This could bring cheer to many in Pakistan who come to India for specialised medical treatment.
In the recent past, many Pakistanis have visited India for open-heart surgeries and other high-end services as India offers one of the best and most cost-effective treatments in the world.
Soon people in Pakistan can receive treatment in their own country, if the Apollo Hospitals project becomes a reality. After the successful establishment of a hospital in Sri Lanka, the Apollo Group of Hospitals is now planning to set up a full-fledged hospital in Pakistan.
"We are exploring the possibility of working with a Pakistani partner. We have started discussions with a Pakistan-based company to set up a full-fledged, large hospital on a partnership model," Sangeeta Reddy, executive director, operations, Apollo Group of Hospitals, said.
The new project in Pakistan is likely to be set up with an investment of investment of Rs 75 crore (Rs 750 million).
In a major expansion drive, the Apollo group is also planning to open three hospitals in semi-urban Indian cities. "We will be setting up three new hospitals in B-class cities. While Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh has been finalised for one hospital, the other two cities will be announced soon," Reddy said.
The Apollo group is also looking to set up hospitals in Bangalore and Mumbai in the near future.
Reddy said, the group's focus will be India-centric healthcare. With the establishment of 108 telemedicine centres, one of the largest in the world, Reddy said this will hugely benefit people living in rural India.
Medical value travel will be promoted in a big way, as many foreigners like to come to India for treatment, Reddy said.