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Not moved by the shakes of the economic slowdown, hospital chains in the eastern region, will complete their expansion projects over the next two years.
Healthcare majors such as Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Medica Synergy Limited (MSL) are on track with expansion plans. B M Birla Heart Research Centre, a hospital specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and research related to cardiovascular diseases, are planning to expand and make their presence felt in the eastern and north eastern regions.
The chief operating officer of B M Birla, Suyash Borar, said that the hospitality major would set up 'super' speciality diagnostic centres and hospitals focusing on heart related ailments. Also, it was revealed that the research centre is looking forward to join hands with other hospitals in the 'critical care unit' segment for offering expertise in the field as well.
It would be setting up 25 diagnostic centres in the east and North East regions, which would provide super speciality treatments, mainly for cardio vascular diseases.
Borar said that in order to set up a diagnostic centre, there is a need for almost Rs 1-2 crore while on the other hand for establishing a full-fledged hospital would need an investment of Rs 60-80 crore.
He also added that apart from this, it is looking at setting up hospitals in Rajarhat (Kolkata), Siliguri and Jaipur.
Land required to set up the hospital in Siliguri is in the final stages while the centre at Jaipur would soon be operational, further informed, Borar. On the other hand, as a part of its expansion strategy, CMRI would be spending close to Rs 100 crore for setting up hospitals in Siliguri and Jaipur.
It also has plans to set up a medical unit in Kolkata offering nursing and paramedical courses, to meet the severe manpower scarcity faced by the health care industry, added Barua.
CMRI spent around Rs 15 crore last year for upgrading the physical and medical infrastructure of the hospital by setting up critical care units and operation theatres. Also, it went for the revamping of wards. MSL was looking at spending close to Rs 35-Rs 38 crore for setting up hospitals in Orissa, Assam and Bengal.
It already has one hospital in Siliguri. Acquisition of land would be completed by March or April-end, 2009. The expansion strategy was on track and could be completed over the next two years, claimed Roy. Business Standard
April 15, 2009
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