Fortis Healthcare raises Rs 187 crore by allotting shares to IFC

NEW DELHI: Fortis Healthcare Ltd today said it has raised Rs 186.62 crore by allotting 1.8 crore shares to International Finance Corporation on a preferential basis.

The company's board has by a resolution allotted 18,833,700 equity shares of the company to International
Finance Corporation (IFC), on a preferential basis, Fortis Healthcare said in a filing to the BSE.

Sensex volatile; Bharti falls 2%, Nikkei rises 5%

Equity benchmarks are trading flat to positive in late morning trade, after losing more than 100 points on the Sensex. Fortis Healthcare gained 1.3 percent, after the company raised USD 55 million (around Rs 310 crore) through the FCCB route.


11:59am PVR gained 1.6 percent, after the board of directors approved merger of Cinemax India , Cine Hospitality with self (a wholly-owned subsidiary).

In January, PVR had announced to acquire 69.27 percent stake from the promoter group of Cinemax in all cash transaction Rs 395 crore. Cinemax India shares surged 10 percent.

11:50am Rupee extended its fall due to weakness in Indian macros as well as global dollar strength. It depreciated by 70 paise to a record low of 57.76 per dollar.

FIIs have redeemed more than Rs 7,600 crore from Indian debt market in the first week of June owing to weakness in the rupee. Standard Chartered says the rupee move is reminescent of August 2011 fall and debt markets may see more outflows.

11:45am Coromandel International gained is up 0.4 percent, as Deutsche Bank has a buy rating on the stock, with a target price of Rs 260. "FY14 is likely to be significantly better on expected normal monsoon, lower discounts and as dealer margins drive improvement in margins," Deutsche Bank report said.

GSK Pharma lost 2.6 percent, after brokerage house Nomura downgraded the stock to a reduce, with a target price of Rs 2,236. "The stock has rallied expectations of an open offer from the parent. But while Glaxo plc might be interested in raising its stake, the valuation could be a deterrent," Nomura reasoned.

11:30am Equity benchmarks are trading flat to positive in late morning trade, after losing more than 100 points on the Sensex.

The BSE Sensex is up 44.55 points to 19473.78, and the Nifty advanced 11.05 points to 5892.05. About 980 shares advanced while 878 shares declined.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Average jumped by 5 percent or 636.67 to 13,514.20 while other Asian markets are up between 0.3 percent and 0.8 percent.

Back home, Fortis Healthcare gained 1.3 percent, after the company raised USD 55 million (around Rs 310 crore) through the FCCB route. These funds will help the company for further expansion of hospital beds in India over the next three to five years and to reduce debt.

Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) lost 4.4 percent on reports that the consortium of banking lenders has authorised SBI to file a recovery suit against the company in the debt recovery tribunal to realise its dues aggregating Rs 7000 crore. Lenders have also given their consent to SBI to proceed against the guarantor of loans given to KFA.

11:20am Technology stocks continue to trade higher, tracking sharp depreciation in rupee that could help software services exporters. Hexaware's chairman Atul Nishar says the rupee depreciation would help margins improve by 100 basis points.

He expects 10 percent growth in CY13, and revenue growth will be better in second half of year, he adds.

Hexaware shares gained 2.5 percent to Rs 86.45.

11:10am Indian rupee depreciated by 64 paise to touch a record low of 57.70 per dollar on Monday. Chief Economic Advisor Raghuram Rajan said the rupee fall could be a temporary phenomenon.

"We will keep taking medium-term steps to ease rupee volatility," Rajan added.

Sun Pharma , Bharti Airtel and Jindal Steel are top losers, falling between 1.5 percent and 2 percent.

Indian equities erased all early gains on sharp depreciation in rupee that touched a record low of 57.70 per dollar on Monday. The BSE Sensex gained 19.88 points at 19449.11 that rallied 156.52 points in early trade.

The NSE Nifty rose 5.40 points to 5886.40.

Now the Indian rupee is trading at 57.68, down 62 paise from Friday's closing level.

Even though the rupee is keeping market watchers on the edge, Samir Arora of Helios Capital says he is not " overly worried " about the currency. That’s because he feels the bad phase for the economy and the market, which is down about 4-5 percent in dollar terms, is now behind us.

Medical equipment maker Opto Circuits fell 17.75 percent to Rs 23.40 on National Stock Exchange.

Technology stocks are on buyers' radar after rupee depreciation. Infosys and TCS gained 0.9 percent while Wipro rose 2.2 percent.

Index heavyweights Reliance Industries , ITC and HDFC are up nearly 0.5 percent.

Among banks, top lender State Bank of India gained 0.33 percent while its rival ICICI Bank fell 0.8 percent.'

