Hospital Stocks Jump as India Reports Three HMPV Cases

Hospital stocks saw significant gains on January 6, 2025, after the Health Ministry reported three Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India. They detected two cases in Karnataka and one in Gujarat during routine checks for respiratory illnesses. Despite a weak overall market, Rainbow Children’s Medicare climbed 4% to ₹1620.00. Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences rose 3.4% to ₹649, while Narayana Hrudayalaya gained 3.3% to ₹1,353.75. Apollo Hospital Enterprises and Aster DM Healthcare also added 2% each.

The Health Ministry emphasized that HMPV is not new and is already present globally, including in India. They assured that there has been no unusual rise in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases based on current data. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation and the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing timely updates about the situation in China.

The market responded positively, reflecting investor confidence in the healthcare sector’s ability to address new public health challenges. The ministry also mentioned that India is well-prepared to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and can quickly implement public health measures if necessary.