Indian diagnostics market hits ₹1.01trillion; country becoming specialized tests hub

Amid the rapidly evolving landscape of global healthcare, India is carving out a niche as a central hub for specialized medical testing, a development significantly propelled by Metropolis Healthcare. Ameera Shah, the Promoter and Managing Director of Metropolis, has highlighted the increasing trend of countries without certain diagnostic capabilities sending samples to India for advanced processing. This movement draws a parallel with the concept of medical tourism, albeit with biological samples instead of patients traversing borders.

Expansion and global reach
Currently, Metropolis Healthcare plays a pivotal role in supporting countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, alongside regions in the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. This initiative is geared towards making India a supportive hub for these territories, which lack the advanced diagnostic facilities found in more developed nations. With a repertoire of around 4,000 types of tests, including both basic and highly specialized ones, Metropolis is at the forefront of catering to a wide range of medical diagnostics needs. From common tests like CBC and sugar profiles to more complex diagnostics for cancer, stroke, and neurological disorders, the company’s offerings are comprehensive.

Technological and human expertise
The specialization doesn’t just lie in the vast array of tests but also in the sophisticated technology and skilled professionals required to interpret these results accurately. Specialized and super-specialized categories such as genomics, molecular genomics, genetics, and advanced microbiology necessitate not only state-of-the-art machines but also experts in various medical fields. Metropolis boasts five labs in Africa, with 80 percent of the testing conducted locally, and the remainder sent to India, underscoring the company’s global operational footprint.

Financial growth and future prospects
With a significant increase in its Indian operations, expanding from 380 towns in April 2023 to nearly 600 by March 2024, Metropolis is not just enhancing its domestic presence but also eyeing quality acquisitions for geographical and technological expansion. Despite a reported dip in profit after tax in the three months ended December 2023, due to the conclusion of a government contract, the company’s focus on international business, accounting for about 8 percent of its revenues, outlines its strategic vision for growth. This expansion not only reflects the company’s robust business model but also India’s rising prominence as a global hub for specialized medical diagnostics.

As Metropolis Healthcare continues to strengthen its international and domestic operations, the broader implications for India’s healthcare sector are profound. Not only does this development enhance the country’s standing in the global healthcare industry, but it also opens up new avenues for technological advancements and expertise in medical diagnostics. Through such endeavors, India is not just supporting its immediate neighbors but also contributing significantly to global health infrastructure, paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient medical diagnostics ecosystem. BNN Breaking