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NMC Health PLC

nmc · LSE Healthcare
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Ticker nmc
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Sector Healthcare
Industry Medical - Care Facilities
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2013 Annual Report · NMC Health PLC
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Annual Report 2013

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 Committed to Care 
 
 
 
 
Group Strategic Report

Governance

Financial Statements

Overview
Financial summary and highlights 
Chairman’s letter 
2013 At a glance 

01
02
04

Group Strategic Report
CEO review 
UAE Economy and Healthcare Market 
Our Business Model 
Our Strategy 
Business Overview 
Financial Review 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties 
Corporate Social Responsibility 

06
07
08
10
15
22
24
28

Governance
Compliance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 
Board of Directors 
Senior Management 
Directors’ Report 
Corporate Governance Report 
Directors’ Remuneration Report 2013 

35
36
39
40
43
56 

Consolidated 2013 
Financial Statements  73
108 
Company 2013 Financial Statements 

US$m (unless stated)

FY2013

FY2012

Growth 

Group

Revenue

Gross profit

Gross profit margin

EBITDA

EBITDA margin

Net Profit

Net Profit margin

Earnings per share (US$)

Dividend per share (GBP pence)

Normalised operating cash flow

Total Capital Expenditure additions in the year
Capital Expenditure relating to four capital 
projects announced at IPO

Total cash 

Total debt

Net Debt 

Divisional performances

Healthcare revenue

Healthcare EBITDA

Healthcare EBITDA margin

Healthcare occupancy

Distribution revenue

Distribution EBITDA

Distribution EBITDA margin

550.9

185.5

33.7%

92.9

16.9%

69.1

12.6%

0.367

4.4

85.1

82.7

72.2

268.7

332.4

63.7

289.3

81.7

28.2%

64.7%

300.2

29.9

10.0%

490.1

160.3

32.7%

79.6

16.2%

59.8

12.2%

0.343

4.1

35.3

118.9

12.4%

15.7%

+98bps

16.7%

+62bps

15.7%

+36bps

7.0%

7.3%

141.2%

-30.5%

82.3

-12.3%

257.5

303.6

46.1

251.6

68.2

27.1%

60.5%

271.1

26.2

9.7%

4.4%

9.5%

38.0%

15.0%

19.8%

+113bps

+420bps

10.7%

14.1%

+30bps

Overview

Contents

Financial 
Summary

Notes: 

Normalised operating cash flow is a non-IFRS line 
item and is equivalent to Net cash from operating 
activities.

Total cash is represented by bank deposits and bank 
balances and cash. 

Total debt is a non-IFRS line item and includes short 
term and revolving working capital facilities required 
for the operation of the Distribution division but 
excludes accounts payables and accruals, amounts 
due to related parties, Employee end of service 
benefit and other payable.

Net Debt is a non-IFRS line item and is total cash 
less total debt, both as defined above.

  
FY2013
Financial 
Highlights
A year on year 
comparison

FY2013
Business 
Highlights
A year on year 
comparison

Group Revenues (US$)
550.9m 
+12.4%

Healthcare Division Revenue1 (US$)
289.3m
+15.0%

Distribution Division Revenue2 (US$)
300.2m
+10.7%

EBITDA (US$)
92.9m
+16.7%

EBITDA Margin
16.9% 
+62bps

Net Profits (US$)
69.1m
+15.7%

Net Profit Margins
12.6%
+36bps

Earnings per share (US$)

0.367

Proposed Dividend per share (GB Pence)

4.4

Total Capital Expenditure3 (US$)
82.7m
-30.5%

Net Debt (US$)

63.7m

Replacement of Term Loan Facility
During the period will result in an average 
estimated annual saving of US$2m during 
the five year term of the new facility, net of a 
one-off charge of US$3.4m in relation to the 
previous JP Morgan syndicated loan, fully 
provided for in 2013.

Healthcare Division’s Patients
2.1m
+9.5%

Revenue per patient (US$)
111.6
+5.6%

Hospital bed occupancy rates4
64.7%
+420bps

Doctors Employed
503
+19.8%

Distribution Division Products
71,215 SKU
+8.7%

Sales and marketing distribution  
personel
605
+14.4%

New NMC Day Surgery
Commenced operations in July 2013  
in Mohamad bin Zayed City.

Dubai November 2013
Authorities adopted mandatory healthcare 
insurance and Implementation starting in 
2014.

Read the annual report and much  
more on our website:
www.nmc.ae

1 Before inter-company elimination
2 Before inter-company elimination
3 Includes US$72.2m on capital projects
4 Despite 13.5% increase in operational beds to 261

01

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Chairman’s Letter

Dear Shareholder,

When I wrote to shareholders this time last 
year with the publication of our 2012 Annual 
Report, I set out a number of achievements 
which had made 2012 a momentous year 
of change and achievement for NMC 
Health plc. 

I am pleased to report that again this year 
many key milestones have been achieved. 
Specifically the year has seen strong growth 
with your company following the strategy 
set out at the time of its IPO in April 2012. 
Moreover, shareholder value has increased 
significantly during the year. Group Revenue 
increased from US$490.1m in 2012 to 
US$550.9m in 2013. EBITDA at Group level 
also improved from US$79.6m to 
US$92.9m in the latest financial year.

Financial stability
In June 2013, the Company announced  
that it had successfully completed the 
replacement of its existing Syndicated Bank 
Loan with the help of J P Morgan. Although 
no additional funds were raised, the 
proceeds of the replacement Syndicated 
Bank Loan have enabled the Company to 
restructure its existing loans, streamline its 
financing by reducing the number of loans, 
reduce its cost of funds and create 
additional headroom to ensure that the 
Group is more conservatively financed. 
The reduction in cost of funds is estimated 
to generate average savings of US$2m per 
annum over the next four financial years, 
which will have a significant positive effect 
on the Company’s net profit and EPS. 

Capital projects
The year has not been without its 
challenges in relation to the Group’s capital 
projects. The Group’s progress on certain 
projects within its capital development 
programme has been slower than expected 
with both the Brightpoint Women’s Hospital 
and our new DIP General Hospital having 
encountered construction delays. These 
facilities are expected to open in H1, 2014. 

However, our first new facility since IPO, the 
NMC Day Surgery Centre in Mohammed 
Bin Zayed City, opened, in part, in July 2013 
and is performing as expected. Our most 
ambitious capital project, the 250 bed 
hospital being built in the expanding Abu 
Dhabi suburb of Khalifa City, is on track to 
open in H1, 2015. Finally we also announced 
in 2013 the launch of a medical centre in 
Al Ain. This project is progressing well. 

Operating divisions
In the Healthcare division, occupancy rates 
and outpatient numbers across all of our 
Specialty Hospitals continue to improve and 
the Group continues to increase the range 
of specialty procedures that its clinical 
teams undertake. During the year, our 
Healthcare division also signed a 
Memorandum of Understanding with 
Oxford Fertility Unit. This joint venture 
arrangement to provide specialist IVF 
services at our new Brightpoint Women’s 
Hospital will be a welcome addition to our 
range of specialist services.

The private healthcare market in the UAE 
has been growing steadily in recent years, 
and the Board expect this to continue. The 
announcement in November 2013 of the 
introduction of mandatory insurance for 
residents of Dubai will help to underpin the 
growth potential in the UAE private 
healthcare market. As our Healthcare 
division has existing operations across both 
Abu Dhabi and Dubai, your company is well 
placed to benefit from the roll-out of 
mandatory health insurance in Dubai and, in 
the future, across the remainder of the UAE. 

In the Distribution division, performance has 
continued to improve with an increasing 
number of product lines distributed on 
behalf of our very supportive suppliers. 
General macro-economic conditions 
continue to indicate good growth levels for 
the division. 

H.J. Mark Tompkins 
Non-Executive Chairman 

“Your Board continues 
to view the outlook 
for the Group with 
confidence and 
enthusiasm and looks 
forward to a period 
of continued well 
financed growth.”

02

Group Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements  OverviewCorporate Governance
During the year, your Board has continued 
to assist management in the wider aspects 
of Corporate Governance where there have 
been a number of changes in UK 
regulations and “Best Practice” standards 
affecting UK Listed Companies. In addition, 
the previous Board committee framework 
has changed with the establishment of a 
Clinical Governance Committee under the 
guidance of its chair, Heather Lawrence. 
The Committee will monitor the key areas 
of clinical risk, quality and safety and will 
work alongside the audit committee to 
ensure key clinical risks facing the Group are 
monitored and, where necessary, mitigated. 
Work has progressed on the establishment 
of integrated IT systems; a new Hospital 
Information System will start to be rolled out 
in 2014 and the Group’s new Enterprise 
Resources Planning (“ERP”) financial system 
will be operational in H1, 2014 and will help 
simplify administration processes. These 
key improvements in the Group’s internal 
controls are important aspects of NMC’s 
risk mitigation strategy. 

Board changes
During the year there were a number of 
changes affecting the Board. Jonathan 
Bomford was appointed to the Board in 
June 2013. Jonathan, a Chartered 
Accountant, is our new independent 
Non-Executive Director and Chairman of 
the Audit Committee, and brings sound 
financial experience to both the audit 
committee and the board, as well as 
experience of working in the Gulf Region. 
Justin Jewitt ceased to be a Director in June 
2013 and the Board would like to thank 
him for his contribution during his time as 
a Director of the Company and Chairman 
of the Audit Committee.

In addition, Mr Keyur Nagori was appointed 
as an Alternate Director to His Excellency 
Saeed Bin Butti in June 2013. 

On 24 February 2014, H.E. Saeed Bin Butti 
resigned as a Director of the company. On 
the same date, H.E. Saeed nominated Mr. 
Abdul Rahman Basaddiq to be appointed 
as a Director of the company and his 
appointment was approved by the Board. 
The Board would like to thank His 

Excellency for his significant contribution 
to the company and welcome Mr. Basaddiq 
to the Board.

Dividend
Given the good performance of the 
Company, and the continued financial 
stability of the Group, your Board plans to 
submit a Resolution to shareholders at the 
2014 annual general meeting authorising 
payment of a cash Dividend of 4.4 pence 
per share. This is approximately 20% of 
Profit After Tax, a level unchanged from 
the amount which shareholders approved 
in relation to the 2012 financial year.

Executive remuneration
The Remuneration Committee, under the 
chairmanship of Lord Clanwilliam, has  
been reviewing the structure of Executive 
remuneration. A new Short Term Incentive 
Plan (STIP) has been implemented for the 
2013 financial year and a Long Term 
Incentive Plan is proposed for 2014. Both of 
these plans, which are described more fully 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, 
are designed to focus and incentivise 
management on the long term value of 
your company and align them with any 
value change experienced by shareholders 
in the Company over the longer term. 

Management and staff
Economic conditions in the UAE are 
favourable, but Dr Shetty, his management 
team and staff across the Group have had 
to continue to work hard through a 
continuing period of significant change to 
achieve strong results on your behalf. The 
Board greatly appreciates the continued 
commitment, energy and goodwill which 
they have shown in the last 12 months and 
would like to thank them all for their 
respective contributions. 

Outlook
Your Board continues to view the outlook for 
the Group with confidence and enthusiasm 
and looks forward to a period of continued 
well financed growth.

H.J. Mark Tompkins
Non-Executive Chairman

03

NMC Health — Annual Report 20132013 At a glance

Revenue (US$) and Annual Growth

EBITDA (US$m) and Margin

550.9

12.4%

14.8%
443.7

490.1

10.4%

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

2011

2012

2013

Net profit (US$m) and Margin

12.6%
69.1

12.2%

59.8

9.9%
43.8

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

16%

14%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

14%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

Revenue

Growth

(cid:127) NMC Health’s revenue 
   reached US$550.9m in 2013

(cid:127) 12.4% revenue growth year 
   on year, two percentage 
   points higher than last 
   year’s growth. 

