Browns ventures into hospitals biz; buys 60-bed private unit at Ragama

Wednesday, 8 August 2012 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Browns Healthcare (Pvt) Ltd. has acquired St. Peter’s Hospital Ragama with the aim of developing a chain of secondary healthcare general hospitals and diagnostic centres in the island.

Browns Healthcare, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brown & Company PLC, is a new venture established with the aim of developing a chain of secondary care general hospitals and diagnostic centres to deliver quality care through comprehensive integrated clinical practice and personalised care to every patient.

Speaking on the acquisition, Browns Group Managing Director and CEO Murali Prakash said: “Sri Lanka has a rapidly ageing population as well as increased incidence of non-communicable diseases brought about by affluence and changing lifestyle habits. Demand for private healthcare is expected to rise and therefore, Browns will focus on expanding its presence in the healthcare sector. This is the first of such investments in this sector.”

This new acquisition aims at providing a 60-bed multi-specialty hospital offering curative, preventive and rehabilitative services. The hospital will have a 24 hour OPD/ETU, modern theatre facilities, general surgery, obstetric, gynaecological and paediatric units and a 24 hour pharmacy as well as several diagnostic services among others.

Browns Healthcare Director/General Manager Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda said: “St. Peter’s Hospital Ragama has a history of well over 30 years, where it had catered to the ever-increasing demand for healthcare in the Gampaha District. It is with this background that Browns Healthcare has decided to acquire St. Peter’s Hospital Ragama. Keeping in line with the concepts of Browns Healthcare, a keen focus will be given to provision of affordable, high touch, quality, and patient-centric hospital care.”

The current hospital will undergo a major refurbishment process. The upgraded facility will be designed to offer quality care while assuring safety in modern, purpose-built facility. Staff and management aim to provide quality and safe services to consumers and are keen to work with patients to achieve best possible outcomes.

Browns Hospitals will always encourage the medical, nursing and other allied health staff to adhere to highest standards of ethics and practice evidence-based medicine.

Plans are underway to have this upgraded hospital fully operational by early 2013. The hospital will also be renamed suitably with clear indications of the Browns tie-up.

Using their deep understanding of Sri Lankan consumer needs derived from over 135 years in business, Browns has grown quietly yet exponentially into the active and valuable company it is today – simply and unobtrusively by greatly expanding its portfolio and delivering excellence in products, services and value to Sri Lankans everywhere.