Apollo records 22 p c net profit growth

Chennai, June 12 (UNI) Apollo Hospitals reported 22 per cent growth in net profit and became the first hospital group in South India to be accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI).

Apollo also reported a consolidated increase in profit of 37 per cent for the year ending March 31, 2006, according to a release.

The company recorded net profit of Rs 602 million, compared to Rs 492 million last year. It achieved 21 per cent hike in total income at Rs 7190 million compared to Rs 5956 million as on March 31, 2005.

Apollo Hospitals Managing Director Ms Preetha Reddy said in the release here today that the JCI accreditation was considered the gold seal for quality in hospitals worldwide, especially the US.

The hospital is the second medical facility in the Group to receive this distinction after Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi.

'The JCI audit process has also been completed in Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad and it is expecting the accreditation soon', she added.

UNI GV AA 1955