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

79.6
16.2%

15.9%

70.4

92.9

20%

16.9%

15%

EBITDA
EBITDA margin

(cid:127) EBITDA increased to 
   US$92.9m in 2013 
   (+16.7% year on year).

(cid:127) EBITDA margins 16.9% in 
   2013 (+62bps year on year). 

10%

5%

0%

2011

2012

2013

Adjusted operating cash flow (US$)

88.4

42.0

16.5

(cid:127) Adjusted operating cash 

flow for the Group 
amounted to US$88.4m 
in FY2013, 110.4% higher 
than FY2012.

(cid:127) Key drivers include higher 
EBITDA, lower change in 
net working capital and 
lower maintenance capex.

Note: Adjusted operating 
cash flow excludes changes 
in amounts due from/to 
related parties.

Net Profit

NPM

(cid:127) Net profit increased to 
   US$69.1m in 2013 
   (+15.7% year on year). 
(cid:127) Net profit margins were 
   slightly higher in 2013 at 
   12.6% (+36bps). 

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

EBITDA (US$m) and Margin

Net working capital as % of sales

100

20%

92.9

79.6
16.2%

37.8%

15.9%

70.4

32.4%

16.9%

15%

33.8%

10%

90

80

70

60

50

40

Net debt (US$m)

EBITDA
EBITDA margin
128.1

(cid:127) EBITDA increased to 
   US$92.9m in 2013 
   (+16.7% year on year).

(cid:127) EBITDA margins 16.9% in 
   2013 (+62bps year on year). 

46.2

Shareholders equity (US$m)

329.7

386.2

63.7

99.3

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

30

(cid:127) More effective management of working capital 
5%
   reduced the net working capital to sales ratio by
   396bps in FY2013.

20

10

0

04

2011

2012

0%

2013

(cid:127) Net debt reached US$63.7m as the Group continued 
   to advance its on-going healthcare projects
(cid:127) US$72.2m was spent as capital expenditure.

(cid:127) Shareholders equity increased by 17.2% 
   to US$386.2m in FY2013.

Group Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements  OverviewGroup  
Strategic  
Report

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013

Contents
CEO review 

UAE Economy & Healthcare Market 

Our Business Model 

Our Strategy 

Business Overview 

Financial Review 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties 

Corporate Social Responsibility 

06

07

08

10 

15

22 

24 

28

05

CEO Review

Since the very beginning of this business as 
a small pharmacy and two doctor clinic 
nearly forty years ago in Abu Dhabi, NMC 
has been a story of commit, evolve and 
grow. This commitment is towards our 
patients and their wellbeing, our quality and 
affordability, our staff and their performance 
and our country and its people. Yet without 
the vision and drive of the founders and 
leaders of the UAE, our successful journey 
would not have been possible. 

In the second year following NMC Health’s 
listing on the Premium Segment of the 
London Stock Exchange Main Market, 
as the first UAE company to successfully 
pursue this avenue, I am truly proud to 
report on our continued success – as a 
company, management and team 
encompassing all NMC staff on the ground 
here in the UAE. 

Dr B. R. Shetty 
Chief Executive Officer

“We expect the 
strong performance 
of the UAE economy 
to continue in 2014, 
with a positive effect 
on both our divisions.”

This success is demonstrated through our 
double digit top-line growth and EBITDA 
margin appreciation in FY 2013. We 
delivered a 12.4% top-line growth year on 
year, nearly 200bps higher than 2012, as 
revenues reached US$550.9m. We 
successfully opened the NMC Day Surgery 
Centre in Mohammed Bin Zayed City in July 
2013, while the major additions to our 
healthcare portfolio will be introduced in 
2014 and 2015. 

EBITDA reached US$ 92.9m in FY 2013 
– equating to a 16.7% year on year growth, 
a rate expansion of 372bps compared to 
2012. Group EBITDA margins increased by 
62bps compared to 2012 and closed the 
year at 16.9%. 

The devotion and hard work of 
management and employees at NMC 
achieved a new milestone in 2013, as NMC 
Healthcare crossed the 2m annual patient 
mark for the first time. We increased our 
operational bed capacity by 13.5% year on 
year to 261, nevertheless, Group hospital 
occupancy increased by 420bps to 64.7%. 
We continued to strengthen our human 
resources and added 83 new doctors 
during the year.

06

Similar efforts in the Distribution division 
yielded an increase in Stock Keeping Units 
(SKU’s) of 8.7% in 2013, with the total 
number of products offered by NMC 
reaching 71,215. In this division we 
enhanced our sales, promotion and 
marketing capabilities by adding 132 new 
people in those specific areas. 

We have continued to face some challenges 
in relation to the progression of our capital 
projects programme, but we are taking 
steps to mitigate similar problems arising 
in the future. We are also in the process of 
implementing two new major IT systems 
which will establish a suitable IT 
infrastructure for the Group in the future. 

We expect the strong performance of the 
UAE economy to continue in 2014, with a 
positive effect on both our divisions. We are 
particularly excited about the Emirate of 
Dubai’s decision in late 2013 to begin 
rolling-out mandatory healthcare insurance 
for all its residents this year. According to the 
Dubai Health Authority (DHA), around 66% 
of the Emirate’s residents are without 
healthcare insurance. NMC Health already 
has two hospitals and a day surgery in 
Dubai. In addition we plan to open a 60 bed 
general hospital in Dubai Investment Park 
(DIP) in H1, 2014. In the Abu Dhabi market 
we plan to open Brightpoint Women’s 
Hospital, the first private sector women’s 
hospital, with a 100 bed capacity. 

Finally, I would like to thank our shareholders 
and my fellow members of the Board of 
Directors for their continued support 
throughout the past year. 

Dr B. R. Shetty

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportUAE Economy & Healthcare market

UAE GDP Growth (%) 

UAE health expenditure/capita (US$)

5.1

4.4

2.8

1.8

1.4

0.7

WORLD 2.5%

8,608

0.1

-1.0

4,875

3,609

 KSA 

UAE 

USA 

KUWAIT 

BAHRAIN  GERMANY 

UK 

QATAR 

(cid:127) UAE has one of the fastest growing economies in a rapidly expanding region
(cid:127) Pace of growth is nearly twice the global average 
(cid:127) High growth rate from high base GDP per capita.

Source: World Bank

-7.1
OMAN

1,776 1,640 1,500

758

740

598

 USA 

GERMANY 

UK 

QATAR 

UAE 

KUWAIT 

KSA 

BAHRAIN 

OMAN

(cid:127) Considerable room for growth in health expenditure per capita in the UAE
(cid:127) More mature economies with comparable GDP per capita, have significantly 
   higher healthcare expenditure 
(cid:127) Expenditure likely to increase with mandatory healthcare insurance 
   implementation in Dubai and potentially other emirates in the future. 
   Implemented in Abu Dhabi since 2007.

Source: World Bank

UAE GDP/Capita (US$ ’000)

Comparatively low beds/1000 in UAE 

82

8.3

52

45

41

41

37

31

26

25

3.0

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.8

1.2

1.1

 QATAR 

USA 

KUWAIT 

UAE 

GERMANY 

UK 

KSA 

OMAN 

BAHRAIN

 GERMANY 

USA 

KSA 

KUWAIT 

OMAN 

BAHRAIN 

QATAR 

UAE

(cid:127) UAE GDP per capita is among the highest in the world.
(cid:127) Exceeds several major developed world economies.

Source: World Bank

(cid:127) Despite considerable investments into the UAE’s healthcare infrastructure, 
   the extraordinarily high population growth rate has left a substantial opportunity 
   for continued healthcare sector growth
(cid:127) UAE has an estimated 1.1 beds per 1,000 in population, considerably below 
   the global average of around three.

Source: World Bank, HAAD, DHA

Comparatively high population growth  in UAE (%) 

Beds/GDP per Capita (’000)

3.1

2.6

2.1

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.0

WORLD 1.2%

 UAE 

AFRICA 

GCC 

WORLD 

ASIA 

OCEANIA 

AMERICAS 

0.0
EUROPE

(cid:127) Growing economy, high living standards, ease of doing business and limited
   language barriers attract expatriates for work
(cid:127) UAE population is one of the fastest growing in the world at 3.1% in 2012
(cid:127) UAE population CAGR 1961-2012 is over 9%

Source: World Bank

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0 

GERMANY

FRANCE

EUROPEAN AVG.

LEBANON

EGYPT

OMAN

INDIA

UK
SAUDI ARABIA

BAHRAIN

USA

WORLD AVG.

KUWAIT

UAE

10 

20 

30 

40 

50 

60

(cid:127) The UAE has one of the highest GDP per capita levels in world.
(cid:127) Few countries with similar income levels have so few beds/1000.
(cid:127) Recognizing the need for additional investments in healthcare, the 
   UAE government continues to take initiatives to encourage private sector 
   participation.

Source: World Bank, HAAD, DHA 

07

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Our Business Model

Established in 1975, NMC Health plc is now the leading private sector 
healthcare operator in the United Arab Emirates, with a nationwide 
network of hospitals and operations in the country. The group also 
operates a UAE wide distribution and wholesale business.

Health revenue

US$289.3m

Distribution revenue

US$300.2m

Group EBITDA

US$92.9m

08

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportNMC 
Health

Healthcare Services

Product Distribution

Through our healthcare services division we provide people in 
the UAE with a range of high quality outpatient and inpatient 
services across our facilities. Our facilities range from the larger 
specialty hospitals to medical centres. In addition, we have retail 
pharmacies mainly selling pharmaceuticals prescribed by our 
doctors to our patients either within, or in the immediate vicinity of, 
our healthcare services facilities. Our comprehensive care approach 
maximises patient convenience and increases revenue contribution 
to our business. 

While we serve both insured and self-paying patients, the 
overwhelming majority of our healthcare division’s revenue is 
generated through insured patients. In return for the services 
rendered to insured patients, we submit claims to insurance 
companies to collect the remainder of our fees (usually insured 
patients have some co-pay element, which is paid directly when 
services are delivered to them at our facilities). 

Pricing of our healthcare services is typically negotiated on an 
annual basis with the insurance companies we work with and may 
differ between the various insurance plans offered in the market. In 
contrast, prices of the majority of pharmaceutical products sold in 
our pharmacies are regulated and set by the UAE Ministry of Health.

NMC Hospitals are currently covered by the majority of the 
approximately 40 insurance companies operating in the UAE, 
including the largest market participants. These companies have 
either a direct relationship with us or through the 13 Third Party 
Administrators (TPAs) who currently provide private medical 
insurance into the Abu Dhabi market.

Our Healthcare division also provides operational and management 
services to third party owned healthcare services assets. In return 
for our services, we receive a contracted management fee by the 
asset owner. Typically the fee received is partially tied to a set of 
pre-agreed performance metrics incorporating either qualitative 
and/or quantitative operational targets. We currently have one 
management contract with the UAE Ministry of Presidential 
Affairs pertaining to a general hospital in Umm al Quwain in the 
Northern Emirates. 

NMC’s Distribution Division is now one of the largest in the UAE and 
it offers products across several segments including FMCG5, 
Pharmaceuticals, Scientific Equipment and Food. 

NMC counts among its clients UAE Government entities, the largest 
UAE retailers, pharmacies and hospital operators. We supply our 
customers with a portfolio of globally and locally established brands 
and products with end-user demand in the UAE. We ensure our 
customers receive quality products in a timely manner with the 
required support services. Our distribution capabilities are 
supported by a network of strategically located warehouses and 
a fleet of distribution vehicles ensuring timely delivery to our 
customers across the country. Products are overwhelmingly sold 
on credit, with payments collected based on agreed terms. Our 
pricing of these products includes a mark-up over the product 
cost to generate a profit and to cover import costs and duties, 
registration administration and fees, distribution expenses, credit 
costs and, in certain cases, marketing costs. Pharmaceuticals are 
the only segment where pricing is widely regulated by the UAE 
Ministry of Health. 

