Aster DM Quality Care Ltd has officially commenced operations following the completion of the merger between Aster DM Healthcare and Quality Care India Ltd (QCIL), creating one of India's largest integrated hospital networks.
The merged entity plans to expand specialist healthcare services, invest heavily in advanced medical technology and strengthen its presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, with the aim of bringing high-quality healthcare closer to patients and reducing their dependence on hospitals in major metropolitan centres.
The merger brings together four prominent healthcare brands—Aster DM Healthcare, CARE Hospitals, Evercare and KIMSHEALTH—under a single corporate entity. Together, they operate 39 hospitals with more than 10,600 beds across 28 cities in South and Central India, making the company one of the country's largest private healthcare providers.
Dr Azad Moopen will continue as executive chairman of Aster DM Quality Care, while Varun Khanna has assumed the role of Managing Director and Group CEO.
"This is more than a merger," Dr Moopen said in his Facebook post. "It is the coming together of people, purpose and possibilities to build a stronger healthcare institution for India—and, I hope, one that will continue to serve generations to come."
The company said its long-term strategy is centred on decentralising advanced healthcare by strengthening specialist services, upgrading medical infrastructure and establishing regional centres of excellence closer to patients. Expansion will focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including Nagpur, Aurangabad, Vijayawada, Guntur, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Nagercoil, Kolhapur, Kannur, Kasaragod and Kottakkal. By expanding advanced medical facilities in these locations, the company aims to minimise the need for patients to travel to large cities for complex treatments while also attracting and retaining highly skilled medical professionals in non-metro regions.
As part of its expansion plans, Aster DM Quality Care will accelerate investments in cutting-edge medical technology. The company plans to deploy Gamma Knife technology, stereotactic radiosurgery systems such as ZAP, ten robotic surgical platforms and a range of next-generation clinical capabilities across its hospital network. It also intends to install 12 LINAC-based radiation therapy systems in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, significantly improving access to advanced cancer treatment in regional markets.
The management said its immediate priority is to ensure a smooth integration of the merged organisations while maintaining uninterrupted patient care and operational continuity. The merger marks a significant consolidation in India's private healthcare sector and positions Aster DM Quality Care for sustained growth as it expands its footprint and broadens access to advanced healthcare services across the country.