Date:14/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/03/14/stories/2007031401561100.htm

Back KIMS sets up medical centre in Afghanistan

M. Somasekhar

Hyderabad, March 13

Afghanistan's capital city Kabul is all set to get Indian medical expertise, with some of the latest diagnostic facilities in place. The Hyderabad-based, multi-speciality hospital group KIMS has established a full-fledged medical diagnostic centre in the strife-torn nation.

The centre perhaps, the first in the neighbouring country that would offer MRI, CT Scan, ultrasound and other facilities, would be inaugurated by the end of March, according to Dr B. Bhaskar Rao, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS).

The KIMS Hospital has joined hands with an infrastructure company with long-term presence in Afghanistan — Seenayya & Co in setting up the diagnostic centre. The Afghan Government has given the land, Dr Rao told Business Line here.

Interestingly, a year ago the Afghan President, Mr Hamid Karzai, along with a high-level delegation visited Hyderabad and invited industry, institutes to participate in that country's projects.

The Afghan Government has also offered land to KIMS for a possible hospital venture in Kabul. "We are seriously considering the offer and would firm up our plans in the next one to two years," Dr Rao said.

"We understand the difficulties that the ground situation presents in Afghanistan and have taken up the project as a challenge. Seenayya & Co has executed major civil projects across the country and knows the situation well. The synergy should help us in providing the necessary medical facilities also better," Dr Rao explained.

KIMS is a venture promoted by a group of top medical professionals. It was launched in 2004, with an initial investment of about Rs 40 crore to build the necessary medical infrastructure. While the doctors pooled in Rs 20 crore, an equal amount was tied with as loan from the Andhra Bank.