Written By: Bandana Gupta

Pune’s healthcare sector is booming, and diagnostics labs are at the heart of this growth. With rising demand for preventive health checkups, advanced imaging, and pathology services, entrepreneurs are finding diagnostics franchises to be a stable and profitable business model. If you’re looking to invest in this space, here are the Top 10 Diagnostics Lab Franchises in Pune 2026 worth considering.

Most Famous Diagnostics Lab Franchises in Pune

  Dr. Lal PathLabs

• Since: 1949
• Investment: From ₹3 Lakhs
• Space: 200 sq. ft. onwards
• Network: 500+ outlets nationwide   A household name in diagnostics, trusted for decades. With a low entry cost and strong brand recall, it’s the perfect fit for small setups and collection centers.

SRL Diagnostics

• Since: 1995
• Investment: From ₹50 Lakhs
• Space: 500 sq. ft. onwards
• Network: 400+ outlets nationwide. A tech-driven diagnostics leader with AI integration, molecular testing, and NABL-accredited labs. SRL brings cutting-edge healthcare to the table.

Metropolis Healthcare

• USP: Advanced pathology & radiology services
• Franchise Model: Collection centres & full-fledged labs

Rapidly expanding into Tier-2 cities like Pune, Metropolis offers strong backend support and marketing, making it an attractive growth partner.

Imagesense Diagnostic Services (Pune HQ)

• Since: 2016
• Speciality: Imaging—Sonography, X-ray, and more
• Investment: Moderate

 Born in Pune, this ISO-certified brand is renowned for precise imaging. A smart pick for entrepreneurs focusing on radiology and imaging.

Oxford Diagnostics

• Since: 2018
• USP: 24/7 pathology services
• Reach: 80M+ patients served.

 Among India’s fastest-growing pathology chains, Oxford offers state-of-the-art equipment and robust franchise support.

Medall Diagnostics

• USP: Affordable testing & wellness packages Gaining popularity with its focus on preventive health, Medall provides flexible franchise options—especially suited for semi-urban markets.

Pharmeasy  Labs

• USP: Digital-first diagnostics powered by India’s leading e-pharmacy. With its tech-driven model and ready customer base, Pharmeasy Labs is a futuristic choice for investors who love innovation.

Tuli Labs

• Since: 2004
• Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1 Lakh
• Space: 150–200 sq. ft. Offering one of the lowest-cost entries into diagnostics, Tuli Labs promises quick breakeven and minimal staffing needs—a great budget-friendly option.

One Learning Edusphere

• Focus: Radiologist & sonographer training
• Model: Hybrid (Training + Diagnostics) A unique blend of education and diagnostics—ideal for professionals who want to build both skill development and business opportunities under one roof

Max Lab

• Since: 2016
• Investment: ₹30–50 Lakhs
• Network: 150+ outlets

 Known for premium infrastructure and quick setups, Max Lab is a top-tier option for those aiming to run a full-service diagnostics business.

  Quick Comparison Table

Key Growth Drivers for Pune’s Healthcare Sector:

 Rising Demand for Diagnostics & Speciality Care.

With a booming student population and a thriving IT workforce, Pune is seeing a surge in preventive health check-ups, chronic disease management, and speciality diagnostics. Growing awareness, coupled with higher disposable incomes, is pushing more people toward private labs for imaging, pathology, and wellness tests. 

Urbanisation & Health Awareness

As Pune expands into new urban clusters, access to modern healthcare facilities is improving rapidly. Corporate wellness programs and employer-backed health initiatives are also encouraging more people to adopt preventive care as part of their lifestyle.

 Policy Support & Public-Private Growth

From state-level healthcare infrastructure projects to central government schemes, policy support is creating fertile ground for diagnostic chains. Pune’s strong base in education and IT is further fueling investment in healthcare tech, telemedicine, and integrated diagnostic models.

 Technology & Digitisation

AI-driven diagnostics, teleradiology, and electronic health records are reshaping the way healthcare is delivered. Modular labs and point-of-care testing are expanding access to semi-urban and peri-urban populations, making diagnostics faster and more efficient.

Medical Tourism & Specialty Centers

Renowned doctors, multispecialty hospitals, and advanced treatment facilities make Pune a healthcare magnet for patients from neighbouring states. This steady influx adds to the rising demand for high-quality diagnostic and speciality lab services.

 Why This Matters for Investors.

For franchise investors, these growth drivers signal a robust and expanding market in Pune. Rising healthcare awareness, tech-driven innovations, and supportive policies ensure strong demand for diagnostics. Whether you’re considering a low-cost collection centre or a full-service premium lab, Pune offers fertile ground to build a sustainable and profitable healthcare business.

