Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Limited (SHL), a subsidiary of Sunshine Holdings PLC, has acquired a 22% minority stake in Digital Health Private Limited (DHPL), the company behind Doc990, marking a significant step in its expansion into Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing digital healthcare sector.

Doc990, operated by DHPL, a subsidiary of Dialog Axiata PLC, is one of Sri Lanka’s leading digital healthcare platforms. It connects patients, doctors, healthcare providers and corporate clients through mobile applications, online platforms and telephone services. The platform enables users to book doctor appointments, access digital consultations, make payments and benefit from a range of healthcare services.

The strategic investment strengthens Sunshine Healthcare’s presence across the healthcare value chain, complementing its established operations in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development, medical devices, pharmaceutical distribution and retail pharmacy services. By entering the digital healthcare space, the company aims to establish a closer connection with patients while contributing to more convenient and accessible healthcare services.

Partnerships have been central to Sunshine Healthcare’s growth strategy. In 2020, the company combined its healthcare operations with those of Akbar Brothers, strengthening its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and creating a more integrated healthcare business. In 2024, an equity partnership with the International Finance Corporation supported further investments in manufacturing, distribution infrastructure, medical devices and pharmacy retail. The company has also partnered with India’s Zydus Lifesciences to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Horana.

Commenting on the investment, Shyam Sathasivam, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sunshine Holdings PLC, highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector. He noted that combining Dialog’s digital healthcare expertise with Sunshine’s established capabilities could make healthcare services more accessible, convenient and patient-focused.

Supun Weerasinghe, Director and Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, stated that Sunshine Healthcare’s investment would create new opportunities to expand Doc990’s role across the patient journey and further develop Sri Lanka’s connected digital healthcare ecosystem.

The investment represents another milestone in Sunshine Healthcare’s long-term growth strategy. By combining its established healthcare operations with digital technology, the company aims to support a more integrated, accessible and efficient healthcare system for Sri Lankan patients.