Apollo to expand clinics, pharmacy chain

Looking to consolidate its clinics and pharmacy business across the country, Apollo Group of Hospitals plans to double the number of clinics and pharmacies within a year or two.

Speaking to Business Standard, Ratan Jalan, CEO of Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited said, "Consolidation of our clinic and pharmacy chain was always on the cards. Although we are probably the only recognised brand with such a wide national footprint in healthcare, expansion will help us strengthen our flagship business. Therefore, we are doubling our clinics and pharmacy chain and have set a target of a year or two."

Presently, the group has 54 Apollo Clinics and around 500 Apollo Pharmacy chain stores. The clinics provide speciality as well as minor treatments, apart from routine healthcare services, Jalan said.

Spread over an average area of 4,000 sq ft, the clinics require investment of Rs 2 crore each and are mostly based on franchise model, he said.

Earlier in the year, the group had announced expansion in terms of number of beds in its 35-odd hospitals. Jalan added that the group manages over 8000 beds across the country, at present.

Apollo Group is also setting up new hospitals in cities like Vizag, Bhubaneshwar, Navi Mumbai and many others.