As big private hospitals expand away from cities, small players feel the heat

While it improves accessibility & affordability, the move is a threat to small hospitals in rural areas

- ANNA JOSE @ Kochi

IG private healthcare players in Kerala are expanding their footprint into rural and semi-urban areas by setting up peripheral centers offering primary services. While it improves accessibility and affordability, the move is reshaping the state's healthcare landscape, posing a challenge to the survival of small and mid-sized hospitals.

The fast-growing facilities threaten small-scale hospitals that have been catering to people in rural areas, say industry stakeholders.