Aster DM Healthcare, led by Founder and Chairman Dr. Azad Moopen, will invest ₹1,400 crore over the next five years to expand its India operations. Of this, ₹350–400 crore has already been deployed. The expansion will include both greenfield and brownfield projects, aiming to add 1,700 beds by FY27 and increasing total capacity in India to 6,800 beds.
Focus Regions and Key Projects
The company’s growth strategy centers on Kerala, Karnataka, and Hyderabad. In Kerala, ₹850 crore is earmarked for projects like a 454-bed tertiary hospital in Trivandrum, a 264-bed multispecialty facility in Kasaragod, and a 100-bed upgrade to Aster Medcity in Kochi by FY25.
Digital and Technological Expansion
Aster is actively diversifying into digital healthcare, AI diagnostics, and home care. It has launched the ‘Aster Health’ app to allow patients to book consultations, order medicines, and access medical records. The company is also developing AI tools for diagnostics in collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science.
Merger with Quality Care India Limited
Aster recently merged with Quality Care India Limited, integrating CARE Hospitals, KIMSHEALTH, and Evercare. This merger brings Aster’s network to 38 hospitals with over 10,000 beds across 27 cities. The combined entity recorded ₹7,314 crore in revenue and an adjusted EBITDA of ₹1,396 crore for FY24.
Operational Benefits of the Merger
According to Dr. Moopen, the merger allows Aster to optimise resources, standardise protocols, and enhance operational efficiency. It also strengthens the company’s bargaining power and market presence, especially in both metro and tier-2 cities.
Expansion Beyond the South
While Aster has a strong base in South India, it is now expanding into Central and Northern regions, particularly tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The focus is on bridging the healthcare gap in underserved areas and strengthening the company’s national presence.
Growing Home Care Services
Aster’s home healthcare initiative, Aster@Home, offers services like doctor visits, physiotherapy, and diagnostics at home. Dr. Moopen sees this segment as a key growth area, especially given the ageing population and demand for home-based care.
Differentiation Through Innovation
Amid competition from Apollo and Manipal Hospitals, Aster aims to stand out by combining consolidation with tech-driven care. Dr. Moopen emphasized the use of digital tools and AI to improve efficiency and patient outcomes as core to Aster’s strategy.
Long-Term Vision
Dr. Moopen reiterated Aster’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible and affordable across India. He expressed confidence in the company’s ability to grow and meet the evolving needs of the Indian healthcare sector.
