He is the founder and chairman of the largest chain of homoeopathic clinics in the world and Dr Mukesh Batra recently inaugurated the third clinic in Goa at Ponda. He spoke to Ajit John about his plans for the brand in the state and the rest of the country.
Herald: How easy or difficult it to set up a business in Goa?
Mukesh Batra: It was very easy to set it up in Goa. Let me tell you I have worked all over the world and medicine is far more regulated around the world. In Dubai it took me six months and here in Goa it took me just one month to set up everything. Once you are a doctor who is registered in India it is easy to start a business here. I intend to have five centres here in Goa with two more centres set to open shortly.
Herald: You have talked about medical tourism, what would you do to attract medical tourists to Goa?
MB: It is a growing segment of the larger tourism market and I believe that the tourism department should look at this segment properly. It should check the various medical facilities in the state and then start promoting them. Position Goa as a place where you can get alternative treatment, one has to attract doctors, surgeons, homeopaths to the state. Look at Kerala they have added the appeal of ayurveda and this makes for a very strong product. Goa as a place resonates around the world and this will make tourism purposeful.
Herald: What is the turnover of your company and what are your plans for the next three to five years?
MB: We are approximately a Rs 200 crore company and we intend to touch Rs 500 crore in the next couple of years. We are launching centres every week and we have been doing this for a couple of months now. Our products are available in 1500 outlets and we hope to reach 5000 by March next year and then 10,000.
Herald: When will these homeopathic products be available in Goa?
MB: We are first looking at cracking the big markets like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and then perhaps Goa. We have around 100 health advisors in various big outlets who advise people. We are moving ahead in a systematic manner.
Herald: Where is your manufacturing outlet?
MB: It is in Palghar and will be a fully automated plant by December. Homeopathy is recognised in 80 countries and we want to be present in all of them. We have now given our products to the FDA in America which will take six months. Our focus area is the middle- east and London.
