Date:11/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/11/stories/2005031101951700.htm

Back Arya Vaidya Pharmacy plans expansion in Coimbatore

L.N. Revathy

Coimbatore , March 10

THE Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Ltd (AVP), the flagship company of the AVP group, is scaling up capacity to accommodate more patients.

The Ayurvedic trust, which runs the 120-bed hospital, acquired a building next to its premises. This is expected to enhance the existing capacity by 25 per cent.

"We have been compelled to expand because of the phenomenal response and awareness to our system of treatment. We found the existing capacity in this campus, insufficient. When the building next door came up for sale, we acquired it for logistic reasons and convenience. We are planning to have a 250-bed hospital on the outskirts of Coimbatore in the 35-acre campus, which now houses the Ayurveda college," Mr P.R. Krishnakumar, Managing Director, AVP told Business Line.

Two years back, the occupancy levels at the 100-bed hospital run by the Ayurvedic trust was insignificant for the promoters to think of augmenting capacities. But recent trends indicate the growing awareness for this alternative system of medical care. Close to 50 per cent of in-patients are foreigners and the numbers keep rising year on year.

The project outlay - cottages for patients and strengthening of infrastructure - has been estimated at Rs 15 crore.

Besides scaling up its facility here, AVP is also strengthening the Kotagiri centre from 5 to 20-patient treatment centre.

Apart from the Ayush therapy centres (following AVP's tie-up with Hindustan Level Ltd), it has established associations with reputed hotels and resort groups in different parts of India.

"We have established a unique centre at Taj Residency in Kozhikode and at Goa. These centres combine traditional and genuine Ayurvedic treatment with the hospitality and comfort of the Taj Group of Hotels. We offer curative treatment programmes for those who are afflicted with serious physical or mental problems and who would prefer an environment of their taste as compared to the hospital environment."

AVP also foresees the need for gearing up its manufacturing facilities. At present, the group has three manufacturing units. The main factory is located at Kanjikode in Kerala, while the second unit is at Thennilapuram and the third at Alathur. These units are involved in the production of more than 450 prescription based Ayurvedic medicines.