The Sparsh group has five hospitals as of now, with three in Bengaluru and one each in Hassan and Davangere. While expansion is underway, there are no plans of opening hospitals in tier 2 and 3 cities in the next few years, said Dr. Patil. “The challenge in these towns is getting skilled professionals to set up base and work there. Infrastructure is another huge drawback, as is the lack of equipment,” he said.
Bengaluru-based Sparsh Group of hospitals said it would create around 600 new jobs with its newest hospital slated to open by the end of the year in the city. The group will create an additional 1000 jobs with its Oncology-focused hospital which will open by December next year, group chairman Dr. Sharan Patil told ET.
The group is also actively on the lookout for acquiring existing hospitals, he added. “With our current projects, we can acquire one hospital, but we are looking for the right fit, infrastructure and work culture-wise,” he said.
The Sparsh group has five hospitals as of now, with three in Bengaluru and one each in Hassan and Davangere. While expansion is underway, there are no plans of opening hospitals in tier 2 and 3 cities in the next few years, said Dr. Patil. “The challenge in these towns is getting skilled professionals to set up base and work there. Infrastructure is another huge drawback, as is the lack of equipment,” he said.
The scenario, however, is changing, he added. “With the government’s policy of increasing postgraduate medical seats and opening new colleges, within the next three or so years, we may see more doctors and better hospitals in smaller towns,” he said.
The group had announced in May that it would be adding two hospitals in north Bengaluru, increasing its bed capacity from 800 to 1400 by 2025. Sparsh is investing over Rs 250 crore in the expansion.
The group also announced the launch of three new specialities – the Institute of IVF and Reproductive Medicine, the Institute of Cosmetology and Cosmetic Surgery, and the Da Vinci X Robotic Programme, at an investment of Rs 15 crore.
