HLL Lifecare to set up 100 hospitals across India by 2013

Thiruvananthapuram, March 9 (IANS) HLL Lifecare has entered into a joint venture with Acumen Fund USA to set up 100 hospitals providing high quality service at affordable rates across India by 2013.

HLL Lifecare chairman and managing director M. Ayyappan said the joint venture company is a 50:50 equity partnership between his firm and Acumen Fund, a non-profit philanthropy venture fund.

Currently there are six Life Spring Hospitals that are working in Andhra Pradesh under the joint venture.

'Next fiscal we will set up another six in Andhra Pradesh, four in Maharashtra and are planning eight in Karnataka. By 2011, there would be 30 and by 2013, the number would touch 100,' Ayyappan told IANS.

The highlight of these hospitals is that a normal delivery would cost just Rs.1,499 which includes the entire cost of medical care and two days of hospitalisation.

Caesarean deliveries would cost Rs.5,999, including five days in the hospital.

'This is being done to see that the weaker sections of the society too get quality healthcare,' said Ayyappan.

HLL Lifecare, formerly Hindustan Latex Limited - is a 'mini ratna' enterprise under the central health and family welfare ministry and a leading provider of a wide range of contraceptives, hospital and pharma products and health care solutions.