Written By: Khushboo Verma

India's healthcare industry is growing at 22% annually. As a result, more families are choosing organized medical systems over unregulated providers. In this environment, investors are showing strong interest in hospital-backed franchise models that deliver clinical reliability, predictable patient flow, and proven operating frameworks. One name that stands out is Shalby Hospitals. The group is known for excellence in orthopedic care and its growing network of multispecialty facilities across India. With the Shalby Orthopedic Centre of Excellence (SOCE) program, the group offers a structured pathway for healthcare entrepreneurs. Moreover, the shalby hospital franchise model balances medical credibility with business scalability. This makes it one of the most trusted healthcare expansion formats for 2026.

This article examines how the model works, what investors can expect, and why Shalby's franchise system is gaining attention among serious healthcare investors.

How Shalby Built Its Reputation in Indian Healthcare

Founded by Dr. Vikram Shah in 1994, Shalby Hospitals has spent over three decades developing expertise in orthopedic surgery. The group operates:

• 11 multispecialty hospitals
• 5 orthopedic centers
• Presence across 13 cities in India
• Over 2,200 hospital beds

Furthermore, Shalby holds impressive clinical credentials:

150,000+ joint replacement surgeries performed

Shalby performs over 15,000 joint replacement surgeries annually. Additionally, the hospital commands 15% market share in India's organized joint replacement sector. This consistency forms the foundation of the shalby hospital franchise framework.

Investors partnering with Shalby gain access to a clinical system refined across thousands of procedures. Shalby's experience reflects broader healthcare franchising trends. Structured systems, audited processes, and reliable medical workflows give national chains an advantage over standalone clinics.

The SOCE Model: A Franchise for Orthopedic Excellence

Shalby's official franchise offering operates under the Shalby Orthopedic Centre of Excellence (SOCE) program. This model enables investors to set up orthopedic centers that benefit from:

• Shalby's established surgical reputation
• Brand visibility across India
• Clinical management expertise
• Access to specialists for complex cases

The SOCE format is built for scalability. Investors can choose the partnership level matching their resources and clinical ambitions. In every format, Shalby provides operational guidance and technical support.

For healthcare entrepreneurs, this creates a pathway to enter a high-demand segment with reduced risk. Orthopedics remains one of India's most consistent medical categories. The aging population and growing lifestyle-related joint issues drive demand. With Shalby's established brand backing the venture, partners attract patients more efficiently than new independent clinics.

Flexible Business Models for Different Investor Profiles

Shalby designed the shalby hospital franchise format to accommodate varied investment capabilities. The group offers flexible partnership models:

a. Clinic-level Centers

Ideal for entrepreneurs entering healthcare with moderate investment.

Focus areas:

• Non-surgical services
• Physiotherapy
• Diagnostics
• Consultations
• Joint care programs

b. Day-care or Procedure Centers

Suitable for investors with higher capital who want to deliver minor surgeries and advanced orthopedic treatments.

Requirements:

• More space
• Technical equipment
• Clinical staffing

c. Hospital-attached or Co-branded Partnerships

For existing healthcare facilities wanting to integrate Shalby's orthopedic expertise. This model strengthens a hospital's specialty portfolio while leveraging Shalby's protocols.

The flexibility allows investors to participate in India's growing healthcare demand without committing to full hospital capital requirements. The layered structure also ensures partners can scale upward as patient flow grows.

Operational Support System That Drives Success

One of the strongest elements of the shalby hospital franchise system is end-to-end operational support.

Key Support Areas:

Branding and Positioning: Use of Shalby's brand assets and patient communication materials helps franchise centers establish trust from day one.

Clinical Protocols and SOPs: Partners receive standardized treatment guidelines, safety checklists, medication protocols, and rehabilitation templates. This ensures consistent patient experience.

Training and Skill Development: Shalby conducts training programs for:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Physiotherapists
• Technicians
• Administrative staff

Equipment and Technology Guidance: The group assists in selecting medical equipment, digital systems, and diagnostic tools aligned with its protocols.

Ongoing Audit and Quality Monitoring: Regular visits and performance audits help maintain high-quality clinical environments.

Marketing and Outreach: Shalby provides campaigns highlighting orthopedic expertise, advanced treatments, and success stories.

Investment Structure: What Entrepreneurs Should Expect

According to Shalby's official franchise information, the investment for opening a SOCE franchise ranges from Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore.

Investment Components:

• Facility renovation and interiors
• Medical and diagnostic equipment
• IT infrastructure and digital tools
• Staff hiring and training
• Working capital for initial operations

Unlike many retail franchises, healthcare centers experience consistent footfall once awareness builds in the catchment area. The operating model is designed to achieve sustainability by optimizing capital allocation.