Only registered domestic distributors, a locally established company 
like NMC, are entitled by customs authorities to import products into 
the country. Principals (suppliers) contract NMC as their distributor 
to gain access to the UAE market through a reputable partner 
with a long track-record, established distribution channels and 
infrastructure and strong financial standing. Every individual brand 
and product has to go through an approval and registration process 
with local authorities before being allowed to be sold in the country. 
NMC facilitates this process and ensures local requirements are 
met. The majority of agreements with our Principals are on exclusive 
basis. All agreements are registered with the government.  

NMC procurement is on a principal basis. In the majority of cases, 
NMC takes the inventory and collection risk of the product that it 
buys and sells. Acting as a Principal rather than an agent enhances 
NMC’s margins at the expense of increasing the Group’s risk profile. 
Our agreements are almost exclusively operated on a credit basis, 
with the number credit days agreed with our Principals.

5 Fast moving consumer goods

09

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Our Strategy

Through the utilization of our 2012 IPO proceeds, long-term loans and 
cash flows from operations, we aim to maximise our growth and 
market position at this historic inflection point in the UAE healthcare 
sector presented by the impact of mandatory insurance adoption.

Strategy: Historic opportunity drives 
focused healthcare expansion
The highly positive macro environment 
coupled with NMC’s long-track record, 
experience and reputation for quality care 
drives our determined expansion in the 
UAE. Through the utilization of our 2012 IPO 
proceeds, long-term loans and cash flows 
from operations, we aim to maximise our 
growth and market position at this historic 
inflection point in the UAE healthcare sector 
presented by the impact of mandatory 
insurance adoption. 

NMC’s primary strategic objective is to 
extend the operational reach of its 
healthcare services through the 
development of a hub and spoke model in 
the key emirates of the UAE with mandatory 
medical insurance. This will be achieved by 
organic and inorganic means in what 
remains a highly fragmented private sector, 
thus bringing our services to thousands of 
new patients.

We also aim to continue expanding our 
Distribution division through organic means 
and with limited additional capital 
expenditures, focusing mainly on new 
product additions to our growing portfolio 
and increased market penetration.

Healthcare Division: Adding 410 beds 
in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
The initial growth plan post IPO, and the 
largest in NMC’s history, is almost entirely 
organic, with nearly US$330m deployed 
into developing three hospitals and an equal 
number of medical centres/day surgeries in 
the country’s main population centres. With 
this expansion plan, we aim to take the total 
number of NMC’s licensed hospital beds 
from 3106 as of 2013 to 7207 in 2015, a 
132% growth. The addition of two medical 
centres and a day surgery is further 
strengthening our hub-and-spoke model. 

We announced five development projects 
as part of our IPO and a further new facility 
in Al Ain in H1 2013.

To date we have completed the acquisition 
of BR Medical Suites in Dubai Healthcare 
City (DHCC) and the development of the 
NMC Day Surgery Centre in Mohammed 
bin Zayed City (MBZC) in Abu Dhabi. Apart 
from delays on Brightpoint womens’ 
hospital and Dubai Investment Park general 
hospital, all other developments are in 
progress for opening on a phased basis in 
2014 and 2015. Full details of the progress 
of the relevant projects is set out on page 19 
of the Business Overview.

Post completion of this organic expansion 
plan, NMC will have 550 licensed beds in 
Abu Dhabi (including 100 in Al Ain City) and 
170 in Dubai. Our 2012 development plan 
prioritised Abu Dhabi – as the only market  
at the time with mandatory healthcare 
insurance, a major catalyst for investment 
returns. However, we highlight that NMC’s 
healthcare division is operationally present in 
four Emirates (Abu Dhabi [includes Al Ain 
City], Dubai, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain), 
which account for around 85% of the UAE 
population.

We believe that the new healthcare facilities 
will extend NMC Health’s lead as the largest 
private sector operator in the UAE with a 
nationwide hub-and-spoke model centred 
around the 250 bed Khalifa City Hospital 
and our specialty hospitals in the largest 
cities. As a result, NMC will be serving 
patients through an extended network of 
hospitals, day surgeries and medical 
centres on UAE regional level down to local 
and community levels.

6 NMC Health had 261 operational beds as of December 2013 out of 310 licensed bed capacity. Spare capacity 
was mainly in our most recent hospital addition, Al Ain City Specialty Hospital.

7 This refers to the total licensed capacity in all our facilities when the three new hospitals are completed and open. 
However, we will not commence operations with the full licensed capacity. NMC will adopt a phased introduction of 
the bed capacity in the new hospitals. The current plan is to start operation with 50 beds (out of 100) at Brightpoint 
Womens Hospital, 30 beds (out of 60) at DIP General Hospital and with 75 beds (out of 250) in Khalifa City Hospital.

10

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportNMC Health’s UAE Expansion

Project

Opening*

Licensed Bed 
Capacity

Starting Bed 
Capacity

City

Location

BR Medical Suites

NMC Day Surgery Centre in 
Mohammed Bin Zayed City

July 2012

July 2013

N/A

N/A

Brightpoint Women’s Hospital

Early H1 2014

100 beds

Dubai Investment Park  
General Hospital

Al Ain Medical Centre

Khalifa City Hospital

Total

Early H1 2014

H2 2014

H1 2015

60 beds

N/A

250 beds

410

N/A

N/A

50

30

N/A

75

155

Dubai

DHCC1

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Al Ain

MBZC2

City Centre

DIP3

Sanaiya

Abu Dhabi

Khalifa City

Total budgeted 
capital expenditure 
(US$)
9m

15m

70m

30m

 7m

200m

331.0m

Notes: *  = BR Medical Suites was acquired

1 DHCC is Dubai Healthcare City

2 MBZC is Mohammed Bin Zayed City

3 DIP is Dubai Investment Park

Bed capacity
Estimated to be available to the Group 
by end 2015

24%
 DUBAI

76%
ABU DHABI

NMC Health’s licensed 
hospital bed growth

NMC Health’s 720 licensed 
bed capacity 2015E

720

310

550      

170

2013

2015E

ABU DHABI

DUBAI

Note: E = Estimated. The above bed capacity is that 
estimated to be available to the Group by end 2015.

11

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Our Strategy
continued

NMC Health’s Patient Service Network

AASH – Al Ain Specialty Hospital 
AAMC – Al Ain Medical Centre 
ADSH – Abu Dhabi Specialty Hospital 
BWH – Brightpoint Women’s Hospital
BRMS – BR Medical Suites 
DGH – Dubai General Hospital 
DIPGH – Dubai Investment Park General Hospital 
DSH – Dubai Specialty Hospital 
MBZMC – NMC Day Surgery Centre in Mohammed Bin Zayed City 
SHJMC – Sharjah Medical Centre 

Regional (UAE) 
Local/City
Community

SHJMC

BRMS

DGH

DSH

DIPGH

AAMC

AASH

Khalifa
city

BWH

ADSH

MBZMC

12

Volumes raising specialisation
Our hospitals and medical facilities received 
over 2m patient visits in 2013, amongst the 
highest for any private healthcare group in 
the UAE. Higher volumes allow us to 
reinforce and elevate quality and diversity of 
services at NMC Health. We are able to 
support the introduction of more sub-
specialties / higher complexity procedures 
through cross-referrals between our 
network – leading to higher value-added 
services and increasing our competitive 
advantages. Note that most of the private 
sector competition in the UAE are made up 
of single hospital operations, typically with 
limited volume flow beyond standard 
services, often rendering increased 
specialisation difficult, operationally 
demanding and financially unfeasible. 

With increased volumes we have been able 
to expand our service offering, enhance our 
competitive advantages, reduce loss of 
patient spend (due to unavailability of 
services) and thus increase revenue per 
patient.

Strategic market segments
We seek to expand our addressable market 
through new facilities and geographic 
locations of our services and attracting all 
major insurance categories, rather than 
confine NMC’s market to smaller but higher 
value per patient segments. We are keen 
not to price existing or future NMC medical 
facilities out of any major insurance 
category, albeit select future assets will have 
a more premium positioning, such as our 
highly specialized Brightpoint Women’s 
Hospital. We view the Brightpoint Women’s 
Hospital as an extension of our patient and 
service segment diversification strategy. The 
hospital is expected to benefit from 
substantial referrals through our growing 
Abu Dhabi network and, as part of our 
increased specialisation. We have signed a 
Memorandum of Understanding to create a 
joint-venture with the highly reputable British 
firm Oxford Fertility Unit to provide IVF 
services at the new hospital.

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportHiring for growth 
Recruitment and retention of clinical 
practitioners is undoubtedly one of the 
major challenges with such a sizeable 
expansion program, especially in a country 
with a shortage of medical staff and 
overwhelmingly reliant on an expatriate work 
force and in a global market where the 
availability of qualified clinicians is limited. 
We mitigate this risk through our HR 
capabilities and long-term experience in 
international hiring. We also have long-term 
partnerships with recruitment firms in 
several markets, including the Philippines, 
for nursing staff. UAE healthcare authorities 
have also established supervised exam and 
testing centres for the required licensing in 
key markets, such as India and the 
Philippines, for nurses. 

For physicians the process is more 
demanding, with licensing and associated 
exams performed only in the UAE. It 
typically takes around six months to gain the 
right to practice medicine in the UAE. Some 
countries and medical boards are exempt 
from this process. We constantly evaluate 
and shortlist potential physician candidates 
to fill new openings and reduce recruitment 
lead time. Our priority is to add new 
capacity to the market by hiring externally, 
rather than deplete the limited domestic 
pool of predominantly expatriate staff and 
encourage extraordinary wage inflation. 
UAE has an estimated 1.1 doctors per 1,000 
inhabitants, compared to a global average 
close to 3.

Our external hiring also emphasizes our NMC 
brand centric approach to our service, as 
opposed to the doctor-brand centric 
alternative. We focus on attracting patients to 
the quality of service synonymous with NMC 
as an institution. The vast majority of our 
clinical staff are compensated through a fixed 
salary model with elements of incentivisation 
and not revenue sharing – we strongly 
believe that puts quality of service first.

Our recruitment capabilities are best 
demonstrated through the recent Operation 
& Management contract awarded to us by 
the Ministry of Presidential Affairs to manage 
and operate the 205-bed Sheikh Khalifa 
General Hospital in Umm Al Quwain, UAE. 
We were awarded the contract in early Q4 
2012, started outpatient services at the 
beginning of December of the same year. 
By December 2013 we had 517 staff 
operating the hospital. 

Healthcare Management Services 
The operation and management of third 
party hospitals is a new but attractive 
business for us. It is a very asset light model 
which we are keen to expand to 
complement our core operations. We are 
extremely proud of having been selected to 
perform this role by the UAE Ministry of 
Presidential Affairs for the 205 bed Hospital 
in Umm Al Quwain. 

We view our selection as a testimony and 
recognition of our capabilities and the 
quality of our services. To date we have 
made very good progress at the Umm Al 
Quwain hospital and client feedback has 
been excellent. 

In-hospital pharmacies: Win-Win strategy
With our pharmacies we complement our 
comprehensive care approach and, as a 
result, we capture the maximum proportion 
of revenue streams associated with patient 
visit to our hospitals. As a result, our 
pharmacies are located either within or in 
the immediate vicinity of our hospitals. 
Convenience and proximity, coupled with 
the fact that pharmaceutical prices are fixed 
by the Ministry of Health, means most 
patients visiting our hospitals would opt to 
purchase any pharmaceuticals required 
from our retail outlets. 

The company has no plans to pursue the 
retail pharmacy business outside this 
context. We currently operate eight 
pharmacies and expect to open one in each 
of our new facilities. 

