Aster DM Healthcare, a leading global healthcare provider, has announced a major investment of ₹1,400 crore over the next five years to expand its footprint across India. This investment will encompass both greenfield and brownfield projects, with ₹350–400 crore already allocated, according to a statement shared with Business Today.
As part of this expansion drive, Aster aims to add 1,700 new hospital beds by FY27, taking its total bed count in India to 6,800. The company is focusing its efforts on strengthening operations in key states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana (particularly Hyderabad), as it seeks to broaden its regional presence.
The expansion is not solely about physical infrastructure. Aster is also committed to technological innovation in healthcare. It has unveiled plans to enhance its digital healthcare capabilities, integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics, and scale its home care services. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, emphasized the dual approach: “We are determined not just to grow in terms of infrastructure but also to adopt new technologies to improve patient care and overall healthcare delivery.”
A significant step in this direction is the launch of the ‘Aster Health’ app. The digital platform enables patients to book consultations, access their medical records, and order medicines—all from their mobile devices. Aster is also exploring expansion into health insurance and managed care solutions to meet India’s rising demand for affordable and accessible healthcare.
In a key strategic development, Aster has merged with Quality Care India Limited. This consolidation brings under one umbrella several prominent healthcare networks including CARE Hospitals, KIMSHEALTH, and Evercare. The merger has expanded Aster’s reach to 38 hospitals with over 10,000 beds in 27 cities. In FY24, the combined entity reported revenue of ₹7,314 crore and an adjusted EBITDA of ₹1,396 crore.
Dr. Moopen noted that the merger is not just a growth strategy but also a means to improve operational efficiency. “The merger presents an opportunity to optimise our resources, standardise care protocols, and drive operational synergies. This will help us serve our patients more effectively,” he said. The consolidation is also expected to boost Aster’s negotiating power with suppliers, allowing it to increase its competitiveness in both metro and tier-2 markets.
In Kerala, a major hub for Aster’s operations, the company plans to invest ₹850 crore over the next three years. Planned developments include a 454-bed tertiary care hospital in Trivandrum and a 264-bed multispecialty hospital in Kasaragod. Additionally, Aster Medcity in Kochi will be upgraded with 100 new beds by FY25.
“We have a solid foundation in Kerala, and we are committed to strengthening our presence there while expanding into other regions,” Dr. Moopen stated. Aster’s strategy focuses on delivering high-quality care in areas where it is most needed, including underserved and rural locations.
Dr. Moopen pointed out that India’s healthcare sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with strong players like Apollo and Manipal Hospitals. However, he believes Aster’s focus on strategic mergers, regional expansion, and tech-driven solutions gives it a unique advantage. “We are integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve patient outcomes and efficiency, setting us apart in the market,” he said.
The company is also expanding into underserved areas in northern and central India. Aster is targeting tier-2 and tier-3 cities where healthcare infrastructure is often lacking, aiming to bridge these gaps through both hospitals and home healthcare services. The Aster@Home initiative already offers services such as at-home doctor consultations, physiotherapy, and diagnostics—addressing the growing demand for home-based care, especially among India’s ageing population.
Looking ahead, Dr. Moopen expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory. With a diversified strategy that blends physical expansion with digital innovation, Aster DM Healthcare is positioning itself to become a dominant force in India’s evolving healthcare landscape. “Our vision is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare across India—not just in metros, but in smaller cities and rural areas too,” he concluded.
