A Physician with Passion for Medicine and Farming
Dr. Renchi Mathew Kurian
Senior Consultant Physician
Royal Oman Hospital, Muscat
Dr. Renchi Mathew Kurian is a respected medical professional known for his commitment to patient care, innovative thinking, and a passion for both medicine and farming. As a Senior Consultant Physician at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Hospital in Muscat, Oman, Dr. Renchi Mathew has built a reputation for his clinical expertise, compassionate approach to medicine, and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes in the country.
Born and raised in Kothamangalam in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, a southern state in India known for its lush landscapes and rich culture, Dr. Renchi Mathew grew up in an environment that valued education, community service, and a close connection to nature. His early life was deeply influenced by his family, who instilled in him a strong sense of purpose, discipline, and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society.
During his school days he was an exceptional student, known for his curiosity, intelligence, and love of learning. He excelled in his studies, particularly in science subjects. After his schooling in his home town, Dr. Renchi moved to Mysore for his Pre-University studies, passing with excellent grades, he got admission for engineering in the Regional Engineering College in 1974. But a year into the course, Renchi decided to drop out and joined medical course in JJM Medical College in Davangere, Karnataka. He passed out in 1982 and studied his MD in Internal Medicine from the University of Mysore and passed out in 1988.
Between 1983 and 1984 he was a senior resident and from 1984 to 1986 Dr. Renchi was a Medical officer. From 1986 to 1989, he was MD – Resident Programme in JJM Medical College. His early career in India allowed him to gain invaluable experience in managing both common and complex medical cases, while also honing his skills in patient interaction and holistic care. However, Dr. Renchi felt a calling to explore opportunities beyond his home country and contribute to healthcare systems elsewhere.
Motivated by a desire to broaden his horizons and take on new challenges, he decided to move to Oman. Dr. Renchi was selected by the Royal Oman Police and he joined service in Muscat on February 3, 1990 as the junior most doctor. The ROP Hospital caters primarily to police personnel and their families, providing a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatment, and preventive health programs.
In 1997, Dr. Renchi got the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom and in 2009 he got his Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
At the ROP Hospital, Dr. Renchi Mathew quickly established himself as a skilled and dedicated physician. His expertise in internal medicine, coupled with his compassionate approach to patient care, earned him the respect and admiration of both colleagues and patients alike. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to make accurate diagnoses, and his commitment to staying updated with the latest medical advancements and research.
Dr. Renchi’s dedication to education and professional development has made him a valued member of the hospital’s team, where he is regarded as both a leader and a mentor.
Over the years, Dr. Renchi has been instrumental in implementing new medical protocols and practices at the ROP Hospital. His focus on evidence-based medicine, preventive care, and patient education has helped improve healthcare outcomes for the hospital’s diverse patient population. He is particularly passionate about managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, and works closely with patients to help them understand and manage their conditions effectively.
During the COVID-19 period he set up an Isolation Box at the hospital. Dr. Renchi was awarded a Patent by the Government of Australia for the COVID 19 Surveillance System in 2020. He wrote an article on Ontology Knowledge Modelling of Sever SARS Syndrome in the International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Application in 2020. Dr. Renchi has also presented papers in many seminars and meetings in India during his medical career.
While Dr. Renchi Mathew’s professional life is centered around medicine, his personal life reflects a deep connection to nature and a passion for farming. Growing up in Kerala, a state known for its agricultural traditions, he developed a love for farming at an early age. His family owned a farms where he spent much of his childhood learning about various crops, planting techniques, and sustainable farming practices.
This early exposure to agriculture instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for the land and the simple joys of nurturing plants and watching them grow. When he moved to Muscat, Oman, Dr. Renchi brought this passion with him. Despite the demanding nature of his medical career, he found time to pursue his love for farming within his official living quarters provided by the ROP Hospital.
Dr. Renchi transformed a portion of his living quarters into a thriving urban farm, where he grows a variety of flowering plans, fruits and vegetables. His farm is a testament to his dedication to sustainable living and his belief in the therapeutic benefits of nature. The farm includes a diverse range of crops, from tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans to fruits like papayas and guavas. He also cultivates herbs like basil, mint, curry leaves and coriander, which are not only used in his kitchen but also shared with friends and neighbours.
Dr. Renchi’s farm has become a source of joy and relaxation for him, providing a welcome escape from the rigors of his medical practice. He believes that farming offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and promoting physical activity. His passion for farming is also an extension of his commitment to healthy living and nutrition, as he believes that access to fresh, organic produce is essential for maintaining good health. He got he town talking when he harvested Oman’s longest Snake Gourd – 1.8 meters – and exhibited it at LuLu, the supermarket giant in Muscat.
Dr. Renchi Mathew had won the R.D. Birla Smarak Scholarship during his student days and he was listed in International Who’s Who. Taking into account his contributions to the country, Dr. Renchi was granted Omani citizenship in 2020.
Dr. Renchi Mathew’s father, Mathew Kurian, was a priest, and his mother is a homemaker. Dr. Renchi Mathew is married to Dr. Asha Renchi, a gynecologist who is a well-known dancer. The couple has three daughters. The eldest, Bhavya, is an Information Technology professional settled in Vancouver. She is also a mohinyattom dancer. Their second daughter, Nikhitha, is a rank holder from College of Engineering Trivandrum and a MBA in finance from IIT-Madras, India. She is married to Alwin and they are living in Chicago. The third daughter, Natasha, is following in her parent’s footstep and is doing her MBBS from Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai, India.
Dr. Renchi Mathew is a unique example of how diverse passions can coexist harmoniously in one life. His dedication to medicine and farming illustrates that a fulfilling life does not require choosing between professional success and personal passion. Instead, his story shows how these aspects can complement and enrich each other, creating a well-rounded, meaningful existence.
His contributions to the healthcare sector in Oman, combined with his advocacy for sustainable living, make him a respected figure in both fields. As a doctor, he is known for his compassionate care and commitment to excellence. As a hobbyist farmer gardener, he embodies the values of sustainability, community engagement, and a deep respect for nature.
Contact Information
Phone: +968 24683150/ 99323474
Address: Royal Oman Police Hospital, PBX 325, Muscat, Oman.
Address in India: Kottalil House, Rainbow Retreat, Irumpanam, Ernakulam, Kerala PIN 682309
Ph: +91 8943326064