Doctors

503

Patients

2.1m

Licensed beds

310

13

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Our Strategy
continued

Distribution – A rewarding  
legacy business
In addition to our healthcare services 
business, NMC Health is one of the top 
distributors and wholesalers in the country 
for leading international brands and 
products in the areas of Pharmaceuticals, 
FMCG, Food and Scientific equipment 
amongst others. 

While we envisage minimal investments in 
this part of our business, we expect growth 
to continue to be driven by:

• Positive macro environment; 

• Roll-out of mandatory medical insurance 

in Dubai with positive impact on 
pharmaceuticals and medical products; 

• Sizeable expansion of retail space and 
tourism in the country affecting our 
non-pharmaceutical business;

• Entry of generics into the Pharmaceutical 

sector; and 

• Our introduction of new products.

NMC’s track-record, strong management, 
seamless integration of the distribution 
business, established supplier and customer 
networks, logistics infrastructure and the fact 
that it is a listed company with high-levels of 
disclosure allowing unparalleled insight for 
prospective partners to our strong financial 
standing – are all key factors in our capability 
to attract established global brands to the 
UAE via the exclusive distributor model 
prevalent in the country. Another competitive 
advantage of our distribution division is its 
access to over 500 doctors at NMC and its 
retail pharmacies providing a direct market 
for the supply of pharmaceutical and 
medical equipment products.

Distribution value chain

1  
Import of products  
from around  
the world

4

Distribution to:  
Groceries
Hypermarkets
Supermarkets
Pharmacies
Petrol stations

14

3

500,000sqft of  
warehouse space

2

Fleet of 
distribution 
vehicles covering 
the entire country

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportBusiness Overview

Healthcare Division
NMC Health’s healthcare services 
operations span Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, 
Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Together 
these Emirates and cities account for nearly 
85% of UAE residents. We operate four 
hospitals, two day surgeries, a medical 
centre and eight in-hospital pharmacies. In 
addition, the Group operates a fifth hospital 
on behalf of the UAE Ministry of Presidential 
Affairs, the 205 bed Sheikh Khalifa General 
Hospital in Umm Al Quwain, under an 
operations and management contract 
initiated in Q4 2012.

The UAE’s strong GDP growth, coupled 
with the increased population due to the 
continued influx of expatriates to the 
growing economy, had a positive effect on 
the performance of the healthcare division. 

In addition we have sought to increase 
referrals from community clinics towards our 
specialty hospitals. Our marketing team 
launched several initiatives to engage with 
the residential community/corporates, 
including holding health awareness sessions 
and lectures. We have also worked to 
increase our engagement with the medical 
community to showcase our capabilities. 

Keeping in mind that a large proportion of 
outpatients in the UAE visit stand-alone 
private sector clinics lacking inpatient 
capacity, we have sought to encourage 
these third-party operators to refer patients 
to our hospitals. Meanwhile, we have 
continued to invest in new equipment and 
technologies to complement our service 
offering and medical staff efforts. 

In July 2013 we also supplemented our 
healthcare assets with the opening of the 
NMC Day Surgery Centre in Mohammed 
Bin Zayed City, one of the fastest growing 
suburbs of Abu Dhabi City. This facility 
began receiving its first patients in July 2013 
and will act as a referral centre to our 
growing Abu Dhabi network, thus extending 
the operational reach and addressable 
market of Abu Dhabi Specialty Hospital 
initially, and eventually also Brightpoint 
Women’s Hospital and Khalifa City Hospital. 

Operational gearing, our continued drive to 
enhance our service offering with new 
higher value added sub-specialties, 
supported by our growing volumes, and the 
entry into third party hospital operation and 
management, are additional contributing 
factors to the strong performance of the 
Heawlthcare division in 2013.

Healthcare division operations in 2013

Detail

NMC Abu Dhabi NMC Sp. Dubai NMC Al Ain

NMC Dubai  

NMC Sharjah

BR Med.

Established

1975

Emirate

City

Area

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Downtown

Owned/Leased

Leased

2004

Dubai

Dubai

Nahda

Ow ned

2008

Abu Dhabi

Al Ain

Downtown

1999

Dubai

Dubai

Deira

Leased

Leased

1996

Sharjah

Sharjah

Corniche

Leased

2011

Dubai

Dubai

DHCC

Leased

MBZC

2013

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

MBZC

Leased

Total

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Category

Specialty Hospital Specialty Hospital Specialty Hospital General Hospital Medical Centre

Day Surgery

Day surgery

N/A

Accreditation

JCI

JCI

JCI

–

–

100,837

55,947

48,097

12,225

10,290

Revenue  
(USD ’000)

Growth, YoY

Revenue/patient

Growth, YoY

Capacity

12%

108

7%

Licensed beds

100

Operational beds

100

Growth, YoY

Spare capacity

Staff

Patients

Inpatients

Outpatients

Total

0%

0%

1,345

20,564

916,124

936,688

Growth, YoY

5%

Bed Occupancy

79%

16%

164

4%

100

91

21%

9%

709

8,648

332,538

341,186

12%

54%

21%

117

8%

100

60

33%

40%

603

8,312

403,486

411,798

12%

60%

5%

62

6%

10

10

0%

0%

262

1,295

196,448

197,743

-2%

44%

16%

67

-8%

–

–

N/A

N/A

173

–

152,487

152,487

26%

N/A

N/A

Change, YoY

1060bps

-160bps

430bps

580bps

–

2,577

113%

269

-17%

–

–

N/A

N/A

35

n/a

9,582

9,582

480%

N/A

N/A

–

906

N/A

48

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

95

n/a

19,041

19,041

N/A

N/A

N/A

230,879

16%

112

6%

310

261

13%

16%

3,222

38,819

2,029,706

2,068,525

10%

64.7%

420bps

15

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Business Overview
continued

Revenue (US$m) and YoY Growth

Patients (’000)

Revenue

Growth

Total patients

Growth

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

20.0%

218.7

289.3

251.6

15.1%

15.0%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

1,712

5.8%

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

1,889
10.4%

2,068

9.5%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

The Healthcare division reported US$289.3m of 
revenues in 2013 (+15.0% year on year). Division EBITDA 
amounted to US$81.7m (+19.8% year on year), with an 
EBITDA margin of 28.2% (+113bps year on year). 

Average revenue per patient reached US$112 (+6%  
year on year), supported by a combination of price  
increases and improved service mix effect, as we 
continue to enhance our offering of higher value  
added sub-specialties. 

Revenue per patient (US$) and YoY growth

EBITDA (US$m) and margin

 Revenue per patient

Growth

EBITDA

EBITDA margin

15%

100.9

105.7

5%

114
112
110
108
106
104
102
100
98
96
94

111.6

6%

16%

14%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

68.2

27.1%

56.9

26.0%

81.7

28.2%

30%

29%

28%

27%

26%

25%

24%

23%

22%

21%

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

Note: Revenue per patient is based on contribution from our healthcare services, excluding the contribution from the operation & management 
contract on the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in UAQ. It also excludes the contribution from five out of our eight pharmacies, specifically those located 
around the hospitals rather than within them.

Excluding the government hospital managed by NMC, 
the division had a total of 261 operational beds (+13.5%, 
year on year) out of an unchanged 310 licensed beds, 
as we continued to phase-in beds mainly in our Dubai 
Specialty and Al Ain Specialty Hospitals. 

We have a 15.8% spare system capacity, measured in 
beds, which we expect to gradually phase into our 
operations in 2014 and 2015. Out of 49 beds yet to 
become operational, 40 are in our most recent hospital, 

Al Ain Specialty Hospital, and nine are in Dubai 
Specialty Hospital. We expect the continued growth in 
Al Ain, as demonstrated by the hospital’s performance 
to date, to absorb the remainder of our spare bed 
capacity in the next couple of years. Mandatory 
healthcare insurance adoption in Dubai this year, 
coupled with growing network referrals from our 
existing and new healthcare facilities in Dubai, should 
allow Dubai Specialty Hospital to increase its 
operational beds.

16

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportOperational beds and annual growth

Hospital bed occupancy rates and annual change

 Operational Growth

Occupancy Change bps

270

260

250

240

230

220

210

230

230

0%

2011

0%

2012

53.0%

765bps

60.5%

749bps

261

13%

16

13

10

7

4

1

-2

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

64.7%

1,000

420bps

800

600

400

200

0

2013

2011

2012

2013

As our revenue continued to grow at rapid pace, we 
enhanced our service ability and revenue generating 
capacity through the increase in total Healthcare 

division staff by 18.3% in FY 2013 to 3,400. We 
increased the number of doctors to 503 by year end 
2013 (+19.8% year on year). 

Total staff and annual growth

Total doctors and annual growth

 Staff

Growth

Doctors Growth

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

2,604

1.9%

2011

3,400

20%

18.3%

2,875

10.4%

15%

10%

5%

0%

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

420

9.9%

382

1.9%

503

19.8%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

Division-wide bed occupancy reached 64.7% (+420bps 
year on year), despite the rise in operational beds during 
the year by 13.5%. The main reasons behind the 
improvement in occupancy rates at our hospitals 
include:

• patient count increase to almost 2.1m (+9.5% year 

on year); 

• expansion in the proportion of our total patients who 
are Inpatients to 3.1% (+8bps, year on year); and 

• higher average length of stay (ALOS).

A like for like comparison based on last year’s deployed 
operational bed capacity and FY2013 utilisation, would 
have yielded an occupancy rate well above the 70% 
level compared to the 60.5% in FY2012. 

We continue to regard full bed occupancy for medical 
facilities in the UAE to be around 75%, as opposed to 
90-95% often experienced in other countries. The 
population leveraged reality in the UAE, with around 
85% of residents being expatriates, does create higher 
resident seasonal volatility. This is typically manifested 
through extended departures/holidays to home country 
for working expatriates (up to one month) and even 
longer for non-working family members particularly 
during the summer season. In addition, we highlight that 
our occupancy figures exclude day surgery patients, as 
the occupancy calculation we adopt only includes 
patients staying overnight. Consequently, we are rapidly 
approaching full occupancy, even before the effects 
from further roll-out of universal medical insurance 
beyond the emirate of Abu Dhabi, hence our investment 
in new capacity.

17

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Business Overview
continued

Abu Dhabi Specialty Hospital
Abu Dhabi Specialty Hospital, the Group’s 
first ever hospital, has evolved from being a 
very small building in the 1970’s to a tower 
on the same land plot with adjacent 
buildings. It is located in the densely 
populated centre of Abu Dhabi City. This 
remains the largest patient recipient within 
the NMC network. The facility continues to 
provide a wide range of specialties and had 
its Joint Commission International (JCI) 
accreditation renewed in 2013. With nearly 
40 years of service in the very same area of 
the city, this hospital has built a noteworthy 
reputation for quality amongst the Abu 
Dhabi population. 

Reported revenues increased by 12% to 
US$101m in 2013 compared to the 
preceding year. The total number of patients 
reached 937k (+5%, year on year) with an 
average revenue per patient amounting to 
US$108 (+7%, year on year). Occupancy 
increased by 1,060bps year on year to 
reach 79% – the highest amongst all NMC 
healthcare assets.

Al Ain Specialty Hospital
NMC Health inaugurated the Al Ain 
Specialty Hospital in the second largest city 
within the emirate of Abu Dhabi in 2009. 
This expansion was encouraged by the 
adoption of mandatory healthcare insurance 
in Abu Dhabi in the immediately preceding 
years. Al Ain Specialty Hospital had the JCI 
accreditation of its quality and service levels 
renewed for a further three year period in 
2012.

Being our most recent hospital addition, we 
have been gradually introducing this facility’s 
capacity – starting with 12 operational beds, 
moving up to 45 in 2012 and with 60 beds 
as of year-end 2013. As part of our organic 
expansion and capital projects programme, 
we are also in the process of developing a 
medical centre in Al Ain’s Sanaiya area, 
which holds a high concentration of 
industrial establishments. We believe this will 
further expand the operational reach and 
market of the hospital by bringing NMC 
closer to high population areas and 
increasing referrals to the specialty hospital.

