Aster DM Healthcare conducted a call with analysts to provide an update of the coronavirus impact on their business. Click here to listen to the full transcript

Key Takeaways

• The testing for coronavirus at the price of Rs. 4,500 mandated by the government is near cost, but the government may give the testing kits free of costs. This provides an opportunity for positive income. 

• Business was usual till 15th March, some minimal impact in the last two weeks

• Last few days, drop of occupancy level of 20% across gulf countries and India. Numbers since yesterday have stabilized. Impact mainly from elective cases that people are trying to postpone, out of fear of getting the virus 

• Reduction in elective surgeries, and inpatient and outpatient consultation

• Reduction in international patients due to international curbs on travel

• Positive: Over 60% of business for Aster DM Healthcare is from Dubai alone. UAE has 85% of expat population between ages 25-60. Impact on health system is expected to be manageable due to aggressive testing by the UAE government and quarantines. 

• Positive: 90% of Dubai's business is non-oil based. Seen Aster DM business hold steady in Dubai during previous oil price dips.