Taking inspiration from the business strategies like 'bid-early-pay-less' of some airlines, a hospital in Hyderabad is offering bookings for surgeries in advance at a discounted price through Internet booking.

For the first time in India, the Hyderabad-based company, 'Dr. Munnabhai 24 x 7', is looking to offer services of various corporate hospitals and diagnostic centers at affordable prices on a single platform.

The company wants to focus on delivery of affordable corporate health care services for everyone. But the most unique aspect of the venture is that people have the chance to bid for the services and the treatment on the Internet. It works on the 'bid-early-pay-less' scheme.

Dr. Munnabhai's surgeries, where bidding starts from a rupee is a hot topic in Hyderabad these days. The hospital has taken its name from last year's super hit film Munnabhai MBBS.

This company is seeking to establish an identity similar to other industries. For instance, airlines these days are offering seats at discounted prices when bought in advance, Hotels offer rooms at discounted prices during the off season.

Similarly, the healthcare industry also experiences peak and non-peak times. Non-peak times can be better utilised by giving services economically. It is a special offer from the company and they will start the bidding next month.

"To hear it might sound like some kind of magic. We have clearly designed a concept wherein its possible to do surgeries at one rupee cost, which includes doctors fees, surgeons fees....charges for staying in a general ward for a couple of days which differs from surgery to surgery. These things which are within control of the Hospital they retain the doctors for a particular payment. It is an introductory offer where we are doing for rupees one," said Dr. Shantan Reddy, Director, Dr. Munnabhai 24 x 7.

Users of these services are happy that they getting the best possible medical care at affordable prices.

"It is a very good concept. I like it. It can reach out to poor people. It is very expensive in a corporate hospital but a common man does not have any option," said Suresh, a user of this scheme.

To reassure people of quality service, they have tied up with several of the most reputed Hospitals and diagnostic centres in Hyderabad and Bangalore, such as Apollo, Narayana Hrudayalaya and Manipal and Care.

Benefits to the people include free access to information about the various hospitals, their infrastructure and the comparative prices of services across the hospitals. The company offers free registration for all for a limited period with savings up to 75 per cent on the market price.