Aetna International to invest Rs 100 cr in India

New Delhi : US based diversified healthcare benefits firm Aetna International announced an investment of Rs 100 crore in India to offer new health and wellness solutions.

The company, which operates in the country through a wholly-owned arm, Indian Health Organisation (IHO), launched a 'Classic Family Consultation' membership offering facilities such as unlimited tele-consultation with doctors and ten free doctor consultation vouchers which can be utilised at top hospitals and clinics.

"With a total aggregated investment of over Rs 100 crore in India, Aetna International aims to increase access to quality healthcare by building new health and wellness solutions," the company said in a statement.

Commenting on the development, Aetna International President Richard di Benedetto said: "India is a key market in our future growth strategy. The country has tremendous scope for growth in the healthcare sector. Affordability and accessibility are key challenges and our products and services are designed to help with this."

He further said: "I am confident that with our efforts and investments, we will bring healthier days to millions of members."

On the company's new 'Classic Family Consultation', Indian Health Organisation Managing Director Manasije Mishra said around 66 76 per cent of the healthcare expenses of an Indian family are outpatient expenses related to consultation, medicines, diagnosis, preventive health check-ups and other minor treatments.

"We estimate that a family of 4-5 members in a metro city spends between Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000 per year. Our Classic Family Consultation membership should help reduce this by up to 50 per cent," he added.

The membership is priced at Rs 5,880 for one year for a family of four. Members will also benefit from tax exemption under section 80D, the company added.