Kochi-based premier clinical research institute IFCR India along with Dr. Krishna Menon, a famous cancer drug researcher based in the US, is ready to foray into the healthcare management section with a range of projects.

The institute will also launch an advanced MBA in healthcare services management by August 2009 with 50 students.

While talking to media persons, N. Ramachandran, a fellow and former faculty of IIM-Calcutta and CEO of IFCR India, stated that a separate JV company would be established in order to own and run full service general hospitals, specialty hospitals, training institutions, research centres and hospital supplies facilities in Kerala to deliver first-rate health care at reasonable prices.

The deal for the joint venture is likely to be signed in couple of months

“Our aim is to have one hospital every 30 to 35 kms,” Dr. Ramachandran added.

The joint venture will also develop high-tech training centres to meet up the enhanced needs of healthcare experts.

At first, the company will take over ten hospitals across the villages of Kerala with a total investment of Rs 20 crore.

During the second phase, the project will be expanded to other sections of the state.

Anil Joseph, Managing Director of IFCR India, stated that Indian healthcare segment offered huge potential as there was an increase in the occurrence of lifestyle-related and other maladies.

The rising aged population is also pushing for superior health facilities in the country.

According to a Technopark Advisors study report, healthcare, which is $35 billion industry in India, is likely to hit more than $150 billion by 2017.