India’s largest private healthcare provider Apollo Hospitals is expanding its global footprint, with new partnerships emerging in Iraq, Tanzania and Indonesia. This new strategic direction reflects a shift in how leading hospital groups are approaching international growth, moving beyond attracting patients to actively shaping healthcare delivery in new markets.
Founded in 1983, Apollo Hospitals has grown into one of the most influential healthcare systems in Asia. The Apollo group operates more than 70 hospitals with over 10,000 beds, supported by a wide network of clinics, pharmacies and diagnostic centres. It treats millions of patients each year, including a significant number of international patients travelling from Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Its scale and integrated model have made it a cornerstone of India’s medical tourism sector.
International expansion beyond traditional hospital ownership
Apollo’s international expansion is being driven through a series of partnerships rather than traditional hospital ownership. These collaborations cover hospital management, capacity building, outpatient care, and the integration of AI and digital health technologies.
One of the most notable agreements was signed last year with Iraq’s Ministry of Interior to manage and operate the Internal Security Force Hospital in Baghdad. The partnership highlights growing demand from governments seeking experienced operators to improve healthcare delivery and clinical standards.
Madhu Sasidhar, President and CEO of Apollo Hospitals, pointed to a deeper level of engagement across markets:
We are engaging much more meaningfully in everything from building capacity to deploying digital tools and improving clinical outcomes across markets.
Asset light partnerships
A key element of Apollo’s international strategy is its asset light model. Rather than investing heavily in building hospitals abroad, the group is focusing on managing facilities and sharing its expertise.
Apollo has indicated that there are no immediate plans for large capital investments in Iraq, Tanzania or Indonesia. Instead, Apollo will generate revenue through hospital management, advisory services and the implementation of its clinical and operational frameworks.
This allows the group to expand more efficiently across multiple regions while limiting financial exposure. It also reflects a growing trend in global healthcare, where operational excellence and clinical governance are becoming central to international partnerships.
Apollo’s financial strength
Apollo’s expansion comes at a time of strong financial performance. The group recently reported a 35 percent year on year increase in consolidated profit after tax, while revenues rose 17 percent compared to the previous year.
Growth has been driven by sustained demand across its hospital network, alongside continued expansion in diagnostics, pharmacies and digital health services. This financial strength provides the foundation for its international ambitions and supports further investment in innovation and partnerships.
What this means for medical tourism
Apollo’s entry into new markets such as Iraq, Tanzania and Indonesia reflects a shift in the medical tourism landscape. Instead of focusing solely on inbound patient flows, leading providers are beginning to export healthcare expertise directly into emerging markets.
It is important to note that this model is not entirely new and has already proven successful among leading international healthcare organisations. One of the most recognised examples is Mayo Clinic, which has long expanded its global influence through collaborations, advisory partnerships, clinical affiliations and knowledge transfer agreements rather than relying solely on building and owning hospitals abroad.
Apollo’s international expansion has the potential to reshape how patients access care. Rather than travelling long distances, patients may increasingly receive higher quality treatment closer to home.
At the same time, these partnerships could strengthen referral pathways into established destinations such as India for more complex procedures, creating a more connected global healthcare ecosystem.
Apollo Hospitals’ expansion into new international markets also signals a maturing phase for one of India’s most established healthcare brands. From its early role in developing private healthcare in India to its current focus on global partnerships, the group continues to adapt to changing patient and market needs.
As medical tourism evolves, the movement of expertise may become just as important as the movement of patients. Apollo’s strategy reflects this shift, positioning the group not only as a destination provider, but as a global partner in healthcare delivery.
About MTM Global
MTM Global is a London based international healthcare consultancy specializing in premier health tourism.
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