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In a first for India, elderly and infants in Gujarat are set to get nursing services at their doorstep from highly trained and professional nurses from an organised player. Asilia Home Healthcare – a joint venture between Ahmedabad-based hospital chain, Sterling Group and India Home Health Care (IHHC) along with US-based home healthcare provider Bayada will provide nursing services at doorstep.
Announcing the JV in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Girish Patel, chairman, Sterling Addlife India Ltd said, “We are bringing new concept for India. Families are getting nuclear and there is less time for people to get engaged in hospitalisation of their relatives due to career commitments. Hence, professional nurses will be available at their doorstep for medical care.”
Initially, the services will be offered in Ahmedabad and Gujarat, and later will be extended to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan over a period of next two years. The company aims to tap about a million houses in Gujarat. India’s home healthcare industry, put together equipment and services, is estimated at about Rs 12,600 crore.
As per the 70:30 JV, IHHC will hold 30 per cent and will bring expertise from their investor Bayada and customize it for Indian market’s requirements. The nurses, including male nurses, will be trained by IHHC as per international standards. Aspects such as reliability, accountability and safety of the staff will be considered before sending any nurse on the assignment.
The company aims to offer services ranging from nursing care, caregiver services, doctor’s consultation, lifestyle and diet counselling, yoga trainer, rehabilitative services, palliative care, companion, equipment rental among others.
“Initially, we will be providing nursing care, companion services and equipment rental. But gradually our scope will expand,” informed Patel.
Explaining potential of home healthcare business in India, Sameer Mehta, director, IHHC said, “Home healthcare would cost about 10 per cent of a day of hospitalisation with a standard bed. Hence, it has big potential in India.”
“Home healthcare also reduces the risk of cross infection, which is quite high in a hospital. Post-op patients and those requiring ventilator supports can use this option,” he added.
According to Mehta, home healthcare would be more useful for elderly, requiring rehabilitation or post-surgery care and kids with special needs.
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