Temasek’s Strategic Expansion: How Manipal Hospitals Became India’s Largest Chain

Introduction In the rapidly evolving landscape of India’s healthcare sector, the recent manoeuvres by Temasek-backed Manipal Hospitals have positioned it as the largest hospital chain in the country. Surpassing Apollo Hospitals in bed count and incorporating Medica Super specialty Hospital, this shift marks a significant strategic development, especially in the context of Indian healthcare’s expansion into Tier-2 cities.

Temasek’s Involvement in Indian Healthcare Temasek, a global investment company headquartered in Singapore, has been instrumental in this reshaping. Its strategy, focusing on consolidation and expansion, is evident in its acquisition and merger activities. Temasek’s foresight in healthcare investment, including its stake in Medanta and its recent major play with Manipal Hospitals, demonstrates a keen understanding of the market dynamics and future growth areas in Indian healthcare.

Manipal Hospitals’ Expansion With the merger of Medica Super specialty Hospital, Manipal now commands an impressive network of 10,700 beds, edging out Apollo Hospitals. This expansion is not just about numbers; it’s a strategic shift towards penetrating the Tier-2 city market, a segment ripe for growth. The acquisition of a 67% stake in Medica from Quadria Capital at Rs. 402 Cr and later increasing it to 90%, valued Medica at Rs. 600 Cr, highlighting a calculated move to strengthen its presence in the eastern region of India.

The Tier-2 City Focus Medica’s strong foothold in cities like Siliguri, Tinsukia, Kalinganagar, Patna, and Ranchi, with a 60% focus on Tier-2 cities, complements Manipal’s expansion strategy. This eastward expansion contrasts with other healthcare brands predominantly eyeing the northern regions. This diversified geographic focus could be a game-changer, offering healthcare services to underserved regions and tapping into new markets.

Financial Dynamics and Market Competition The healthcare market is witnessing a pricing and valuation conundrum. Max Healthcare’s purchase of a hospital in Lucknow at Rs. 940 Cr (Rs. 1.71 Cr/Bed) raises questions about the premium prices for Tier-1 city hospitals. This move could be driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO) as competitors like Medanta and Apollo have already established strongholds in such cities. The high EBITDA margins (>30%) in these areas could justify these valuations.

Comparison of ARPOB (Average Revenue Per Occupied Bed) While Manipal leads in bed count, Apollo Hospitals still holds an edge in ARPOB, with Rs. 0.62 Cr per bed compared to Manipal’s Rs. 0.42 Cr per bed. This metric is crucial as it reflects not just capacity but also the efficiency and profitability of the hospital operations.

Future Expansion Plans The next three years are pivotal for both Apollo and Manipal. Apollo plans to invest Rs. 3,435 Cr to add more than 2,100 beds by FY26, while Manipal aims to expand by adding over 2,000 beds in the same period. Notably, a significant portion of these new beds will be in Tier-2 cities, indicating a strategic shift towards these emerging markets.

The Role of Dr. Alok Roy and the Future of Healthcare in India Dr. Alok Roy’s vision in establishing Medica Superspecialty Hospital has been a cornerstone in this narrative. His foresight and leadership have played a critical role in building a healthcare network that’s now a part of India’s largest chain.

Potential Further Consolidation With Temasek’s history of strategic investments in Indian healthcare, there could be potential for further consolidation. The integration of Manipal and Medanta could be on the horizon, creating an even more formidable presence in the healthcare sector.

Temasek’s strategic expansion through Manipal Hospitals has reshaped the Indian healthcare landscape. As the sector continues to grow, particularly in Tier-2 cities, Manipal’s position as the largest chain marks a new era of healthcare delivery in India. With its eye on broader geographic coverage and efficient service delivery, Manipal, backed by Temasek, is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for quality healthcare across the country. The next few years will be crucial as competition intensifies, and the focus on Tier-2 cities becomes increasingly important in defining the success of major healthcare players in India.

Prof. Dr. Prahlada N. B
25 December 2023
Chitradurga.