Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. (AHEL); Asia's largest healthcare service provider, has achieved strong performance during the fourth quarter ended March 2008. Its net profit went up by 48.9 per cent to Rs 21.9 crore from Rs 14.7 crore in the corresponding period of last year. Its turnover increased by 31.6 per cent to Rs 311.8 crore from Rs 236.8 crore.

For the year ended March 2008, its revenues touched to Rs 1150 crore from Rs 899.5 crore in the previous year, a growth of 28 per cent. The net profit has taken a quantum jump of 51 per cent to Rs 101.80 crore from Rs 67.6 crore. The hospital division turnover grew by at 21 per cent and divisions' EBIT increased by 32 per cent.

Apollo Global Projects and Consultancy division revenue stood at Rs 22 crore, an increase of 35 per cent in the turnover of Rs 16.2 crore in the previous year. The EBIT improved to Rs 9.8 crore as compared to Rs 2.1 crore.

Apollo Hospitals for continuing its mission "to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every Individual" has embarked on an ambitious plan of setting up Hospitals. The company has already procured 2 acres of land in Tiruchirapalli.

Speaking about group's outstanding performance and dynamic plans ahead, Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group said, "The relentless pursuit of clinical excellence and patient care has been the hallmark of Apollo Hospitals group. The trust that the nation has in Apollo Hospitals is represented in its outstanding growth over the last twenty -five years".

"A lot more needs be done towards building a healthier India. Inadequate access to world-class healthcare across the country is a barrier and Apollo Hospitals has taken the baton to address this challenge. The Apollo Hospitals group has innovative plans to accelerate access to first -rate healthcare facilities across urban, semi urban and rural India. Acquisitions and strategic partnerships across the country will be integral to the proposed rapid growth. Mindful of the emerging diverse needs, Apollo Hospitals has specific initiatives planned to address the new infrastructure and industrial developments in India," Dr Reddy added.