Al Ain Specialty Hospital’s performance has 
been continuously improving with revenues 
reaching US$48m in 2013 (+21% year on 
year), revenue per patient increased to 

18

US$117 (+8% year on year) and occupancy 
rose to 60% (+430bps year on year) despite 
the 33% increase during the year in 
operational beds.

Dubai Specialty Hospital
Opened in 2004, the Dubai Specialty 
Hospital is well situated in the growing 
residential area of Al Nahda on the Dubai-
Sharjah border, which enables the hospital 
to take advantage of referrals, not only from 
both the Dubai General Hospital and 
Sharjah Medical Centre, but also from 
certain targeted sections of the population 
of the northern emirates. This location has 
helped the hospital grow significantly since 
opening. The facility continues to provide a 
wide range of specialties. Dubai Specialty 
Hospital had its JCI accreditation for its 
quality and service levels renewed for a 
further three year period in 2012. 

The recent decision by Dubai authorities to 
initiate the roll out of mandatory healthcare 
insurance, starting early 2014, is expected 
to further support the growth of this facility 
in the coming years. Dubai Health Authority 
(DHA) has reported that nearly two thirds of 
Dubai residents are uninsured, suggesting a 
potential phased growth of up to 200% in 
insured residents over the coming years. 
Dubai Specialty Hospital will soon see 
further support from the NMC DIP General 
Hospital located on the other side of Dubai.

Dubai Specialty Hospital’s performance has 
been continuously improving with revenues 
reaching US$56m in 2013 (+16% year on 
year), revenue per patient increased to 
US$164 (+4% year on year) and occupancy 
declined to 54% (-160bps year on year) 
slightly effected by the increase in 
operational beds at the facility from 75 to 91 
beds (+21% year on year). 

Dubai General Hospital
Dubai General Hospital was established in 
1999, this 10 bed facility is located in the 
highly populated area of Deira. The hospital 
acts as a referral centre to the NMC Dubai 
Specialty Hospital which is a short distance 
away.

Dubai General Hospital’s revenues reached 
US$12.2m in 2013 (+5% year on year), 
revenue per patient increased to US$62 
(+6% year on year) and occupancy reached 
44% (+580bps year on year).

Sharjah Medical Centre
This multi specialist medical centre was 
opened in 1996 and is located on the busy 
commuter route along the Corniche in 
Sharjah. Since the facility was upgraded in 
2010 from a clinic to a medical centre 
offering increased specialities such as 
radiology and minor procedures, revenue 
has increased significantly. The Group also 
benefits from referrals made from this facility 
to the Dubai Specialty Hospital.

This medical centre saw a 26% year on year 
increase in patients, with revenues reaching 
US$ 10.3m (+16% year on year). Meanwhile 
revenue per patient declined to US$67.0 
(-8% year on year) as we expanded our 
services by offering lower fee procedures.

BR Medical Suites
BR Medical Suites is a high-end specialty 
day surgery, located in Dubai Healthcare 
City. It is specifically designed to attract 
highly experienced doctors from around the 
world to carry out minimally invasive surgery 
and other procedures within its modern 
international standard facility. The Group 
acquired BR Medical Suites for a 
consideration of US$9m paid in cash on 1 
July 2012.

During FY 2013 the facility generated 
revenues of US$ 2.6m and received 9,582 
patients (+480% year on year). Revenue per 
patient was around US$ 269. While the 
facility’s total revenues increased, revenue 
per patient declined by 17%, mainly due to 
the introduction of new services. Historically, 
this day surgery has been focused on 
high-complexity and high value procedures. 
As we widened the service offering, the 
revenue per patient has declined. 

Unlike our other healthcare assets, this day 
surgery is overwhelmingly focused on 
utilisation by external doctors. Consequently, 
its revenues were accounted for net of the 
external doctor’s share. 

NMC Day Surgery Centre in  
Mohammed Bin Zayed City 
This facility in the rapidly growing Abu Dhabi 
suburb known as Mohammed Bin Zayed 
City (MBZC) began receiving its first 
outpatients in July 2013. NMC Day Surgery 
Centre in Mohammed Bin Zayed City will 
act as a referral centre to our growing Abu 
Dhabi hospital network, thus extending the 
operational reach and addressable market 

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic Report(completed in 2012), a specialist day surgery 
centre in Dubai Health Care City (DHCC).

The Group faced significant challenges in 
2013 to progress the construction of certain 
of its new facilities, particularly those 
requiring the re-design and fit-out of existing 
buildings. 

The Brightpoint Women’s Hospital, which 
was originally planned to open in August 
2012, has been particularly complex refit 
and construction slower than expected. 
Following a number of delays we are now 
expecting the facility to open in H1, 2014. 
Similarly the DIP General Hospital, 
construction has been delayed on several 
occasions and we have also had licensing 
delays. We are now expecting the facility to 
open in H1, 2014. 

As a result of the delays experienced, we 
have introduced new processes for future 
projects including:

• appointment of an external project 

manager for our larger future projects; and

• enhanced our tendering process, to 

ensure that appropriately experienced 
contractors are appointed in the future.

We are also reviewing our internal project 
management structure and will be making 
changes to further enhance quality in 
this area. 

The construction of Khalifa City Hospital is 
progressing well, with the concrete structure 
of the building now complete. We continue 
to target receiving the first patients at this 
facility starting H1 2015. The Sanaiya Day 
Surgery Centre in Al Ain is on track to open 
in H2, 2014, in-line with our previous 
guidance on this project. The building is 
being adapted internally and equipped for 
healthcare services with good progress 
so far.

As a result of the delays in the opening of 
certain facilities, additional costs in respect 
of loan interest and leases have been 
capitalised. Had these facilities opened in 
line with original plan these costs would 
have been expensed. Other than these 
items the delays have not resulted in an 
increase in budgeted capital costs.

19

of Abu Dhabi Specialty Hospital initially and 
eventually also Brightpoint Women’s 
Hospital and Khalifa City Hospital

The facility has seen strong monthly growth 
in patient numbers since opening and, we 
expect this trend to continue as we open 
new sections of the day surgery centre. In 
addition, we expect to open a pharmacy in 
the same building in 2014 which should 
support revenue growth.

Revenue amounted to just under US$1m 
with over 19,000 patients and US$48 in 
revenue per patient.

Third party hospital operations  
& management
NMC Health provides operation and 
management services to third party 
healthcare asset owners and developers. 
Our management service contract to date is 
for the 205 bed Sheikh Khalifa General 
Hospital in Umm Al Quwain, which we are 
managing on behalf of the UAE Ministry of 
Presidential Affairs since Q4 2012. This is a 
five year contract in return for an annual 
management fee based on qualitative as 
opposed to financial metrics. We believe this 
is the first such contract to manage a large 

Government healthcare facility awarded by 
a Government Department to a local UAE 
business. This demonstrates the confidence 
in NMC’s significant healthcare experience 
and capabilities.

Capital projects 
NMC Health’s expansion plans, as 
announced during the IPO in 2012, included 
five new healthcare assets. Three of the 
assets, which included the lease, redesign 
and equipping of existing buildings are:

• Brightpoint Women’s Hospital (100 bed) in 

Abu Dhabi;

• NMC Day Surgery Centre in the 

Mohammed Bin Zayed City Suburb of 
Abu Dhabi (opened in July 2013); and 

• Dubai Investment Park (DIP) General 

Hospital (60 bed).

In addition, a fourth medical facility is being 
developed the 250 bed Hospital in the 
Khalifa City suburb of Abu Dhabi. However, 
in this case the building is an entirely new 
development, owned and contracted by 
NMC Health. Finally, the plans also included 
the acquisition of BR Medical Suites 

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Business Overview
continued

Distribution Division
Top-line growth in the Distribution division accelerated 
to 10.7% year on year in 2013, compared to 7% year on 
year growth between 2011 and 2012, demonstrating the 
positive impact by the:

• expansion of the UAE economy; 

• growing population; 

• rise in tourism; 

• substantial increase in retail space; 

• addition of new products to our offering; and 

• positive efforts of the Distribution division team in 

growing product sales. 

The division generated revenues of US$ 300.2m 
(+10.7% year on year) in FY2013 with 71,215 SKU’s8 
(+8.7% year on year). EBITDA margins continued to 
expand on operational gearing, increased efficiencies 
and economies of scale. EBITDA reached US$ 29.9m in 
2013 (+14.1% year on year) with EBITDA margins 
exceeding last year by 30bps to reach 10.0% as of 
year-end 2013. 

8 Stock keeping unit

Revenue (US$m) and annual growth

EBITDA (US$m) and margin

 Revenue Growth

EBITDA

EBITDA margin

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

14.6%

201

13.7%
229

253

10.9%

300

10.7%

271

7.0%

18%

16%

14%

12%

10%

8%
6%

4%

2%
0%

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

25

9.8%

26

9.7%

30

10.0%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2011

2012

2013

FMCG remained the largest segment with 39% of the 
distribution division’s 2013 revenues, a two percentage 
point reduction in proportional contribution compared to 
2012. Food & Catering delivered the strongest 

segmental growth and increased its proportional 
contribution to 11.8% of the division’s revenues, almost 
three percentage points higher than in 2012.

Distribution Division’s Segment Contribution for FY2012 and 2013

40.9%
 FMCG

9.1%
 FOOD 
INCLUDING
CATERING 

14.1%
SCIENTIFIC

0.6%
VETERINARY

39.0%
 FMCG

11.8%
 FOOD 
INCLUDING
CATERING 

14.6%
SCIENTIFIC

0.4%
RE-EXPORTS

2012

2013

3.6%
EDUCATION

1.1%
RE-EXPORTS

30.6%
PHARMA

0.4%
VETERINARY

3.6%
EDUCATION

30.3%
PHARMA

20

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportIT
The Group has operated in recent years 
with legacy IT systems which, as a smaller 
private company, were appropriate for the 
needs of the Group. Following a review of 
the Group’s IT requirements, the Board 
agreed capital investment in two new 
primary Group systems:

a.  Hospital Information System (HIS)

The current HIS system operating within 
NMC is a home-grown system which has 
been operating successfully over many 
years. Continuing developments in the 
regulatory framework in the UAE 
healthcare system, as well as additional 
monitoring and reporting requirements 
which the Group feels that it requires as 
the business grows, has resulted in a 
decision to implement a new HIS.

The Group has chosen to implement a 
third party system which is already 

operating successfully within the UAE 
regulatory structure. The implementation 
will commence in 2014 and is expected 
to be completed by 2015. The Company 
feels that the new system will be robust 
enough to deal with the demands of 
significant growth of the business. 

b.  Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) 

financial system
It was reported in the 2012 Annual Report 
that the Company planned to implement 
a new financial IT system during 2013. 
Implementation of the new system 
commenced in 2013, but completion will 
now be delayed following management’s 
decision to switch from instant “Go-live” 
to a phased roll out of the new IT system, 
to enable full testing and the integration of 
the new Oracle version. We anticipate the 
implementation of the new ERP system 
will be completed in the first half of 2014. 

Initial indications from the implementation 
programe have been encouraging. 

The Company has been aware of the need 
to improve its IT infrastructure and is on 
track to deliver new IT systems across the 
Group. The implementation of new IT 
systems always presents organisations with 
a significant challenge, and implementing 
two new primary systems within the Group 
will be no exception. However, the 
management team and the Board feels that 
now is an opportune time to be 
implementing a new IT infrastructure as the 
Group prepares for significant growth in the 
coming years. This investment in new 
technology will help to reduce an element of 
manual intervention and improve reporting 
and therefore the company’s internal control 
environment.

