The UAE-based DM Healthcare has announced an investment of over Rs21.5 billion in Kerala. The healthcare group is developing an array of healthcare facilities in various locations in the state that would serve millions of people. Most of these projects are expected to be operational in the next five years. Dr Azad Moopen, chairman, DM Healthcare, said: “Kerala poses as a highly priority destination for our investment in India in view of the demand for advanced healthcare facilities in Kerala and our already existing and pipelined projects in the state.” “Kochi is very well connected to the world by air, road, rail and sea. A proactive government, a vast healthcare human resource pool, and a beautiful natural environment further stimulate the growth of Kerala’s economy. We see this as an opportunity to develop the Aster Medcity that will not only support the medical requirements of the state and country, but also provide venue for medical tourism to the country from abroad,” Dr Moopen added. The DM Healthcare group is developing Aster Medcity, a world class hi-tech healthcare destination being developed in over 40 acres of land that integrates nature with healing, in Kochi. The first phase, which is being developed at a project outlay of Rs500 crore, includes a 550 bed Core Hospital with nine Centres of Excellence (COEs) in various super-specialties like Cardiology, Ortho, Oncology etc. Aster Medcity is a conglomera.tion of many multi-super specialty hospitals in one campus. The first phase of Aster Medcity is on track for commissioning during the second half of 2013. Dr. Moopen said that the group is very conscious about the sensitivities involved regarding land grabs, environment and job opportunities. From : Khalij