Chennai: The Chennai-based Rs20-crore turnover Lifeline group of hospitals is on acquisitive mood. The group is planning to acquire couple of hospitals in the North Eastern Indian states and in the Middle East region.

According to group chairman Dr J S Rajkumar, the inorganic growth is part of the group''s plan to touch a turnover figure of Rs100 crore three years down the line. In the Madipakkam suburb of Chennai, the group has taken over a 30-bed hospital premises on a 20-year lease and has refurbished it at an outlay of Rs4 crore.

"We will invest another Rs3 crore there," said Dr Rajkumar. The additional investment would enable the new hospital to be connected through telemedicine network.

Looking forward Dr Rajkumar says the group is looking at an investment of Rs100 crore for upgrading the existing infrastructure as well as acquisitions. "We will fund the investment by roping in a strategic investor, internal accruals or raising venture capital funds."