Healthcare

Distribution

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

 NMC Specialty Hospital  
Abu Dhabi
 NMC Day Surgery  
Mohammed Bin Zayed City
 Brightpoint Womens Hospital  
Abu Dhabi (Early H1, 2014)
 NMC Specialty Hospital  
Khalifa City (H1, 2015)
 NMC General Hospital  
Dubai Investments Park  
(Early H1, 2014)
 B R Medical Suites  
DHCC
 NMC General Hospital  
Deira, Dubai
 NMC Specialty Hospital  
Dubai
 NMC Medical Centre 
Sharjah

10    Sheikh Khalifa  

General Hospital (Operator) 
Umm al Quwain

11   NMC Specialty Hospital  

Al Ain

12   NMC Medical Centre  

Al Ain (H2, 2014)

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

 NMC Warehouse 
Mina, Abu Dhabi
 NMC Sales and  
Marketing office 
Abu Dhabi
 NMC Warehouse 
Al Ain
 NMC Sales and  
Marketing office 
Al Ain
 NMC Warehouse 
DIP, Dubai
 NMC Warehouse 
Al Quoz, Dubai
 NMC Sales and  
Marketing office 
Dubai and Northern Emirates
 NMC Warehouse 
DIC, Dubai

10
Umm Al Quwain

9
G
8

6

H

7

Sharjah

E

5

F
Dubai

UAE

B

3

A

1

2

4
Abu Dhabi

Oman

Al Ain
11

12

C

D

21

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Financial Review

NMC Health delivered a strong performance 
in 2013 at both the Group and divisional 
level. Consolidated Group Revenues 
increased from US$490.1m in FY2012 to 
US$550.9m in FY2013, a growth of 12.4%. 
After elimination of US$38.6m of intra-group 
trading revenue, Consolidated Group 
EBITDA improved from US$79.6m in 
FY2012 to US$92.9m in FY2013, a growth 
of 16.7%.

Group Net profit reached US$69.1m in 
FY2013, yielding Earnings per share (EPS) of 
US$0.367 compared to US$0.343 for the 
same period in 2012. Excluding the effects 
of one-off items; IPO costs of US$3.4m in 
2012 and write off of unamortised finance 
fees of US$3.4m in 2013, the increase in 
EPS would have been US$0.390 in 2013, 
representing an adjusted increase of 13.7%.

Healthcare division
Revenue in the Healthcare division 
increased from US$251.6m in FY2012 to 
US$289.3m in FY2013, a growth of 15.0%. 
EBITDA increased from US$ 68.2m in 
FY2012 to US$81.7m in FY2013, a growth 
of 19.8%. EBITDA margin improved from 
27.1% in FY2012 to 28.2% in FY2013.

Distribution division
Within the Distribution division, revenues 
increased from US$271.1m in FY2012 to 
US$ 300.2m in FY2013, a growth of 10.7%. 
EBITDA increased from US$26.2m in 
FY2012 to US$29.9m in FY2013, a growth 
of 14.1%. EBITDA margin improved from 
9.7% in FY2012 to 10.0% in FY2013.

Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure incurred for the year 
was US$82.7m (FY2012: US$118.9m). This 
encompassed US$72.2m on the Group’s 
capital projects. The Group also incurred 
US$7.3m on equipment required across the 
existing operations.

The Company was able to capitalise certain 
expenses, in accordance with IFRS and the 
Company’s accounting policies. We expect 
this to continue in relation to costs (for 
example lease costs) arising during the 
construction of future projects. Although 
pre-operating expenses were nil in the year 
to 31 December 2013, we expect a small 
level of pre-operating costs which will be 
expensed in the 2014 financial year as a 
result of the opening of new facilities.

As a result of the delays in the opening of 
certain facilities discussed in “Business 
overview”, additional costs in respect of loan 
interest and leases have been capitalised. 
Had these facilities opened in line with 
original plan these costs would have been 
expensed. Other than these items the 
delays have not resulted in an increase in 
budgeted capital costs.

A table outlining original estimated capital 
expenditure and other budgeted costs for 
each of our current development projects, 
and a further table setting out costs to date 
on these projects is set out below.

The Company has reviewed all significant 
capital expenditure projects including the 

delayed projects for impairments and have 
concluded that the projects have sufficient 
headroom and that none of the assets are 
impaired.

Cash
Net cash inflow from operating activities for 
the 2013 financial year was US$85.1m, 
compared with US$35.3m for the 
comparative period in 2012. This was mainly 
due to:

• improved performance of the Group; and

• effective management of working capital.

Including funds held on deposit, cash as at 
31 December 2013 was at US$268.7m 
compared to US$257.5m at the end of FY 
2012. The Company had allocated the funds 
raised through the IPO as well as through 
the JP Morgan syndicated loan against the 
capital cost of the five expansion projects 
announced during the IPO. As a result, 
together with positive operating cash flow, 
the Company is well financed to complete 
its capital expenditure program.

As expected, the Group had a net debt 
position of US$63.7m at 31 December 2013 
compared with US$46.1m at 31 December 
2012. As the Group continues with its 
capital project development program, and 
the Company’s cash is committed to such 
projects, the level of net debt is expected to 
increase during FY 2014.

(All US$m)

Project

Brightpoint women’s Hospital

Khalifa City Specialty Hospital

NMC Day Surgery Centre LLC

NMC Dubai Investment Park LLC

Total

Budget

Budgeted  
Capital  
Costs

70

200

15

30

315

Actuals

Capital  
Costs

Capitalised 
Expenses

Accounting 
adjustment for  
lease rentals

Total  
Capital  
Costs

69.8

46.5

9.2

10.4

135.9

5.3

3.2

1.0

1.2

10.7

19.3

0

2.4

4.0

25.7

94.4

49.7

12.6

15.6

172.3

Notes:
1.  Prior to commencement of development of the existing four capital projects, management had an expectation that there would be an element of expense incurred before 
the new facilities were opened which would be written off through the Income Statement. Following a review certain of these costs have been capitalised in line with the 
Company’s accounting policies (for example lease rent paid and finance costs). The Group expects such costs will continue to be capitalised on these projects during the 
construction phase.

2.  The lease in respect of Brightpoint contains a rent free period as well as specified rent increases. In line with IFRS and the Company’s accounting policies, the rental cost 
of the lease has been adjusted to appropriately account for these items over the length of the lease. Accounting policies stipulate that the total lease value for the full lease 
period is divided evenly over the years.

3.  Apart from the projects mentioned above, the Group had spent US$9m on the acquisition of BR Medical Suites during the last financial year as part of the projects 

announced during the IPO.

4.  The Group has not spent any amount towards the development of the Al Ain Medical Centre as at 31 December 2013.

22

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportMovement in net debt
The movement in cash and the level of capital expenditure have had a significant effect on the movement in net debt during the 2013 
financial year. A summary of the principal drivers is shown as follows:

303.6

Total Cash as at 1 January 2013

257.5

Net Debt as at 1 January 2013

46.1

Movement of Net Debt
Total Debt as at 1 January 2013

Add: 

JP Morgan Loan

Add: 

225.0 Operational cash inflow

Finance Incomes

JPM Loan

Less:

Less:

JP Morgan Loan Repayments

21.4 Other Bank facilities & refinancing 

Other Bank facilities & refinancing 
(Net Movement)

(Net Movement)

174.8

Finance Fee

JPM Loan Repayments

Additions & Disposals to Property

Finance Costs

Dividends Paid

85.1

5.3

225.0

315.4

174.8

3.4

21.4

78.6

14.5

11.5

304.2

Total Debt as at 31 December 2013

332.4

Total Cash as at 31 December 2013

268.7 Net Debt as at 31 December 2013

63.7

Working Capital
Working capital for our two operating 
business divisions is funded differently due 
to the nature of their business models. The 
Group is able to fund its working capital 
requirements for its Healthcare division 
from operational cash flow, and we do not 
expect this position to change in the 2014 
financial year.

In relation to our Distribution division, the 
working capital requirement is dependent 
on a number of factors including the timing 
of receipt of debtors and the timing of 
payment of creditors as well as inventory 
flow during the year and the timing of 
re-imbursement of promotional expenses 
agreed with our Principals in relation to the 
sale and marketing of their products. The 
Distribution division requires external 
working capital facilities throughout the year, 
the level of which is dependent on business 
seasonality. These working capital facilities 
are arranged through a number of banking 
providers and in general terms the level 
of working capital required is between 
30%-40% of the Group’s total debt facilities.

Long term debt facilities
A five year debt facility of up to US$300m 
was made available to the Group during 
the year by a syndicate of lenders led by 
J.P.  Morgan Chase Bank, to refinance 
high interest bearing credit lines. A total of 
US$225m has been drawn down from this 
facility to date. The cost of funds for this 
facility is 3.0% over one month LIBOR. This 
rate is substantially lower than the credit 
lines replaced. We expect this change to 
yield a total saving of around US$10m over 
the five year tenure of the loan compared to 
the previous arrangement, net of the one off 
of US$3.4m written off in the current year of 
unamortised finance costs,

The total debt of the Group, excluding 
accounts payable and accruals, was 
US$332.4m as at 31 December 2013 
compared to US$303.6m on 31 December 
2012.

Finance costs and income
Total finance costs for 2013 were US$14.3m 
compared to US$13.7m in 2012. This was 
mainly on account of the increased 
utilisation of working capital lines 
commensurate with the increase in the 
activity levels in both the Group’s operating 
segments. The Group’s replacement of high 
interest bearing credit lines during the year 
limited, to some extent, the increase in 
finance costs.

Dividend
The Board is proposing to continue with 
its policy of annual dividend payments of 
between 20% and 30% of Profit After Tax, 
outlined in the Company’s IPO prospectus 
in 2012. The Board is therefore 
recommending that a final dividend of 
4.4 pence per share be paid in cash in 
respect of the year ended 31 December 
2013 (FY2012: 4.1 pence per share).

23

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Board consider the identification and 
mitigation of material risks and uncertainties 
faced by the Group as a key issue to be 
monitored at all levels of the organisation. 
The senior management team ensure that 
operational management consider risk as 
part of their day to day activities. This is 
considered to be particularly key for NMC 
as a Group working in a regulated 
environment.

In order to monitor the Group’s business 
and strategic plans on a more formal basis, 
the management team has, with the 
assistance of the Group’s Internal Auditors, 
Crowe Horwath, reviewed and re-assessed 
the strategic and key risks faced by the 
Group. These risks, the potential effect of 
these risks on the Group and the mitigation 
of those risks is analysed in the following 
table. It should be noted that the order that 
these risks are expressed in the table do not 
reflect an order of magnitude as regards 
their potential impact on the Group.

24

Risks and uncertainties

Economic and Political risk
A change in the political and regulatory environment.

