M Neelam Kachhap, EH News Bureau
Dr Parvez Ahmed, ex-CEO, Max Healthcare, is launching Aapka Urgicare: a chain of urgent care clinics that will provide round-the-clock, walk-in care to people in need of unscheduled emergency medical attention.
“Positioned to bridge the gap between primary care doctors and hospital emergency rooms, Aapka Urgicare clinics will provide treatment facilities for injuries or illnesses that need immediate medical attention,” said Dr Ahmed, Founder and Medical Director, Aapka Urgicare.
With an estimated budget of Rs 2.5 crore per clinic the company plans to start six centres in Delhi in the near future and 34 centres in the next 18-20 months. The first clinic will open in October at Preet Vihar, Delhi followed by one at Kalkaji. These two are ‘proof of concept’ centres.
The company envisions having 110 clinics with an estimated budget of Rs 85 crore in the next five years. This self-funded venture hopes to breakeven by the fifth quarter of operation and attain an EBITA of 26 per cent. “The venture is largely self-funded with help from family and friends,” said Dr Ahmed. When fully functional the clinics will collectively handle 3000-5000 patients per day informed Dr Ahmed.
Although there are a few day care centres in India, the concept of pre-hospital care is new. “The clinics will deliver ambulatory care through dedicated facilities for immediate medical treatment outside a hospital’s emergency department, on an unscheduled time,” said Dr Ahmed. Each 5000 sq ft clinic will be equipped with emergency care, basic radiology, minor OT, cardiac life support, paediatric and asthma care.
“The idea is to have an emergency care system with efficient pricing, which will compliment the hospital and GP network,” explains Dr Parvez. The company is collaborating with Denmark- based Falck, the largest private ambulance company in Europe, for providing ambulances for each clinic.
Realising that manpower would be crucial to the success of the venture, Dr Ahmed plans to open a training institute for paramedics and technicians in Delhi by December end.