IHC Specialty Benefits Launches Health Care Reform Calculator to Help Determine Obamacare Tax Credits and Health Insurance Premiums

Healthedeals.com, marketed by IHC Specialty Benefits, a member of The IHC Group, announced the launch of a consumer-friendly health care reform calculator that provides Obamacare tax subsidy estimates for the Affordable Care Act, which goes into effect on January 1, 2014. When users enter their age, location and income, the calculator displays the amount individuals will have to pay for health insurance purchased on the Exchange in the coming year, their eligibility for premium subsidies, and what the tax penalty will be if they choose to opt-out of the government mandated law.

In 2014, 100 million Americans may discover the amount they pay or their employer pays, for health insurance, will go up dramatically.
“This is a time of confusion for most Americans who don’t understand the impact health care reform is going to have on their lives and their wallets. We want to educate the public on what the costs for health insurance will be in an easy to understand format, and provide solutions for individuals who are currently uninsured or might not be able to afford what is being offered on the health exchanges in 2014,” said Jeff Smedsrud, President and Chief Executive Officer of IHC Specialty Benefits.
Smedsrud’s suggestion to the uninsured or small business owners who provide insurance to their employees, is to investigate what premium subsidy they maybe eligible to receive in 2014 using the Obamacare calculator. If the annual estimated price for health insurance is more than what they can afford or want to pay, Smedsrud recommends shopping for temporary health insurance that can provide affordable coverage for the next 364 days.
“In 2014, everyone will be able to purchase health insurance coverage, without regard to health status–for a price. Instead of waiting to see what will happen, why not get your insurance game plan together today? Lower your health insurance costs by locking in your savings for the next year, guaranteed.” He added that low cost health insurance is also available for those looking for lump sum cash benefits for critical illness or similar type benefits like fixed indemnity coverage for doctor and hospital visits.
Healthedeals.com offers a unique comparison shopping experience, allowing visitors the opportunity to review the plan and price differences. Insurance offerings on the site include individual health insurance, temporary health insurance, indemnity plans, such as doctor, hospital, surgical and critical illness insurance. Dental insurance, bundled accident insurance plans and pet insurance are also available.
About healthedeals.com and IHC Specialty Benefits
Healthedeals.com is a website offered by IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc., a member of The IHC Group, with $1.2 billion in assets as of January 2013. The IHC Group is comprised of insurance carriers, and marketing and administrative affiliates committed to providing excellent service and offering competitive health, life, disability, stop-loss, short-term medical, travel and dental insurance products to groups and individuals. IHC Specialty Benefits is a customer-driven company differentiating itself through knowledge, experience and integrity. We, in conjunction with our trusted insurance carriers, share a mutual desire to provide important benefits to our customers and to meet their needs in an innovative, hassle-free manner.

ACE Comprehensive Travel Medical Insurance Announces a New Pre-existing Medical Condition Coverage Policy for Visitors to the United States

India Network Foundation, sponsor of health insurance for visitors to the U.S., announces the addition of the ACE Network Health Insurance Plan, a new comprehensive insurance. Dr. KV Rao, President of India Network, said, "After we initially tested the product, we were surprised at the response from our members. They loved it! The ACE Network comprehensive Travel health insurance plan is great for visitors with pre-existing conditions who are seeking insurance coverage for such problems as diabetes, blood pressure, hypertension, or any other medical conditions of the past."
A unique feature of ACE Network Visitor Health Insurance Plan is its treatment of new health conditions and pre-existing health conditions on the same par with coverage for both outpatient services and inpatient services. This is the only plan in the United States that offer protection against pre-existing medical conditions, new medical conditions, and accidents without any differentiation of coverage. The ACE Network plan pays 80 percent of the first $5,000 of medical expenses after the deductible, and then 100 percent up until the coverage maximum allowed. This special feature limits the exposure of policy holder to a maximum of $1,000 plus deductible chosen for any medical condition, or accident. An interesting aspect of the ACE Network Health Plan is that is provides pre-existing health insurance for visitors with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
ACE Network Visitor Health Insurance Plan operates in the Multi-Plan PPO Health Network — the largest provider network of hospitals and doctors in the United States that allow comprehensive coverage and provide a high-level of medical care to visitors.
India Network Health Insurance spokesperson Deepa says, "The summer is always a busy season for travelers, especially visitors from India coming to the U.S. I am very excited we were able to offer the ACE Network Health Plan in time to provide the much needed pre-existing comprehensive coverage that assures safe and happy travels."
The ACE Network Travel Health Insurance Plan works in conjunction with other quality insurance programs sponsored by the India Network Foundation: Standard (basic coverage for healthy visitors), Premier (basic coverage with pre-existing medical conditions), and Platinum Comprehensive Plan (with limited pre-existing condition coverage). The latter, Platinum, was also recently released as an alternative to the ACE Network Expatriate Health Insurance Plan. Visitors staying for a period of less than three months can sign up for the Platinum Network Travel Insurance Plan.
About India Network Foundation    

