Narayana Health's Strategic UK Expansion: Acquisition of Practice Plus Group Enhances Global Healthcare Footprint

Practice Plus Group operates 12 hospitals and surgical centres across the United Kingdom.

New Delhi:

Bengaluru-headquartered Narayana Health has announced the acquisition of UK-based Practice Plus Group Hospitals, marking its first significant entry into the British healthcare market. This acquisition represents a substantial advancement in the company's global expansion strategy while maintaining its commitment to providing affordable and accessible medical services.

Practice Plus Group, currently the fifth largest private hospital group in the UK, manages 12 hospitals and surgical centres specializing in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and general surgery. The group performs approximately 80,000 surgical procedures annually.

In Thursday's official statement, Narayana Health indicated that this acquisition "extends the company's global reach" and strengthens its position among India's top three healthcare providers by revenue. This strategic move provides Narayana Health access to a market where private surgical demand is expected to increase significantly in coming years, driven by extended waiting times in the public healthcare system and increasing demand for affordable private medical services.

Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, founder and chairman of Narayana Health, described the acquisition as "an incredibly exciting step" for the organization.

"Like Narayana Health, Practice Plus Group recognized that the majority of patients were struggling to access healthcare, while only a minority could afford costly private healthcare," explained Dr. Shetty. "We have both been working to meet the demands of those in between - to offer a new choice of more accessible private healthcare. Together, we are a perfect fit, and I am looking forward to welcoming Practice Plus Group to Narayana Health and helping many more patients get the help they need."

Jim Easton, chief executive of Practice Plus Group, emphasized that the integration would create new opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

"Dr. Shetty and Narayana Health have an enviable reputation for high-quality, efficient healthcare with a human touch," stated Mr. Easton. "I'm excited about what Practice Plus Group's hospitals and surgical centres can achieve with the commitment and expertise of Narayana Health behind us."

Narayana Health plans to integrate Practice Plus Group's hospital division into its broader healthcare ecosystem, utilizing digital health platforms and operational expertise to "drive innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for patients, partners, and stakeholders".

Founded by Dr. Shetty and headquartered in Bengaluru, Narayana Health operates one of India's largest hospital networks, providing primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities across India and the Caribbean. The group employs over 18,800 staff, including nearly 3,900 doctors and specialists. It also manages subsidiaries such as Narayana One Health (NH Integrated Care) and Narayana Health Insurance.