US-based Quest Diagnostics which entered into India in March now intends to increase its footprint in the country by increasing the number of patient service centres (PSC) from the current two to 20.

The pan India foray is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Indian operation is situated at a 65,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility in Gurgaon. The diagnostic major has also opened two company owned and operated (PSC) in Delhi early this month.

Refusing to divulge the financials for the Indian entry, "Ken Finnegan, vice president, International, Quest Diagnostics, told Pharmabiz that significant investments in terms of infrastructure and instrument installation have been made. Plans are chalked 20 PSCs around the country before by the end of 2008. However the timing and additional investment would also depend on market demand, he added.

As part of its expansion plan, Quest envisions a couple of different types of service centres. The standard PSC will be a well-appointed modern facility of approximately 600 to 800 sq feet and offer phlebotomy and urine collection services, as well as physiological measurement capabilities such as ECG, blood pressure monitoring and basic wellness examinations. A handful of comprehensive service centres are also planned. This will supplement the services available through its Medical Service Provider network and standard PSCs and will include treadmill stress tests, x-rays and other clinical services.

Rising incomes, increase in lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and acute cardio vascular conditions have created a need for diagnostics testing related to these health conditions, stated Finnegan.

Quest provides the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through a global network of laboratories and patient service centres, supported by interpretive consultation through team of 900 MDs and PhDs. It is a pioneer in developing innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care.

In 2007, the company generated revenues of US$6.7 billion with an employee strength of 43,500 worldwide. In addition to diagnostics, Quest is looking at the clinical trials and health insurance segments.

There are 40,000 laboratories in India, with fewer than 60 holding accreditation. It is an extremely fragmented market with no single player holding a dominant share. In the value chain, Quest will focus on differentiating itself with a value proposition built on technology expertise, innovation, and excellence in execution, averred Finnegan.