Apollo Hospitals eyes expansion amid soaring demand for premium healthcare

Reddy said that Apollo is planning to assemble a $29 million cancer centre and sees oncology, cardiac, neurology, and preventive health care as essential growth pillars.

Aggressive Growth Plans in Urban India

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., India’s largest healthcare provider by number of beds, is actively pursuing acquisitions and greenfield projects to meet the surging demand for quality healthcare services in the country.

In an interview this week, Managing Director Suneeta Reddy revealed that the Chennai-based hospital chain is targeting expansion across urban centers—especially in northern India, along with cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and regions in Karnataka.

“There is a huge requirement for additional beds,” said Reddy, estimating a shortage of around 100,000 beds nationwide.

Apollo plans to add approximately 3,500 beds over the next three to four years, with an emphasis on becoming a market leader in key cities, particularly in the northern belt.

Rising Demand from Affluent Indians

A growing base of wealthy Indian consumers seeking high-end healthcare and wellness services is driving increased investment in the sector. Apollo, with around 8,000 beds as of December 2024, is striving to maintain its lead as global private equity players like Blackstone, KKR, and the Adani Group ramp up investments in Indian healthcare.

According to Grant Thornton and the Association of Healthcare Providers (India), nearly $15 billion has been invested in the sector since 2022.

Cancer Care and Specialty Services in Focus

Apollo is also planning to construct a $29 million cancer center, with oncology, cardiology, neurology, and preventive healthcare identified as key growth drivers.

Digital Health & Pharmacy on the Rise

Reddy highlighted that Apollo’s digital health and pharmacy divisions are projected to grow at 20% annually, aided by a new insurance product designed to support this trajectory.

As the race intensifies in India’s evolving healthcare space, Apollo is doubling down on innovation, infrastructure, and strategic growth to stay ahead of the competition and cater to the rising healthcare expectations of the Indian population.

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