New Delhi, Oct. 27 -- Indian hospital chains are expected to post steady growth in the second quarter ended September 30, a weak period compared to previous years on account of lower infection rates, according to brokerages.

Brokerages HDFC Securities and Kotak Institutional Equities peg overall sales growth for hospitals at 13-16% year-on-year (y-o-y), as new beds, steady average revenue per occupied bed (ARPOB), and a better patient case mix could offset the marginally seasonal dip.

"It has been a bit of a weak season, especially for dengue and malaria cases-you will see some impact of that on hospitals," said Tausif Shaikh, pharma and healthcare analyst at BNP Paribas. "Floods in Punjab could impact some of the players specifically f...