Dr Lal PathLabs reports 12.8% jump in net profit at Rs 574 million

Leading diagnostic chain Dr Lal PathLabs Tuesday reported 12.8 percent jump in net profit at Rs 574 million for the quarter to September.

Operating revenue increased by 14.1 per cent to Rs 3175 million , the company said in a statement.

Operating margin declined to 28.5 per cent as against 29 per cent a year ago.

"We have seen accelerated growth of 14.1 per cent in this quarter driven by higher patient volumes which was in sync with our expectations. We were able to increase our samples per patient with the help of momentum created towards bundling tests under the 'SwasthFit' brand," chief executive Om Manchanda said.

He said the company's focus continues to remain on expansion through franchisee collection center network and building scale in the markets we operate. Going forward, we will strive to continue to drive growth through volumes as well as test mix.

"While we are maintaining our focus on regions where we are established, the new reference laboratory at Kolkata will raise our profile within the medical fraternity and draw in patients from the regions in Central and Eastern states and beyond, the company's chairman Arvind Lal said.

The lab chain has built a national, "hub and spoke" network that includes its national reference laboratory in New Delhi, regional reference lab in Kolkata and 191 other clinical laboratories, 2,153 patient service centers and 5,624 pickup points and its customers include individual patients, hospitals and other healthcare providers and corporate customers.