The acquisition of Abu Dhabi’s Harley Street Medical Centre (HSMC) by Aster DM Healthcare is expected to give the Dubai company a platform to expand in day care services in the capital.

Aster DM bought a 60 per cent stake in HSMC for an undisclosed amount last week.

“This is a niche sector and we see it as a good sector to grow,” said Kartik Thakrar, the financial controller for the Arabian Gulf region at Aster DM Healthcare.

There are 110 employees at the centre, including 20 doctors, and Aster DM expects that number to grow as it expands in size in six months, to 35,000 square feet from 18,000 sq ft. It will also introduce new services within three months. After the expansion, Mr Thakrar said, it will apply for a hospital licence.

Changes made to health cover benefits offered by national insurance company Daman this year have made it more expensive for some residents to seek treatment outside the emirate.

One of the reasons for Dubai providers buying facilities in Abu Dhabi is because of these changes in regulations, said Mansoor Ahmed, the director for healthcare practices at Colliers International.

With new technology, patients can undergo some procedures at a day care centre and be discharged the same day.

Insurance companies are encouraging the day care facilities to reduce the load at hospitals in Abu Dhabi as it reduces the cost of hospital stays, Mr Ahmed said.

There is a shortage of about 700 hospital beds in Abu Dhabi, according to Colliers International.

The law firm Clyde & Co, which was AsterDM’s adviser on the deal, said the healthcare group is now a US$6 billion business.