Fortis''s hospital network expansion

Fortis Healthcare plans to increase its hospital network to 40 hospitals primarily in Western and Southern India in the next three years. Fortis, started by the founders of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, currently runs 12 corporate hospitals in North India. The investments will to the tune of Rs1,000-Rs1,500 crore by either acquiring new facilities or setting up greenfield projects.

H. Singh, chief executive said "We believe in pursuing greenfield projects and acquisitions for growth." He added that Fortis plans to develop hospitals in Jaipur and Gurgaon, which along with other projects would add more than 900 beds to its capacity of nearly 1,800 beds.

Fortis has acquired the Hiranadani hospital project at Vashi in Navi Mumbai for over Rs25 crore. Further, the company is negotiations with the Hiranandanis group to manage its other proposed hospital projects. According to a source, "Hiranandanis have the expertise to create good infrastructure and Fortis has the expertise in managing hospitals. Hence, Fortis is working on the various areas of co-operation"

A source close to the development said, in another one or two years, Fortis would set up a network of five or six hospitals in Mumbai. This would be either the acquisition of existing hospital facilities or through strategic alliances with reputed trust-run hospitals. Fortis is also evaluating the option of starting greenfield projects in Mumbai.

Fortis says it plans to become the national level corporate healthcare provider with a bed strength of about 6,000 from the current 1,793 beds.