The Mohali-based Ivy Hospital unveiled that it would expand its health malls across north India and particularly in Punjab within the next 12 months with an investment of about $1 billion.

Disclosing that the idea of health mall is first of its kind in India, Gurtej Singh, chief executive officer, Ivy Hospital and Cancer Research Institute, said, "We are planning to bring together all medical specialities under a common roof, where specialists from across the globe can set up their own individual departments."

Recently, the 190-bed Ivy multi-speciality hospital had commissioned the first health mall in Mohali. The first unit, which is spread over an area of 130,000-square feet, has already started functioning from the Ivy Hospital. Seven specialities, including an advanced urology centre, advanced radiation therapy centre and a highly developed nephrology centre, are part of the health mall.

"Rs.400 million had already been invested in the health mall. We are looking forward to give better treatment for the public by decreasing the cost. The mall is functioning in such a way that it would be beneficial for the patients. We will also have an international help desk for patients from abroad," said, Gurtej Singh.

The hospital has tied up with US-based RG Stone and Urology Institute and Laparoscopic Surgery and Radiation Therapy Services Inc of USA to set up urology and radiation oncology specialities at its Mohali centre. "Both of the specialities will be fully operational by the end of March," noted, Gurtej Sing.

Besides, the hospital management has also joined hands with Dr Raka Kaushal, a leading nephrologist, for the nephrology department and dialysis unit. An advanced dialysis unit has been set up under Dr. Kaushal for effectively conducting and monitoring the quality of dialysis involved in renal replacement procedure.

Ivy Hospital is a tertiary care hospital, which is promoted by a team of professionals. The hospital also offer distant consultation (through tele medicine, phone or e-mail) targeting the international patients. Ivy hospital features genitourinary, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, genitourinary and clinical nutrition dietetics specialities.