Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (AHEL) achieved better performance during the first quarter ended June 2006. Its net profit moved up by 24 per cent to Rs 17.30 crore from Rs 14 crore in the corresponding period of last year. The company owns and manages 36 hospitals in various parts of Asia, 47 clinics, and operates the largest chain of pharmacies (340) across the country. It has seen an increase in occupancy to 76 per cent this quarter - nearly 10 per cent higher than the corresponding period last year.

Dr Prathap Reddy, chairman, said, "We have seen a diverse mix of patients, especially in our specialty services and have been successful in treating even the most complicated cases. We will continue to maintain the high standards that we have set for ourselves and for other hospitals in India."

Apollo Hospitals has entered into management contracts for several projects across the globe, in countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Antigua, Mauritius, Fiji and the Bahamas. These projects will be executed over the next 12-24 months.

Suneeta Reddy, director (Finance), said, "The company has been steady and consistent in offering and delivering world-class healthcare facilities, and we are proud of our performance. Despite the rising input costs, Apollo has seen a significant growth this quarter. This is reflected both in our financials, as well as our operational performance."