Date:26/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/26/stories/2005012602280200.htm

Back Indraprastha Medical posts lower net in Q3

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Jan. 25

INDRAPRASTHA Medical Corporation Ltd, the holding company for the Delhi-based Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, has reported a total income of Rs 43.74 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2004 as against Rs 44.05 crore registered during the same period last year.

The profit after tax for the quarter stood at Rs 3.11 crore (Rs 4.14 crore). During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004, there has been an overall growth in the volume of business of the hospital and the hospital revenue stood at Rs 133.61 crore (Rs 125.91 crore), a growth of 6 per cent.

Speaking to Business Line, Ms Anne Marie Moncure, Managing Director, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, "Last year, there was an unusually high occupancy rate due to dengue. Fortunately for the community, this year did not have any such problem. Hence, the marginal dip in income."

She added that the company is planning to expand its services to newer markets. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals has invested in facilities like telemedicine link up with Pakistan and Nepal. This would also be expanded to Sudan and South Africa.

It is also upgrading its infrastructural facilities especially for the international operations. A Platinum Lounge of international standard was constructed for foreign patients apart from making significant expenditure on non-capital items for the benefit of all the patients and visitors.

"We are planning technological investments and reconfiguring the service lines to meet the growth in the coming years and to retain our pre-eminence in healthcare in North India. We will focus on radiology, cardiac care, oncology and women and children."