Mulk, Ajeenkya DY Patil Group team-up to launch a large-scale virtual hospital

Healthcare is undergoing a digital transformation in the MENA region, and a groundbreaking partnership between UAE's Mulk International and India's Ajeenkya DY Patil Group aims to lead the charge. Together, these two entities have become equal shareholders in Mulk Med Healthcare — launching the region's first large-scale virtual hospital. We're not sure how it stands compared to KSA's Seha Virtual Hospital, though.

Anyway, with a hefty investment of AED 100 million (around $27 million), the initiative promises to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the MENA and Asia-Pacific regions — bringing innovative, patient-centric solutions to millions of people.

Dr. Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, Founder and President of Mulk Med Healthcare, expressed the vision behind this collaboration: "Our partnership with the DY Patil Group signifies a shared dedication to rapidly evolving innovation and inclusivity in healthcare."

How woes it work?

The cornerstone of this initiative is the Mulk Med Virtual Hospitals ecosystem, which leverages cutting-edge technology to offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services. Operational in countries such as Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea — and expanding to other territories — the platform combines telehealth consultations with services like:

- 24/7 video consultations supported by over 20,000 global doctors.
- Mulk Med App, enabling users across 170+ countries to access healthcare resources conveniently.
- Services such as discounted medicines, smart ambulances, mobile clinics, and home care.

For non-insured patients and visitors, the Mulk Medicare Privilege Health Card offers discounted lab tests, radiology services, hospital admissions, and more. The ecosystem also incorporates AI-enhanced devices like ICU Pods and kiosks for continuous monitoring of chronic diseases.

Why does it matter?

Access to affordable, high-quality healthcare remains a global challenge, especially in underserved communities. This initiative bridges the gap by delivering equitable and inclusive healthcare through a hybrid model that integrates digital and onsite solutions. Patients in remote areas can consult doctors virtually, access medicines, and even benefit from mobile clinics.

Dr. Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk International, highlighted the group's commitment to societal change: "We are dedicated to fostering partnerships with local communities and governments to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth."

In addition, the initiative supports medical tourism, with robust healthcare insurance and world-class facilities catering to travelers in India and abroad. The DY Patil Group's focus on expanding hospital infrastructure across India further strengthens the ecosystem, addressing the growing demand for longevity, precision medicine, and genomic research.

The context

This collaboration comes at a time when the world faces mounting healthcare challenges, from rising costs to accessibility issues. Both partners bring significant expertise to the table:

• Mulk International, a global conglomerate with a strong presence in healthcare, diagnostics, and medical trading, is leveraging its decades of experience to implement advanced virtual healthcare technologies.
• Ajeenkya DY Patil Group, with its extensive hospital network and innovative research initiatives, complements this by integrating cutting-edge infrastructure to support medical tourism and advanced patient care.

As Dr. Ajeenkya Patil stated: "Together, we aim to deliver a transformative, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem that prioritises accessibility, affordability, and quality."