BANGALORE: The Manipal Group is entering the healthcare retail business under the Manipal Cure and Care brand.

A new company formed for this purpose, with an initial investment of Rs. 50 crore, generated internally, will open the first two outlets in Bangalore and Ahmedbad, followed by Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad. Over the next four years, the company will have 50 outlets, including some in Tier-2 cities and raise additional funds from financial institutions, Manipal Cure and Care's Chief Operating Officer, Somnath Das, told reporters here on Tuesday.

"The outlets will be both standalone and in malls, with the large format stores covering 8,000 sq. ft. floor area. These will not only be just pharmacy and beauty care sections but also an Express Check screening model for those with risk for diabetes or cardio vascular ailments. An eyecare and eyewear section will be another feature. There will be consultants on call and patient details will be computerised. Essential details like type of ailment, medication taken and any known allergies will be printed on a card and the customer can carry it in a wallet," Mr, Das explained.

Cosmetic dentistry, skin care, prenatal check-ups and special consultations for senior citizens and adolescents will be among value additions. "We will only stock tested and certified medications, including herbal formulations. We have tied up with health insurance companies and are working with Australian Standards of Healthcare to bring in globally acceptable safety measures at the outlets," he said.

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