Working capital
Insufficient free cash flow, borrowings headroom or material changes to 
supplier payment terms 

Management succession and depth
The lack of depth of experienced senior management coupled with the lack  
of sufficient succession capabilities where the business has traditionally been 
reliant on a few individuals

• Inability to complete announced capital 

• The Group has an established succession planning framework within the business 

• Loss of key business and regulatory 

• Senior management have a long track record and shown ability to manage change

• NMC Board comprises highly experienced members with a proven track record

External interests
Potential conflicts of interest and time conflicts in relation to the other significant 
business interests of senior management 

Capital projects risk
Failure to deliver key projects on time or on budget

• Revenue growth less than expected

• Capital projects fully monitored by the management team and the project team

• Failure to deliver return on investment

• Board review progress on capital projects and revised financial projections on  

Competitor environment
New significant entrants into the UAE healthcare market given government 
focus on healthcare in UAE

Recruitment
Loss of specialist medical professionals as a result of wage inflation and 
increased healthcare provision in the UAE

Clinical risk
Unforeseen significant clinical negligence leading to significant damages,  
loss of patient confidence and potential criminal proceedings

Potential impact

Mitigation

• Reduction in population resulting from 

departure of expats from the country

providing local services

• Diverse multi-cultural population with significant percentage of expats  

• Loss of customers and revenue streams

• Each division is diverse in nature

• Disruption to delivery of service or inability to 

• Traditional stability in UAE 

provide products and services 

• Reduced liquidity and access to working 

• Management continually monitor cash headroom and borrowings

• Inability to complete capital projects

• Five year debt facilities and working capital facilities available from a number of 

• Disruption to revenue streams and loss of 

international banks 

• All capital expenditure for key capital projects is fully financed

• Working capital facilities not fully utilised and the Group’s low leverage levels provide 

additional borrowing capability if required

• Strong banking and supplier relationships

beneath senior management level

capital funds

supplier base

projects

relationships

• Inability to manage the businesses effectively 

affecting the long term future of the Group

• Loss of focus on the NMC business

• Potential for operational inefficiencies

• Potential for inter-company contractual 

arrangements not being operated on an 

arms-length basis

• The Company has a professional management team whose primary focus and 

commitment is on the Company’s activities

• Senior management involvement in other business interests are as investors or board 

oversight only and not as part of management within those third party businesses 

• The Company has a process in place to record all related party transactions which 

arise and these are detailed in the notes to the financial statements

• Delayed lead time to new facility profitability 

and positive cash flow affecting the Group’s 

financial position

• Potential for impairment of assets

a regular basis

• Loss of market share resulting in a loss of 

• The regulatory environment in the UAE is a significant barrier to entry and limits 

revenue and lower margins

competitor expansion across different emirates

• Access to future expected growth in UAE 

• NMC has first mover advantage in the healthcare sector and is listed as a public 

healthcare expenditure reduced

company creating greater visibility and acceptance of standards

• Increased operational costs

• We have a good recruitment process with wide international connections and have 

• May reduce the ability of the Group to provide 

attracted doctors from 21 different countries

certain services to patients

• Potential loss of reputation

• Management team have a proven track record of operating within an environment  

of high wage inflation previously

• Our doctor attrition rate remains very low which we believe indicates the level of 

dedication our doctors have for the success of the business

• Significant reputational damage

• The business and our doctors have a continuous focus on delivering high levels  

• Financial losses as a result of fines and/or 

of service

financial awards made against the Group

• All doctors are monitored by virtue of rigorous licensing 

• Risk of loss of operating licenses and quality 

• procedures which operate in the UAE

standard accreditations

• The Healthcare division is a regulated business and the Group’s three principal 

hospitals have international quality standards accreditation

• We have a series of Ethical and Standards Committees for monitoring clinical 

governance with the business

• We have medical malpractice insurance to cover any awards of financial damages

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportRisks and uncertainties

Economic and Political risk

A change in the political and regulatory environment.

Insufficient free cash flow, borrowings headroom or material changes to 

Working capital

supplier payment terms 

Management succession and depth

The lack of depth of experienced senior management coupled with the lack  

of sufficient succession capabilities where the business has traditionally been 

reliant on a few individuals

External interests

Potential conflicts of interest and time conflicts in relation to the other significant 

business interests of senior management 

Capital projects risk

Failure to deliver key projects on time or on budget

New significant entrants into the UAE healthcare market given government 

Competitor environment

focus on healthcare in UAE

Recruitment

Loss of specialist medical professionals as a result of wage inflation and 

increased healthcare provision in the UAE

Clinical risk

Unforeseen significant clinical negligence leading to significant damages,  

loss of patient confidence and potential criminal proceedings

Potential impact

Mitigation

• Reduction in population resulting from 
departure of expats from the country
• Loss of customers and revenue streams
• Disruption to delivery of service or inability to 

provide products and services 

• Reduced liquidity and access to working 

capital funds

• Inability to complete capital projects
• Disruption to revenue streams and loss of 

supplier base

• Diverse multi-cultural population with significant percentage of expats  

providing local services

• Each division is diverse in nature
• Traditional stability in UAE 

• Management continually monitor cash headroom and borrowings
• All capital expenditure for key capital projects is fully financed
• Five year debt facilities and working capital facilities available from a number of 

international banks 

• Working capital facilities not fully utilised and the Group’s low leverage levels provide 

additional borrowing capability if required
• Strong banking and supplier relationships

• Inability to complete announced capital 

• The Group has an established succession planning framework within the business 

projects

beneath senior management level

• Loss of key business and regulatory 

relationships

• Inability to manage the businesses effectively 
affecting the long term future of the Group

• Loss of focus on the NMC business
• Potential for operational inefficiencies
• Potential for inter-company contractual 

arrangements not being operated on an 
arms-length basis

• Revenue growth less than expected
• Failure to deliver return on investment
• Delayed lead time to new facility profitability 
and positive cash flow affecting the Group’s 
financial position

• Potential for impairment of assets

• Senior management have a long track record and shown ability to manage change
• NMC Board comprises highly experienced members with a proven track record

• The Company has a professional management team whose primary focus and 

commitment is on the Company’s activities

• Senior management involvement in other business interests are as investors or board 
oversight only and not as part of management within those third party businesses 
• The Company has a process in place to record all related party transactions which 

arise and these are detailed in the notes to the financial statements

• Capital projects fully monitored by the management team and the project team
• Board review progress on capital projects and revised financial projections on  

a regular basis

• Loss of market share resulting in a loss of 

• The regulatory environment in the UAE is a significant barrier to entry and limits 

revenue and lower margins

competitor expansion across different emirates

• Access to future expected growth in UAE 

• NMC has first mover advantage in the healthcare sector and is listed as a public 

healthcare expenditure reduced

company creating greater visibility and acceptance of standards

• Increased operational costs
• May reduce the ability of the Group to provide 

certain services to patients
• Potential loss of reputation

• We have a good recruitment process with wide international connections and have 

attracted doctors from 21 different countries

• Management team have a proven track record of operating within an environment  

of high wage inflation previously

• Significant reputational damage
• Financial losses as a result of fines and/or 
financial awards made against the Group
• Risk of loss of operating licenses and quality 

standard accreditations

• Our doctor attrition rate remains very low which we believe indicates the level of 

dedication our doctors have for the success of the business

• The business and our doctors have a continuous focus on delivering high levels  

of service

• All doctors are monitored by virtue of rigorous licensing 
• procedures which operate in the UAE
• The Healthcare division is a regulated business and the Group’s three principal 

hospitals have international quality standards accreditation

• We have a series of Ethical and Standards Committees for monitoring clinical 

governance with the business

• We have medical malpractice insurance to cover any awards of financial damages

25

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Principal Risks and Uncertainties
continued

Risks and uncertainties

Potential impact

Mitigation

Legal and Regulatory risk
Failure to comply with applicable health authority regulatory requirements and 
unanticipated regulatory changes and working within a changing and 
developing legal environment different to what shareholders would be used to 
in other parts of the world.

Cultural
A very small entrepreneurial management team which has faced significant 
changes in business process as a result of the Company’s IPO 

• Risk of loss of operating licenses and quality 

• We have a good relationship with all of our regulators and quality standard accrediting 

standard accreditations

bodies

• Risk of extended legal processes in a legal 

• Our regulators and quality standard accrediting bodies review and visit our facilities 

system where an element of proof is not 

periodically to ensure compliance with regulations

required before a legal claim is pursued within 

the Court

• The management team ensures that the business is operated in an ethically 

appropriate way and that all employees are aware of the Group’s Code of Business 

• Reduced revenue or operating efficiency as a 

Ethics with which they must comply

result of regulatory changes

• Significant increase in financial and operational 

• The Company has a very experienced board of directors who monitor financial and 

process and reporting required internally and 

operational matters regularly and advise on listed company and strategic matters

externally stretching management bandwidth

• The Company has a team of very experienced external advisers who assist and 

• Management inexperience in the listed 

provide advice to the management team in external reporting matters

• The Company has a Company Secretary with significant UK plc experience to assist 

with the process of change management required following IPO

company environment may affect both the 

team’s focus on operational matters or lead to 

Company valuation erosion as a result of poor 

investor relations

Material contracts
Cancellation of the management services contract for Umm Al Quwain due  
to contracted obligations, non-performance or legal changes in UAE 

• Reputational damage within the UAE

• Senior Management continually monitor performance at the facility and under the 

• Financial impact as a result of loss of Revenue 

terms of its management contract

and EBITDA as a result of any loss of the 

• We have a good relationship with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and our regulators 

contract 

and continue to meet key quality standards required under our management contract 

• There is a regular reporting review mechanism and meetings to monitor progress 

under the terms of our contract

26

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportRisks and uncertainties

Potential impact

Mitigation

Legal and Regulatory risk

Failure to comply with applicable health authority regulatory requirements and 

unanticipated regulatory changes and working within a changing and 

developing legal environment different to what shareholders would be used to 

in other parts of the world.

Cultural

A very small entrepreneurial management team which has faced significant 

changes in business process as a result of the Company’s IPO 

Material contracts

Cancellation of the management services contract for Umm Al Quwain due  

to contracted obligations, non-performance or legal changes in UAE 

• Risk of loss of operating licenses and quality 

• We have a good relationship with all of our regulators and quality standard accrediting 

standard accreditations

bodies

• Risk of extended legal processes in a legal 
system where an element of proof is not 
required before a legal claim is pursued within 
the Court

• Reduced revenue or operating efficiency as a 

result of regulatory changes

• Our regulators and quality standard accrediting bodies review and visit our facilities 

periodically to ensure compliance with regulations

• The management team ensures that the business is operated in an ethically 

appropriate way and that all employees are aware of the Group’s Code of Business 
Ethics with which they must comply

• Significant increase in financial and operational 
process and reporting required internally and 
externally stretching management bandwidth

• The Company has a very experienced board of directors who monitor financial and 
operational matters regularly and advise on listed company and strategic matters
• The Company has a team of very experienced external advisers who assist and 

• Management inexperience in the listed 

provide advice to the management team in external reporting matters

company environment may affect both the 
team’s focus on operational matters or lead to 
Company valuation erosion as a result of poor 
investor relations

• Reputational damage within the UAE
• Financial impact as a result of loss of Revenue 

• The Company has a Company Secretary with significant UK plc experience to assist 

with the process of change management required following IPO

• Senior Management continually monitor performance at the facility and under the 

terms of its management contract

and EBITDA as a result of any loss of the 
contract 

• We have a good relationship with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and our regulators 
and continue to meet key quality standards required under our management contract 

• There is a regular reporting review mechanism and meetings to monitor progress 

under the terms of our contract

27

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Social Responsibility

The right to medical assistance and treatment is the basic right of  
each human and this is the ideology that each person at NMC  
abides by and follows.

We follow the International Patient Safety 
Goals and have Joint Commission 
International accreditation in each of our 
three Specialty Hospitals. Our medical 
practitioners and staff are dedicated to 
maintaining the high level of patient safety 
and quality of medical care that we promise. 

NMC Health’s distribution business, NMC 
Trading, has a number of pharmaceutical 
medical representatives and medical 
equipment salespersons who remain in 
close contact with the doctors and bio-
medical and administrative teams in 
hospitals, medical centres and pharmacies 
across the UAE. The business imports and 
distributes essential pharmaceuticals, 
medical equipment and consumables of 
high quality and ensures they are readily 
available to healthcare institutions.

Employees
At NMC Health, we consider our human 
resources as our biggest assets. Our 
employees not only serve as our partners in 
serving the community, but are also our 
brand ambassadors who take forward and 
enhance our mission and vision for a better 
tomorrow. 

