Manipal Hospitals Rebrands AMRI Units Months After Acquisition

Currently, Manipal Hospitals operates four units in Kolkata and one in Bhubaneswar. Additionally, the healthcare provider runs a 500-bed teaching hospital in Gangtok.

Manipal Hospitals has rebranded the AMRI units across eastern India nearly eight months after acquiring an 84% stake in the unit.

The acquisition, completed in September 2023 for around INR 2,300 Cr, has now led to the integration of these well-known brands under the Manipal Hospitals banner.

H Sudarshan Ballal, chairman of Manipal Hospitals, emphasized the significance of this integration during a media briefing. "It is an integration of two well-known brands. We look forward to significant growth in this part of the country," Ballal stated.

Expansion in Key Locations

The acquisition included three AMRI units in Kolkata and one in Bhubaneswar. With this move, Manipal Hospitals has significantly strengthened its presence in the eastern region of India.

The hospital chain already had a foothold in Kolkata after acquiring Columbia Asia Hospitals a few years ago. With this latest acquisition, the hospital claims to be one of eastern India's largest healthcare delivery providers.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Kolkata market, Dilip Jose, MD & CEO, Manipal Hospitals, said, "Columbia Asia was our first entry into the city. We believe that there is an opportunity for the Manipal brand to be stronger in the city."

Currently, Manipal Hospitals operates four units in Kolkata and one in Bhubaneswar. Additionally, the healthcare provider runs a 500-bed teaching hospital in Gangtok.

"By far, Manipal Hospitals is the largest healthcare delivery provider in the eastern region," Jose affirmed.

Moreover, Manipal Hospitals is set to consolidate its position further with the recent acquisition of 87% stake in Kolkata-based hospital chain Medica Synergie.

Upon completion of this transaction, which is expected in the next month or so, Manipal Hospitals will gain another hospital in Kolkata, two in Siliguri, and one in Ranchi, thereby strengthening its presence in the East.

Rationale for Eastern Expansion

Jose explained the rationale behind this focused expansion in the eastern region. He noted that a significant number of patients from east India travel to Bengaluru and Delhi for medical treatment.

"We believe it is not necessary for people to travel outside of the eastern region for treatment. We would want Manipal Hospitals to be available closer to home," he stated.

With the Medica Synergie acquisition, Manipal Hospitals' total bed count will exceed 10,500. Further, four greenfield projects are underway—three in Bengaluru and one in Raipur—which will add another 1,100 beds to their capacity.

By increasing bed capacity and integrating well-established brands, Manipal Hospitals aims to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare closer to home for patients in eastern India.

Hospitals on Expansion Spree

Recently, Max Healthcare Institute acquired Alexis Multi-Speciality Hospital (Alexis), Nagpur, for a deal worth INR 412 Cr. The acquisition marks a strategic move by Max Healthcare to bolster its presence in Tier-II cities with robust healthcare infrastructure and a wealth of clinical talent.

Similarly, Aster DM Healthcare, a leading provider of multispecialty healthcare services in India, outlined expansion plans to add 1,500 beds over the next 2 to 3 years.

The company's CEO, Dr Nitish Shetty, shared insights into the expansion strategy, highlighting the allocated capital of around INR 850-900 Cr for this initiative. The expansion aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and cater to the growing demand for quality medical services.