 Investment Needed to Start a Diagnostic Collection Centre.

Opening a diagnostic collection centre is a cost-effective way to enter the booming healthcare sector. Compared to a full-scale lab, the setup is simpler and requires a moderate budget. Here’s the breakdown:

• Initial Setup – ₹5–10 lakhs for space, interiors, and basic infrastructure.
• Franchise Fee – ₹2–5 lakhs, depending on the brand you partner with.
• Equipment & Furnishings – ₹2–3 lakhs for sample collection kits, furniture, and IT systems.
• Working Capital – ₹1–2 lakhs to smoothly manage staff salaries and daily operations.

Overall, you can launch a branded collection center with an investment of ₹8–15 lakhs, making it an attractive low-cost, high-potential healthcare business opportunity.

Future of Diagnostics Lab Franchises Services in Pune

• Preventive Healthcare on the Rise: More people will opt for annual health packages and wellness tests as awareness grows.
• Digital-First Approach: AI-driven reporting, online bookings, home sample collections, and tele-diagnostics will become the norm.
• Expansion into Suburbs: Rapid growth in areas like Hinjewadi, Wagholi, and Pimpri-Chinchwad will fuel demand for accessible labs.
• Integrated Healthcare Models: Partnerships between hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic chains will offer patients seamless care.
• Medical Tourism Growth: Pune’s reputation as a healthcare hub will attract more patients from nearby states and even abroad, boosting advanced testing demand.
• Affordable Modular Labs: Smaller, cost-effective labs will penetrate peri-urban and semi-urban markets, widening reach.

Challenges in the Diagnostics Lab Franchises Sector

While the future looks bright, the diagnostics franchise industry isn’t without hurdles:

 Fragmentation & Quality Control

The sector is highly fragmented, and not every lab maintains the same level of accuracy or service standards. Ensuring consistent quality across all outlets remains a pressing challenge.

 Regulatory Compliance

Franchise operators must constantly align with strict guidelines from NABL and ICMR. Staying compliant often means regular audits, certifications, and continuous investments in quality systems.

 Keeping Up with Technology

From AI-powered diagnostics to next-gen imaging tools, technology is evolving fast. Franchisees must be ready to invest in upgrades and staff training, which can strain budgets.

 Rising Competition

With e-pharmacies entering diagnostics and hospitals strengthening their in-house labs, competition is heating up. To stand out, franchises must innovate, focus on patient experience, and build strong trust.

Essential Documents to Kickstart a Diagnostics Lab Franchises

Starting a diagnostic lab franchise isn’t just about setting up equipment—it requires the right paperwork to ensure smooth operations and regulatory compliance. Here are the key documents and approvals you’ll need:

• Franchise Agreement—The official contract that defines the terms and responsibilities between you and the franchisor.
• Business Registration—Get your entity registered (sole proprietorship, partnership, or private limited company) with the Registrar of Companies.
• Trade License – Authorization from the local municipal body to legally run your lab.
• NABL Accreditation—Not compulsory, but securing it adds credibility and assures patients of reliable quality.
• Biomedical Waste Management Authorisation—Mandatory compliance with rules for safe disposal of biomedical waste.
• Fire Department NOC – A no-objection certificate ensuring your lab meets fire safety regulations.
• Employee Qualification Records—Proof of skilled staff, including pathologists and technicians, as required by authorities.
• Equipment Calibration Certificates—Validation that all machines are calibrated and meet operational standards.

Profitable Healthcare Franchises in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra is a growing hub for healthcare businesses, and franchises in this sector are showing strong profits. Some good options include

• Leo Diagnostics (Pune)—Offers diagnostic and pathology franchise opportunities with full training and support.
• HAXA Lab—Known for low-cost operations and modern lab infrastructure.
• Lilac Insights—Specialises in advanced genetic and cancer diagnostics, giving higher margins.
• Thyrocare (Navi Mumbai)—A trusted national brand with a huge diagnostics network and strong growth.
• Suburban Diagnostics (Mumbai & Pune)—Affordable franchise models with home collection services.
• Best Care Health Card—A unique healthcare discount card business with high-profit sharing.

Other Healthcare Franchise Ideas

• Diagnostic collection centres
• Home sample collection services
• Preventive care and wellness clinics
• Pharmacy chains
• Telemedicine platforms

Conclusion:

Investing in a diagnostic lab franchise in Pune offers a pathway to being part of the city's growing healthcare ecosystem. The brands listed above represent a mix of legacy players and dynamic newcomers, each offering a unique value proposition for potential franchisees. As the demand for standardized and quality healthcare continues to rise, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for diagnostic franchises in Pune

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.