Narayana Health, one of India’s leading hospital networks, is charting an international growth strategy that places the United Kingdom at the heart of its overseas ambitions. The healthcare provider intends to establish a strong foothold in the UK before extending its cost-efficient care model to other developed economies.
The Bengaluru-headquartered group, founded in 2000 by eminent heart surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty, has built its reputation on delivering high-quality treatment at significantly lower costs, with cardiac services forming the backbone of its operations. The company is now identifying mature markets with robust legal frameworks where private healthcare systems can thrive.
According to Group Chief Financial Officer Sandhya J, Narayana Health is prioritizing regions that offer regulatory stability and long-term viability for private hospital operators. The company already has international exposure through its hospital in the Cayman Islands and made a strategic entry into the UK last year with the acquisition of Practice Plus Group Hospitals.
At present, the focus remains on consolidating and scaling operations in the UK before considering further expansion across Europe and parts of the Caribbean. “We want to make the UK investment successful first”, Sandhya said, emphasizing that future global growth will follow once the business achieves operational strength and scale in the region.
The overseas push is expected to open up new avenues for medical professionals, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance training in advanced healthcare practices.
While pursuing international opportunities, Narayana Health continues to invest aggressively in India. The hospital chain currently operates over 5,900 beds nationwide and plans to add another 2,000 beds within the next three years. This expansion is projected to require capital expenditure of approximately Rs 30 billion.
Narayana Health competes with other large hospital groups such as Apollo Hospitals and Manipal Health Enterprises, both of which are also increasing capacity. In the financial year 2025, the company posted a 12.1 percent rise in revenue to Rs 54.83 billion and anticipates maintaining similar organic growth in the coming year as it balances domestic expansion with its global strategy.
(Logo courtesy: facebook/NarayanaHealth)