club to promote preventive healthcare and wellness literacy.
As a Board of Trustee at Pandraa HealthTech University, Dr. Mehta plays a strategic role in integrating medicine into the University’s academic and research framework. Her vision is to advance the role of traditional and integrative medicine in modern healthcare, enrich PHU’s curriculum with multidisciplinary approaches, and contribute to producing globally competent health professionals.
Her lifelong dedication to patient care, education, and social service embodies the mission and values of PHU, making her an invaluable member of the University’s leadership team.
Email: admin@pandraa.org
PRof. (Dr.) Bechan Sharma
Professor B. Sharma is a distinguished academician, researcher, and educational leader with a career spanning several decades in the advancement of medical and health sciences education. Renowned for his commitment to excellence, innovation, and institutional growth, Prof. Sharma has been instrumental in shaping academic programs, fostering research excellence, and promoting collaborative initiatives across the globe.
Prof. Sharma has served in prominent leadership roles, including Dean and Board Member in multiple reputed institutions of higher education. His administrative expertise encompasses strategic planning, academic governance, curriculum design, accreditation processes, faculty development, and international collaborations. He has a proven track record of guiding universities through quality assurance and accreditation benchmarks, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
His vision for higher education emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, technology integration, and global engagement—aligning perfectly with Pandraa HealthTech University’s mission to deliver world-class, technology-driven healthcare education.
A prolific scholar, Prof. Sharma has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to the body of knowledge in medical sciences, public health, and education management. His research work reflects a deep commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare delivery, medical training, and community health.
In addition to his scholarly publications, he has presented at numerous international conferences, where his insights into medical education reform and healthcare innovation have earned widespread recognition. His expertise in guiding postgraduate and doctoral research has contributed to the academic success of many emerging scholars and healthcare professionals.
Prof. Sharma has been actively involved in forging partnerships with universities, healthcare organizations, and research institutions worldwide. His global network includes collaborations across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia—fostering faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and student mobility initiatives.
Through his leadership, many institutions have expanded their international footprint, introduced innovative academic offerings, and enhanced their global competitiveness. His engagement in cross-border educational initiatives has also contributed to knowledge transfer and the strengthening of healthcare systems in developing regions.
Over his illustrious career, Prof. Sharma has received multiple accolades for his contributions to education, research, and community service. His leadership and academic achievements have earned him national and international recognition, positioning him as a respected voice in higher education policy and health sciences advancement.
As a member of the Board of Trustees of Pandraa HealthTech University, Prof. Sharma brings unmatched academic and strategic expertise to guide the institution in its formative years. His role will focus on ensuring academic rigor, expanding global partnerships, and aligning PHU’s programs with emerging trends in healthcare education and workforce development.
His extensive background in institutional leadership, curriculum innovation, and international collaboration will help position PHU as a regional and global leader in health professions education—benefiting not only Saint Lucia but the wider Caribbean and global healthcare community.
Email: admin@pandraa.org
