New Delhi, April 29 -- Max Healthcare is focusing on building capacity this year, with over 1,300 beds planned to be added across its hospitals by December. The hospital chain is aiming to increase its capacity by 30% for the coming year, managing director and chairman Abhay Soi told Mint on Tuesday.

The company is pursuing a dual strategy of strengthening its presence in the North, where it is a leader, as well as exploring acquisition opportunities in other regions like western India, Soi said.

"We have a significant [bed] shortage. We're not even scratching the surface right now," Soi said. India needs an additional 2.4 million hospital beds to meet the World Health Organization-recommended ratio of 3 beds per 1,000 people, according...