Based on industry standards for specialty orthopedic centers

Market Opportunity: Why 2026 is the Right Time

The Indian orthopedic devices market was valued at Rs 2,620 crore in 2024. It is projected to reach Rs 4,530 crore by 2033, growing at 5.8% annually. Meanwhile, India's hospital market was valued at $98.98 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $193.59 billion by 2032.

Several factors make 2026 particularly favorable:

Rising Osteoarthritis Cases

By 2025, India is expected to have 60 million osteoarthritis cases. Aging, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing obesity drive this growth.

Growing Insurance Coverage

Health insurance penetration is expanding across India. This makes surgical care more affordable and creates stable revenue streams for elective procedures.

Government Healthcare Initiatives

Schemes like Ayushman Bharat provide coverage for orthopedic procedures. This increases accessibility for a larger population.

Medical Tourism Growth

Orthopedic procedures remain a top attraction for international patients.

Why Shalby Hospital Franchise Model Stands Out in 2026

Several factors make the shalby hospital franchise one of the most trusted options:

National Reputation for Orthopedics

Shalby's expertise in joint replacement is documented. The group holds 15% market share in India's organized joint replacement sector. Moreover, Shalby performs 50,000 to 60,000 joint replacements annually across its network.

Proven Track Record

With 150,000+ joint replacements performed over three decades, Shalby brings extensive clinical experience.

Advanced Robotic Technology Leadership

Shalby made history in July 2025 by conducting the first completely autonomous robotic surgery for joint replacement globally. The procedure utilized the CUREXO CUVIS Joint system along with the Monogram TKA System.

Key technological advantages:

• Specialized 7-axis robotic arm designed for bone cutting operations
• Higher precision during surgeries
• Minimally invasive approaches
• More than 20% of Shalby's surgical procedures now use robotic assistance

Patients choosing robotic-assisted treatments benefit from reduced recovery periods and improved surgical outcomes.

Standardized Clinical Systems

Uniform protocols reduce variability and strengthen medical outcomes across all centers.

Strong Brand Equity

Patients prefer established names for specialized care. Shalby has won multiple awards including Best Orthopedic Hospital by The Economic Times.

Technology Integration

Digital health records, teleconsultation pathways, and modern diagnostic interfaces improve operational efficiency. Additionally, Shalby acquired a US-based knee and hip implant manufacturer in 2021, ensuring quality control.

Lower Risk Profile

Partners gain a proven template instead of building independent clinic systems from scratch.

Comparison: Shalby vs Other Healthcare Franchises

This comparison highlights the specialized advantage Shalby offers to franchise partners. While general healthcare franchises may have lower entry costs, the shalby hospital franchise provides focused expertise in a high-demand medical segment.

Who Should Consider the Shalby Hospital Franchise

The shalby hospital franchise is suited for:

• Medical professionals wanting to start specialty practices
• Owners of existing clinics planning to upgrade
• Entrepreneurs entering healthcare with long-term vision
• Investors with real estate suitable for clinical operations
• Small hospitals looking to expand orthopedic offerings

The model favors individuals who value:

1. Structured operations 
2. Clinical discipline 
3. Predictable growth potential

Key Due Diligence Before Partnering

While the shalby hospital franchise offers strong advantages, investors should evaluate several critical factors:

Market Assessment

• Catchment population density
• Local competition analysis
• Age demographics (elderly population percentage)

Financial Planning

• Insurance tie-up possibilities
• Revenue projections based on local demand
• Working capital requirements

Regulatory Compliance

• State medical licensing requirements
• NABH accreditation pathways
• Biomedical waste management protocols

Staffing

• Availability of trained orthopedic professionals
• Physiotherapist recruitment
• Administrative staff requirements

These factors directly influence patient flow and operational efficiency.

Final Outlook: A Scalable Model for 2026

India's healthcare sector is projected to reach Rs 54,67,022 crore ($638 billion) by 2025. Healthcare spending accounts for 3.3% of GDP in 2022 and is expected to rise to 5% by 2030.

Orthopedic care remains one of the fastest-growing segments due to demographic shifts and lifestyle changes. The Indian orthopedics market is growing at 8-11% CAGR. Single-specialty hospitals focusing on orthopedics are gaining preference as patients seek focused expertise and advanced equipment.

Why Choose Shalby in 2026?

Shalby's SOCE model delivers:

• Structured framework
• Clinical credibility
• Flexible partnership options
• Proven operational systems

Its balance of brand strength, standardized systems, and clinical guidance positions it as one of the most reliable healthcare franchise opportunities in 2026. For investors seeking long-term, impact-driven business backed by a trusted hospital chain, the shalby hospital franchise stands out as a compelling option.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.