Online travel platform EaseMyTrip announced its foray into the rapidly growing medical tourism sector with the acquisition of significant stakes in two healthcare companies. The company’s board has approved acquisitions worth Rs 90 crore, including a 49% equity stake in Dubai-based Pflege Home Healthcare for Rs 30 crore and a 30% stake in Rollins International for Rs 60 crore. These strategic acquisitions mark EaseMyTrip’s diversification into the healthcare and wellness industry, aiming to cater to the rising demand for medical tourism.
Entry into Healthcare with Pflege Home Healthcare
EaseMyTrip’s acquisition of a 49% stake in Pflege Home Healthcare for Rs 30 crore signifies the travel platform’s first step into the healthcare services sector. Pflege, based in Dubai, is renowned for its comprehensive range of home-based medical care services, including doctor visits, nursing care, physiotherapy, and critical medical equipment like ventilators and oxygen. This patient-centric approach will now be incorporated into EaseMyTrip’s offerings, providing customers with seamless access to medical treatments abroad, particularly in Dubai, a prominent hub for global medical tourism.
Commenting on the acquisition, Nishant Pitti, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “Our portfolio has expanded significantly with the inclusion of Rollins International and Pflege Home Healthcare. This move allows us to revolutionise medical tourism, making it more accessible and convenient for our customers. Whether for medical treatment or wellness retreats, we are committed to providing seamless, high-quality care to both domestic and international travellers.”
Wellness Expansion with Rollins International
EaseMyTrip has also strengthened its presence in the wellness sector by acquiring a 30% stake in Rollins International for Rs 60 crore. Rollins specialises in gluten-free, lactose-free, and allergen-free food products, as well as health supplements and modern wellness therapies. With wellness centres in key Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, Rollins is expected to expand further, allowing EaseMyTrip to cater to health-conscious travellers who prioritize wellness and dietary requirements during their travels.
Rohan Jain, co-founder of Rollins International, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with EaseMyTrip, combining our focus on wellness and allergen-free products with their expansive travel network. Together, we will provide health-focused travel experiences that meet the evolving lifestyle needs of today’s travellers.”
A Growing Market: Medical Tourism on the Rise
Medical tourism, or global healthcare, is seeing an unprecedented rise as individuals seek medical treatments abroad, often due to lower costs, cultural preferences, or access to advanced treatments. The global medical tourism industry, currently valued at $7.69 billion, is projected to nearly double to $14.31 billion by 2029.
EaseMyTrip’s move into this sector comes at a pivotal time, positioning the company to tap into the increasing demand for both medical and wellness travel. With these acquisitions, the platform aims to provide accessible and customized healthcare and wellness solutions to its growing customer base.