CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
Dear Shareholders,
It is a privilege to address you for the first time as the Chairman of your Company -
Fortis Healthcare Limited. I am proud to be part of an organisation that is recognised for
its commitment to quality care, continuous improvement, and patient trust, serving
millions of lives each year with compassion and dedication.
India's healthcare sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. It continues to be
one of the most vital and dynamic segments of the Indian economy. With growing demand for
advanced diagnostics, digital health services, and quality hospital infrastructure, the
sector presents strong opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. India's rising
prominence as a destination for affordable, high-quality medical tourism further
reinforces its healthcare potential.
Several contributing factors, including technological advancements, policy reforms, and
increased public and private investments, have driven sectoral momentum in recent years. A
notable shift is also evident in the government's proactive stance toward healthcare
capacity building and digital enablement.
Among the most impactful developments are government-led initiatives aimed at
strengthening India's healthcare delivery ecosystem. These include substantial budgetary
allocations such as Rs. 37,227 crore under the National Health Mission. The expansion of
medical education capacity, marked by the establishment of 60 new medical colleges and an
increase in MBBS and postgraduate seats to over 1,15,800 and 73,100 respectively, is
helping address critical workforce shortages. Forward-looking steps like the proposed
setup of 200 Day Care Cancer Centres across districts and the scale-up of digital health
platforms such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and e-Sanjeevani are laying a strong
foundation for a more inclusive, technology-driven healthcare ecosystem.
Amidst this dynamic backdrop, your Company has remained focused on delivering
responsible, high-quality, and patient-centric care. During the past year, Fortis made
significant progress in infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, and clinical
excellence.
Bed capacity was enhanced across multiple hospitals, supported by investments in
advanced medical technologies, including the da Vinci Robotic System, MR LINAC,
and Gamma Knife, strengthening our capabilities in tertiary and quaternary care. On the
digital front, your Company advanced its transformation journey through the rollout of
Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR), ensuring greater
clinical accuracy, faster access to information, and enhanced patient safety.
Through a series of strategic transactions, your Company also increased its
shareholding in Agilus Diagnostics to 89.20%, reaffirming confidence in diagnostics as a
vital pillar of integrated healthcare delivery.
India's healthcare regulatory environment continues to evolve positively. Reforms such
as the New Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Bill and IRDAI's progressive insurance
guidelines are enabling better access, affordability, and quality. Fortis continues to
align with this shift through a robust and transparent governance framework that is both
forward-looking and responsive to stakeholder expectations.
At Fortis Healthcare, strong governance remains the bedrock of our sustainable growth
and longterm value creation. Over the past year, the Board of Directors has continued to
uphold its fiduciary duties through a structured and transparent approach. A robust
Whistle Blower Policy empowers stakeholders to report concerns without fear, reinforcing
our culture of transparency and integrity.
The Board has maintained constructive engagement with management, providing strategic
direction while fostering a culture of healthy challenge. The management team remains
receptive to feedback, and Board recommendations are taken seriously and acted upon.
This collaborative dynamic has strengthened decision-making and ensured that execution
remains aligned with our long-term vision of delivering exceptional, patientcentric care.
Your Company remains deeply committed to giving back to society. Fortis Healthcare and
Agilus Diagnostics have jointly undertaken CSR initiatives across four focus areas:
Healthcare Access, Education & Skilling, Community Awareness & Capacity Building,
and Innovation for
Sustainability. Flagship programmes such as the Apprenticeship Program, the upgradation
of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and the Whole School Transformation initiative were
scaled up this year, amplifying impact and reach.
Equally, your Company continues to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
principles into its core operations. In FY 2024-25, progress was made in areas such as
energy efficiency, water governance, biomedical waste management, and workplace safety.
In recognition of your trust and Fortis Healthcare's sound financial performance, the
Board of Directors is pleased to recommend a dividend of Rs.1 per share, representing 10%
of the face value, subject to shareholder approval. This reflects your Company's
confidence in its resilience, growth outlook, and longterm value creation.
As we enter the next phase of our journey, we do so with a clear purpose-to make
healthcare more accessible, compassionate, and future-ready. Backed by the global strength
and credibility of IHH Healthcare, guided by a committed leadership team, and trusted by
patients across India and beyond, Fortis is well-positioned to scale new heights.
I take this opportunity to thank our clinicians, nurses, paramedics, support teams, and
every Fortisian for their relentless dedication. I am equally grateful to you, our valued
shareholders, for your continued support and trust. Together, we will shape a healthier
and more inclusive future for all.
Warm regards,
Leo Puri
Chairman
Fortis Healthcare Limited.