India Network Foundation, established as a US non-profit organization, has been helping the Asian Indian community in North America with programs and grants to academics from India for more than two decades. India Network Foundation sponsors visitor health insurance to tourists, students, temporary workers (H1 visa holders) and their families.
For more information, visit http://www.indianetwork.org.
About India Network Health Insurance

India Network Health Insurance is a US based company that administers visitor health insurance to transition residents, tourists, students, temporary workers and their families. Visitor medical plans are offered for all age groups (0 – 99 years old) with both fixed coverage, comprehensive coverage and with pre existing condition coverage. India Network Services also offer scheduled benefit plans for U.S. Citizens and Green Card holders.

IHC Specialty Benefits Launches Health Care Reform Calculator to Help Determine Obamacare Tax Credits and Health Insurance Premiums

Healthedeals.com, marketed by IHC Specialty Benefits, a member of The IHC Group, announced the launch of a consumer-friendly health care reform calculator that provides Obamacare tax subsidy estimates for the Affordable Care Act, which goes into effect on January 1, 2014. When users enter their age, location and income, the calculator displays the amount individuals will have to pay for health insurance purchased on the Exchange in the coming year, their eligibility for premium subsidies, and what the tax penalty will be if they choose to opt-out of the government mandated law.
In 2014, 100 million Americans may discover the amount they pay or their employer pays, for health insurance, will go up dramatically.

“This is a time of confusion for most Americans who don’t understand the impact health care reform is going to have on their lives and their wallets. We want to educate the public on what the costs for health insurance will be in an easy to understand format, and provide solutions for individuals who are currently uninsured or might not be able to afford what is being offered on the health exchanges in 2014,” said Jeff Smedsrud, President and Chief Executive Officer of IHC Specialty Benefits.
Smedsrud’s suggestion to the uninsured or small business owners who provide insurance to their employees, is to investigate what premium subsidy they maybe eligible to receive in 2014 using the Obamacare calculator. If the annual estimated price for health insurance is more than what they can afford or want to pay, Smedsrud recommends shopping for temporary health insurance that can provide affordable coverage for the next 364 days.
“In 2014, everyone will be able to purchase health insurance coverage, without regard to health status–for a price. Instead of waiting to see what will happen, why not get your insurance game plan together today? Lower your health insurance costs by locking in your savings for the next year, guaranteed.” He added that low cost health insurance is also available for those looking for lump sum cash benefits for critical illness or similar type benefits like fixed indemnity coverage for doctor and hospital visits.
Healthedeals.com offers a unique comparison shopping experience, allowing visitors the opportunity to review the plan and price differences. Insurance offerings on the site include individual health insurance, temporary health insurance, indemnity plans, such as doctor, hospital, surgical and critical illness insurance. Dental insurance, bundled accident insurance plans and pet insurance are also available.
About healthedeals.com and IHC Specialty Benefits
Healthedeals.com is a website offered by IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc., a member of The IHC Group, with $1.2 billion in assets as of January 2013. The IHC Group is comprised of insurance carriers, and marketing and administrative affiliates committed to providing excellent service and offering competitive health, life, disability, stop-loss, short-term medical, travel and dental insurance products to groups and individuals. IHC Specialty Benefits is a customer-driven company differentiating itself through knowledge, experience and integrity. We, in conjunction with our trusted insurance carriers, share a mutual desire to provide important benefits to our customers and to meet their needs in an innovative, hassle-free manner.

Ensure that you have healthcare cover across EU

Any Irish resident who is planning to holiday in Europe this summer is advised to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

It entitles you to get healthcare through the public system in countries of the European Union (EU) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay there.
Your EHIC lets you get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return.
It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth.
You don't need an EHIC to get necessary healthcare while on a temporary visit to the UK. It is enough to show proof that you are ordinarily resident in Ireland – in practice, this means a driving licence, passport or similar document.
The EHIC is entirely free of charge. However, other unofficial websites may charge you if you apply through them.

The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or being flown back to Ireland, or lost or stolen property.
Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy.
If you are insured here the likelihood is that it has cover for abroad also.
Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.
The card can be obtained by filling out the necessary form at your local HSE health centre. If you are unsure where this is, call 1850 241850.

Irish Independent

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