Chennai: Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care, a prominent eye care chain headquartered in Chennai, is charting a course for international expansion with plans to enter the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with an initial focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The company, which has already established a significant footprint in Africa, is evaluating the GCC as a strategic market. However, the expansion into this region has been paced due to the prevailing geopolitical situation in West Asia. Adil Agarwal, the CEO of Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care, indicated that the company is observing the developments and awaiting a more stable environment before proceeding with its plans.
This international ambition comes as the healthcare provider continues to broaden its presence in Africa. The company is in the process of launching centers in two more African nations, Ethiopia and Nigeria, having recently secured board approval for a wholly-owned subsidiary in Nigeria. Currently, Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care operates 19 hospitals across nine African countries, including Kenya and Mauritius.
Overseas operations currently contribute approximately 10% to the company’s overall revenue. For the first quarter of the financial year 2027 (Q1 FY27), Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care reported a revenue from operations amounting to Rs 614 crore. The company also recorded a net profit after tax of Rs 55 crore in Q1 FY27, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 44.6% from Rs 38 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year.
Amar Agarwal, Chairman of Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care, highlighted the substantial potential of the GCC market, citing its stable governments and robust economy. He also noted the company’s strong brand recognition in the region, attributed to a considerable number of patients originating from GCC countries.
The company is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy, with a target to establish an additional 500 centers both within India and internationally. This initiative is projected to increase the total number of facilities from the current 310 to 800 within the next five years. An investment of Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 2,500 crore is earmarked for this expansion over the next five years.
Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care currently operates in 14 Indian states and aims to achieve a nationwide presence within the next five years. The company’s strategic vision is underpinned by the rapid growth of the eye care sector, which is expected to expand at a rate of 12% to 14% annually over the next three to four years. Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care anticipates outperforming this market growth, targeting a personal expansion rate of 20% to 25%.
In the recent quarter, the company achieved a record number of facility additions, launching 18 new greenfield facilities, including 16 surgical centers. This marks the highest number of surgical facilities the company has opened in a single quarter. The company’s network now spans 304 eye care facilities across 10 countries. This expansion has been supported by robust patient growth and a steady performance from its existing hospitals, with a notable increase in eye surgeries performed, rising by 15.5% compared to the same period last year.
The company’s financial performance in Q1 FY27 reflects strong operational efficiency, with Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) increasing by 25.2% to Rs 177 crore, while maintaining a healthy margin of 28.5%. This performance is attributed to strong earnings from established centers that are fueling rapid expansion into new markets.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
