Indian company Aster DM Healthcare has inaugurated dedicated paediatric and geriatric emergency departments at Aster MIMS Calicut in Kerala.

The launch was officiated by Aster DM Healthcare founder and chairman Dr Azad Moopen on 8 August.

According to ETHealthworld.com, the paediatric emergency department is an eight-bed facility, fully equipped and staffed 24/7 by specialised paediatricians and their residents, ensuring comprehensive care.

The geriatric emergency department, a growing field of specialisation, will benefit from the expertise of geriatric medicine specialists Dr Venugopal and Dr Nadeem Rahman.

A separate ten-bed area has been allocated for managing geriatric emergencies, with collaborative supervision from the emergency medicine and general medicine departments.

This development aims to provide quality care to both paediatric and geriatric patients by qualified professionals.

Dr Moopen said: “Adding to the array of services, are two new departments – paediatric and geriatric emergency departments.

“We believe both children and the elderly have different and unique medical needs and specialised emergency departments ensure that patients receive age-appropriate care, leading to better health outcomes. We look forward to positively impacting more lives through these initiatives.”

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2027, Aster DM Healthcare has ambitious plans to add 1,500 beds across its network and expand its operating presence across India, with an investment of up to Rs9bn ($108m).

As per its announcement earlier this year, the company’s expansion strategy involves investing in the new Aster Capital in Trivandrum, Kerala, which is anticipated to have more than 350 beds in its initial phase by FY 2026.

Additionally, Aster MIMS Kasargod in Kerala is set to offer a bed capacity exceeding 200.

The company further plans to expand the bed capacities at its Medcity and MIMS Kannur hospitals by 100 beds each and to add 159 beds at its Aster Whitefield facility.