India's leading hospital chain, Apollo Hospitals Ltd has decided to invest Rs 15.5 billion to expand its operations. Under the proposed expansion plans, the hospital chain will inaugurate 30 new cradles (speciality maternity homes) apart from opening 250 clinics. Informing more about the expansion plans, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd chief executive Ratan Jalan said that the hospital group is focused on extending its hospital network to 30 new small towns and villages of the country.

 

Mr Ratan Jalan was attending the Franchise India-2008 at Delhi when made all those revelations. According to him, each cradle will be set up with an investment of Rs 150 million to offer premier facilities to the patients. On the other hand, each Apollo clinics will cost around Rs 20 million. At present, the hospital chain has about 50 primary care clinics in major cities. Jalan also mentioned that major part of the expansion of the clinics will be executed through the franchisee route.

 

The hospital chain will set up its networks in rural areas under the brand name Apollo Reach Hospitals. The Rs 200-million Apollo hospitals network in rural areas will have 100-bed capacity. The recent decision of the hospital group to expand its clinics in tier II and III towns will immensely benefit the patients of these regions. The patients will be availed of world class Apollo-facilities at their own towns.