As a part of its strategy to launch a chain of multi-specialty hospitals in India, Kirloskar group, along with Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC) and Secom Hospitals, will launch a multi-specialty hospital in Bangalore.

Geetanjali Kirloskar, chairperson of Sakra World Hospital, wants to enhance the profile of nurses in India.

“In developed countries, the nurses are sub-specialists and can fill in for a doctor most of the time. Indian nurses with their capability can achieve the same,” she told Business Line .

Focus areas

The 310-bed hospital will focus on neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology and cardiology. It is expected to be operational in July this year.

The $2.5-billion engineering conglomerate Kirloskar Group has joined hands with TTC, the trading arm of Toyota and Secom Medical System, a subsidiary of Secom, which provides medical systems for Japanese hospitals. Kirloskar holds 50 per cent, Secom 30 per cent and TTC owns the remaining 20 per cent in the venture.

Growing segment

Multi-specialty hospitals are on the rise in India, with companies such as Apollo and Manipal expanding operations.

Despite a crowded market, Sakra sees significant opportunities in the Indian healthcare sector as there is a shortage of cardiologists and neurosurgeons. The strategy of empowering nurses is expected to help them reduce costs, say industry watchers.

“According to World Health Organisation estimates, there is a deficiency of 30 lakh hospital beds in India,” said Kirloskar.

Besides, the hospital is bringing in processes similar to international hospitals which would be a differentiator, according to company officials.

Kirloskar gives the example of the engineering and technology expertise coupled with Japanese management that enabled this venture to kickstart in 18 months, which is half the time taken by competitors.

The Japanese management also focuses on cost-efficiency and quality. According to Toshima Yahima, Managing Director, Sakra Hospitals, 6-8 per cent goes into energy consumption and they are trying to being it down to 3 per cent.

The joint venture has invested Rs 200 crore and has brought in Japanese nurses to train Indian nurses.

venkatesh.ganesh@thehindu.co.in