More than one million people in India suffer from severe kidney disease requiring dialysis treatment, and the number is growing. To increase access to dialysis, the Indian government has launched a National Dialysis Program aiming at setting up dialysis clinics across India in collaboration with private operators.
Most of DCDC Kidney Care’s more than 100 clinics are run as shop-in-shop within the premises of public hospitals and provide dialysis treatment to patients under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement with the local state governments.
This makes DCDC the leading PPP dialysis operator in India today. The PPP business of the company directly targets the economically weaker section of the Indian population.
The social dimension is an integral part of DCDC’s business model, and the company regularly organises training and awareness programmes for both patients and medical professionals promoting best-practice prevention and treatment of kidney disease.
– Across all investments, our goal is to contribute to a just and inclusive economy. The investment in DCDC Kidney Care is a perfect match as the company provides essential medical care to economically weaker people with a life-threatening disease. We are pleased to partner with DCDC, a well-run company with a clear purpose, and look forward to actively supporting its clear growth and impact trajectory, said Emil Sierczynski, Senior Investment Manager at IFU.
Double footprint and nationwide presence
The company aims to double its capacity before 2025 to improve access to affordable treatment for patients near their home. IFU’s investment of USD 11.5 million will contribute to this growth, which will comprise the expansion of existing clinics as well as the establishment of new clinics across India. IFU’s investment is made on behalf of the Danish SDG Investment Fund, which is backed by the Danish State, large Danish pension funds and other private and institutional investors.
“We are excited to partner with IFU as well as to strengthen our existing relationship with ADB as it will be help us to create a more robust dialysis platform across India. The complementing values present synergy towards development of dialysis infrastructure which will prove to be a boon for ailing patients of chronic kidney disease, especially the poor.”
Aseem Garg, DCDC Founder and Director.
IFU’s investment is being made alongside Asian Development Bank, which has been a shareholder in the company since 2018.
– The relatively high cost of renal care treatment coupled with travel expenses and scarce dialysis services can damage income and employment prospects especially at low-income households. ADB and IFU’s combined support aims to ensure DCDC’s continued robust operations and expand its reach in India, said Samarendra Singh, ADB Principal Investment Specialist.
Supporting the Global Goals
In line with the mandate of the Danish SDG Investment Fund, the investment will support the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal 3.8: Achieving access to quality essential health-care services for all and goal 3.4: Reducing mortality from noncommunicable diseases.