Bangalore-based Nova Medical Centers has announced its expansion into West Asia. For the expansion, Nova and the Omzest Group have created a 51:49 partnership venture.

Omzest is a diversified group in the Sultanate of Oman led by chairman and founder, Dr Omar Zawawi, special advisor for external liaison to Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

Through this partnership, Nova and Omzest will set up ambulatory surgery centres in Dubai, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Additionally, Omzest will invest in Nova's Indian operations and acquire a 10 per cent equity stake.

Global footprint

Mr Suresh Soni, chairman and CEO, Nova Medical Centers, described the tie-up as a landmark in the company's journey to achieve a global footprint in the healthcare delivery space.

“Nova's operating model is designed for rapid scale. We have aggressive expansion plans, both nationally and globally. Leading surgeons from Muscat have expressed great interest in our concept and are looking forward to working with us. We are also very glad that we have someone of the stature of Omzest as a JV partner”, he added.

Mr Rajiv Dhar, executive director - Finance, Omzest, commented “We are delighted to be partnering with Nova. We have seen how Nova has, in a short span of time, gained acceptance across the healthcare industry amongst doctors, patients and insurance companies. We see tremendous potential for Ambulatory Surgery in general, and Nova's business model in particular, both in India and West Asia.”