By Saksham Arora Apollo Diagnostics was founded in 1983 as part of the Apollo Hospitals group in India and has grown into one of India’s leading diagnostic and pathology chains. Trusted for lab tests, imaging, health screenings and diagnostics services, Apollo Diagnostics enjoys wide brand recognition throughout the country. Given the rising demand for quality diagnostic services, many entrepreneurs consider opening an Apollo Diagnostics franchise or collection centre.
This article describes what it takes — the investment needed, cost breakdown, space requirements, profit potential and whether an Apollo Diagnostics franchise suits you.
About the Apollo Diagnostics Brand
Apollo Diagnostics offers a comprehensive range of services: pathology tests, blood work, radiology (X-ray, ultrasound, imaging), full-body health check-ups and sample collection from collection centres. Because of brand trust, network coverage and quality assurance, many patients prefer Apollo for accurate results and timely service. As a partner or franchise, you benefit from brand strength, steady demand, and a wide customer base including patients, hospitals, clinics and home-collect requests.
Is Apollo Diagnostics a Franchise or Partnership Model?
Apollo Diagnostics operates through a partnership / collection-centre / franchise-like model. Entrepreneurs can set up a diagnostic collection centre (sample collection + coordination), or sometimes a full-fledged diagnostic lab depending on city and demand. Partners run the outlet, while main lab or network handles core testing or processing. The model requires compliance with medical and health regulations.
Total Apollo Diagnostics Franchise/Partner Centre Cost in India
Cost depends on centre type. Typical investment ranges:
- Small Collection Centre (sample collection, reporting tie-up): ₹8–15 lakh
- Medium Diagnostic Centre (with some tests / basic on-site tests): ₹15–25 lakh
- Larger Diagnostic Centre (with imaging, broader test menu, waiting area): ₹25–40 lakh
Most partner-centres begin around ₹8–15 lakh for standard collection-centre setup.
Cost Breakdown for Apollo Diagnostics Centre
Typical cost components:
- Partnership / Onboarding & Licensing Fee: ₹1–2 lakh
- Interiors & Reception / Waiting Area Setup: ₹2–4 lakh
- Sample-Collection Setup (chairs, sample containers, storage, refrigeration): ₹1–3 lakh
- IT Systems, Billing & Data Entry Setup: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh
- Initial Consumables & Inventory (needles, vials, gloves, sample containers): ₹50,000–₹1 lakh
- Refrigeration / Cold-storage (if needed): ₹1–2 lakh
- Staff Hiring & Training: ₹1–2 lakh
- Working Capital / Operating Reserve: ₹1–2 lakh
- Rental Deposit / Advance (if rented space): depends on city and locality
Total for a basic collection centre generally lies between ₹8–15 lakh. Bigger setups with imaging services or more test menu will cost more.
Space & Location Requirement
Depending on your chosen model:
- Minimum for Collection Centre: 200–300 sq ft (small reception + sample collection + storage)
- Medium Diagnostic Centre: 300–600 sq ft (waiting area, collection area, small lab/ storage)
- Larger Diagnostic Centre: 600–1,200 sq ft or more (includes waiting area, sample-processing or tie-up section, possibly imaging space)
Ideal locations are near residential areas, clinics, hospitals, busy localities, or areas with good accessibility and parking — to encourage walk-ins and sample collections.
Profit Margin & ROI Potential
With demand and good operations, a diagnostic centre under Apollo Diagnostics can yield:
- Monthly Revenue: ₹1.5–5 lakh depending on test volumes and footfall
- Net Profit Margin: 15%–25% after expenses including staff, utilities, supplies
- Net Monthly Profit: ₹25,000–₹75,000 or more for smaller centres; larger centres with higher volumes may earn more
- ROI Period: 18–30 months for small to medium setup; bigger centres may take 2–3 years depending on scale
Steady demand for diagnostics, tie-ups with clinics/hospitals, and home-collection services help maintain consistent revenue.
Royalty & Ongoing Charges
As partner or franchisee you bear ongoing costs:
- Rent and utilities (electricity, water, refrigeration)
- Consumables (vials, reagents, disposables), replacement of storage equipment
- Staff salaries (phlebotomists, helpers, admin staff)
- Maintenance, hygiene compliance, licensing renewals
Apollo Diagnostics may charge an initial partnership fee; ongoing royalties or commission depend on agreement but are generally structured to balance with service volume.
Support Provided by Apollo Diagnostics
Apollo supports partners by offering:
- Brand name and national trust — helps attract patients
- Standard operating procedures for sample collection, hygiene, data handling and reporting
- Supply chain support for consumables and lab requirements
- Logistics support for sample transport (if processing is centralized)
- System support: billing, reporting, integration with central lab for test processing
- Training for staff on sample handling, customer service and safety compliance
This backing helps even first-time diagnostics entrepreneurs run operations with guidance and oversight.
Who Should Invest / Partner with Apollo Diagnostics?
This model suits:
- Individuals with ₹8–15 lakh (or more for advanced setups) ready to invest
- People interested in healthcare business and willing to manage daily operations
- Entrepreneurs in towns or cities with demand for diagnostics, near hospitals or residential areas
- Those who can maintain hygiene, quality standards and reliable operations
It may not suit investors expecting passive income or those unwilling to handle regulatory compliance.
Risks & Challenges
- Need for strict compliance with health, hygiene and regulatory norms — mistakes can affect licence or reputation
- Demand depends on local awareness and healthcare access — in small towns demand may be low
- Maintenance of cold-storage, refrigeration and hygiene adds to recurring costs
- Need for trained staff and consistent service quality — staff shortage or poor service hurts business
- Dependence on central lab tie-ups — delays or logistic issues may affect service delivery
With careful management of operations, supply chain and quality, these risks can be mitigated.
How to Apply / Partner with Apollo Diagnostics
- Submit partnership enquiry with location, shop space details, and investment capacity
- Undergo site inspection and suitability assessment by Apollo team
- Meet regulatory / compliance requirements for diagnostics facility
- Sign partnership agreement and get authorisation
- Complete interiors, setup sample-collection and storage infrastructure
- Hire and train staff per brand guidelines
- Launch the centre under Apollo Diagnostics brand and start operations
Conclusion
Apollo Diagnostics presents a realistic and accessible entry into India’s growing diagnostic and healthcare services market. With investment starting around ₹8–15 lakh for a collection centre, and higher for more advanced services, it provides a steady-income opportunity with strong brand backing. Success depends on proper location, consistent demand, hygiene standards and quality service. For committed entrepreneurs ready to manage operations, an Apollo Diagnostics outlet can be a stable, trusted and profitable business venture.