Human Rights responsibilities
The NMC Group is committed to being a 
responsible corporate citizen. This mission 
is headed by our CEO, Dr B R Shetty, who 
is one of the pioneers in the private 
healthcare sector in the UAE and founded 
NMC with the philosophy of ‘affordable 
quality healthcare for all’. The right to 
medical assistance and treatment is the 
basic right of each human and this is the 
ideology that each person at NMC abides 
by and follows. This is in line with the United 
Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights 1948, which states that “Everyone 
has the right to a standard of living adequate 
for the health and well-being of himself and 
of his family, including food, clothing, 
housing and medical care and necessary 
social services.” We take forward this 
mission by following ethical human rights 
practices at all levels of our business 
including our employees, our patients and 
our stakeholders.

Since our inception in 1975, NMC has 
continually provided affordable quality health 
care to its patrons and, as we enter the 40th 
year of our operations in the UAE, we intend 
that our endeavours to serve the community 
will grow stronger and better. NMC 
encounters over 2 million patients annually 
across all its facilities, which are spread 
throughout the UAE and we are dedicated 
to making a positive difference in the lives of 
each person who walks in through NMC 
doors. To be able to touch thousands of 
lives each day, increases our responsibility 
towards our patients as well as our 
employees who serve as the lifeline of our 
organisation. 

Patients
Over the last four decades, NMC Health has 
believed in the philosophy of ‘healthcare for 
everyone’ – irrespective of nationality, 
income level or socio-economic 
demographic. NMC is one of the few large 
hospital chains in the UAE that accepts 
patients from virtually all health insurance 
plans, from the top end plans for higher 
income groups to the lowest end plans 
meant for blue collar workers. 

NMC’s patient base mirrors the 
demographic make-up of the UAE. We are 
now touching the lives of nearly 6,000 
patients a day, from all walks of life who 
represent the many nationalities that reside 
in the UAE and whose families have been 
NMC patrons for more than a generation. 

NMC Healthcare operates or manages 
hospitals and medical centres in the largest 
cities and across four of the emirates of the 
UAE. In terms of locations, our facilities are 
accessible to over 85% of the country’s 
population. We are the only private 
healthcare provider in the country that has 
such a broad presence across the country.

Quality of Care for our patients is of utmost 
importance. 

We have 3 priorities which are: 
• Safe Facilities;

• Clinical Excellence; and

• Patient Experience.

28

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportDiversity
As at 31 December 2013, the Group had grown its employee base across all its business 
operations to 5,356 employees. We employ individuals of 49 different nationalities and offer 
an approach of employment without discrimination.

A comparison of the split of employees by gender within the different business groups and 
different levels within the NMC Group is set out in the following table: 

Gender Comparision Study

Facilities

Categories

Total

Gender

Percentage

Male

Female

Male

Female

NMC Board of Directors

Senior Management Team

7

5

6

4

1

1

Grand Total*

5,356

3,297

2,059

Corporate Office

Total – Corporate Office

Corporate Management

Corporate Staff 

Reliance infotech

Total – Reliance Infotec

Reliance Management

Reliance Staffs

149

35

114

47

5

42

110

32

78

42

4

38

39

3

36

5

1

4

Healthcare

Total – Healthcare 

3,400

1,648

1,752

Healthcare Management

Doctors

Staff Nurses

Technicians & Pharmacist

37

503

996

439

Healthcare – Others

1,425

30

333

191

238

856

Distribution

Total – Distribution

1,760

1,497

Distribution Management

127

115

Distribution Staffs

1,633

1,382

7

170

805

201

569

263

12

251

86%

80%

62%

74%

91%

68%

89%

80%

90%

48%

81%

66%

19%

54%

60%

85%

91%

85%

14%

20%

38%

26%

9%

32%

11%

20%

10%

52%

19%

34%

81%

46%

40%

15%

9%

15%

* Includes two Executive Directors and five senior management personnel but excluding Non-Executive Directors.

Approximate daily patients

6,000

Employees

5,356

29

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Social Responsibility
continued

In our efforts to offer a work-life balance,  
all our staff members are provided with the 
option of free company accommodation or 
an accommodation allowance. This allows 
them to stay close to their place of work 
and to cut the time spent in commuting to 
and from work. This also contributes to 
providing better care to our patients since 
on-call doctors can be at the patient’s side 
from their home within minutes in case of 
an emergency. 

NMC Health also extends additional 
benefits to its employees including offering 
all its female employees over the age of  
40, free mammogram screening at all  
our hospitals during the breast cancer 
awareness month. NMC runs a number of 
fitness events and sports clubs including 
cricket and volleyball teams.

NMC Health employees are eligible for 
discounted rates for most services within 
our medical facilities, and can also take 
advantage of discounted prices for the 
FMCG and food products that are 
distributed by NMC Trading. NMC Health 
celebrates events and conducts cultural and 
social gatherings for its employees, such as 
the cultural programs conducted every year 
on the occasion of International Nurses’ 
Day, NMC Annual Day and UAE National 
Day among many other such occasions. 
These events serve as a great platform for 
our employees to bring forth their creative 
side as well as interact with their colleagues 
in an informal environment.

Community
NMC Health believes that community 
outreach programmes are an ideal way to 
contribute towards enhancing the health of 
the society and the nation. Along with 
providing medical assistance and treatment 
to our patients, NMC undertakes hundreds 
of community initiatives over the year 

30

including blood donation camps, health 
awareness programs, free health screenings 
and hygiene workshops among others. The 
following section will provide a few examples 
of our Community Health Awareness 
program:

NMC’s Give Blood Give Life Initiative  
(July 2013)
Continuing with its endeavour to provide 
compassionate and quality healthcare, 
NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi 
organised a Blood Donation Drive in 
collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Blood 
Bank. The Give Blood Give Life themed 
Voluntary Blood Donation Drive was 
organised to raise awareness for the need 
of safe blood and blood products. This was 
the second drive in 2013 to generate 
awareness amongst our staff and to help 
prevent blood shortage issues in the 
country.

World Heart Day (September 2013)
• NMC Healthcare conducted one of the 
largest public awareness and education 
drives in the UAE on heart diseases and 
cardiac care where almost 10,000 people 
received free health check – ups 
comprising of Blood Pressure, Body Mass 
Index (BMI), Blood glucose and 
cholesterol measurements. The week-
long initiative that ran from 23 – 29 
September 2013 was carried out at all 
NMC centres across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al 
Ain and Sharjah as well as high – footfall 
areas such as shopping malls;

• NMC Cardiologists provided vital 

information on heart health through 
interviews and health tips on popular radio 
(Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil) 
channels;

• Apart from our own facilities, our health 
teams also visited private companies as 

well as government ministries and public 
entities to conduct these check-ups for 
their employees; and

• As a result of this campaign a large 

number of people became more aware of 
cardiovascular risks and understood the 
importance of regular check-ups, genetic 
anomalies, available treatments and ways 
to better their heart health. 

NMC Breast Cancer Awareness Drive 
(October 2013)
NMC Healthcare organised a breast cancer 
awareness drive for the employees of 
companies, where NMC’s Gynaecologists 
conducted interactive sessions including 
tips for self-examination to generate 
awareness regarding breast cancer, its early 
warning signs, self-detection, and treatment 
and battling the stigma against the disease.

Diabetes Retinopathy Campaign 
(November 2013)
• Keeping in mind the significance of World 

Diabetes Day on 14 November 2013, 
NMC Specialty Hospital in Dubai and Abu 
Dhabi conducted a two day Diabetes 
Retinopathy Screening camp, where over 
500 diabetics underwent screening; and

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic Report• NMC Healthcare has been routinely 

conducting such diabetic retinopathy 
screening camps. This socially 
responsible event serves as an avenue for 
diabetics to come forward for a free 
screening and thus helps spread 
awareness of eye complications related to 
diabetes.

ADNIC Yas Run (December 2013)
NMC Healthcare supported the ADNIC Yas 
Run in December 2013, as health partners. 
Almost 2,600 runners of all ages took part in 
the third annual ADNIC Yas Run 2013. NMC 
Healthcare as ‘Health Partners’ not only 
offered medical and ambulance support for 
the runners but also offered free medical 
tests and health screening programs 
including blood, glucose, blood pressure, 
body mass index and random cholesterol 
tests, as well as interactive sessions. 

MamaCare 
NMC Healthcare conducts free counselling 
and pre-natal classes for expectant parents 
each week in all its specialty hospitals. This 
program, called MamaCare, involves 
education talks from gynaecologists, 
neonatologists and paediatricians, diet 
planning by our dieticians and pregnancy 

and post natal exercises with exercise 
physiotherapists. This program is open to 
anyone and is conducted pro-bono by NMC 
Healthcare.

NMC Health Index (December 2013)
Being the UAE’s trusted healthcare partner 
since 1975, NMC took it upon itself to 
commission a research document that 
would give a deeper insight of the health 
conditions of the residents of UAE and to 
raise awareness about the country’s health 
issues. With this intention in mind, NMC 
launched the NMC Health Index to: 

• evaluate the importance of healthcare in 

the country;

• be an indicator of the physical, social and 

emotional well-being of UAE society;

• help people be more informed on factors 
that can enhance well-being in daily life 
and make healthier choices; and

• engage in the public health debate and 

develop solutions to tackle health issues in 
the UAE.

31

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Social Responsibility
continued

For the NMC Health Index, we surveyed 
1,054 adults (aged 18+) in the UAE exploring 
perceptions of health and wellness, where 
mixed modes – online and computer-
assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) were 
used for data collection. The survey which 
was available in English and Arabic included 
a set of questions to evaluate the physical, 
social and emotional health score of the 
respondents. Quotas based on UAE 
government statistics were assigned for 
age, gender and nationality to reflect the 
population.

A few interesting findings resulted from the 
survey:

• The majority of respondents (65%) feel 

that having a healthy lifestyle is not wholly 
within their control;

35%
 A GREAT 
DEAL

50%
 SOME

3%
 NONE

12%
 A LITTLE

• Overall, three in ten (31%) either smoke 
some form of tobacco or drink alcohol 
weekly;

• 21% Smoke tobacco;

• Men (32%) are five times more likely than 

women (6%) to smoke tobacco; and

• One in ten (9%) has never visited a doctor 
for any medical reason, while three in four 
(76%) say the healthcare system in the 
UAE is better than other countries.

This is the first health index of its kind in the 
UAE with NMC providing market leading 
benchmarking for future research in the 
healthcare sector. We plan to make this 
index a continuous effort to contribute 
towards improving the overall health, not 
only physical, but also the happiness 
quotient as well as social wellness of the 
residents of UAE. 

Environment
NMC understands the significance of 
healthy living and takes great care in 
creating and maintaining a sustainable 
environment for generations to come. Some 
of the initiatives made by NMC to contribute 
to the cause of a healthier environment are:

• NMC Health supported the Clean-up UAE 

campaign organised by The Emirates 
Environmental Group, an environmental 
programme devoted to environmental 
conservation and sustainability. Through 
the years, the campaign has grown in 

• strength and popularity; garnering support 

from the government and private 
organisations NMC proudly supported the 
campaign this year with 22 volunteers 
from the hospital participating in the 
environmental programme. We firmly 
believe in a cleaner, greener and more 
sustainable environment – not just for a 
healthier today, but a happier tomorrow  
as well;

• NMC Health, in its efforts to being an 

eco-friendly organisation, practices safe 
disposal of medical waste to maintain a 
less infection prone environment in its 
facilities and offices. Complementing 
these efforts is developing Environment, 
Health and Safety (EHS) policies and 
procedures, conducting audits, 
inspections and incident investigations 
and, ensuring continuous improvement of 
the NMC EHS management system and 
processes. Our aim remains to remove or 
reduce the susceptibility of risk of fatalities, 
occupational diseases and disorders, 
disabling and other injuries, healthcare 
associated infections, spread of 
antimicrobial resistance and significant 
environmental incidents; and

• The introduction of e-claims for health 
insurance has significantly reduced the 
amount of printed paper submitted in our 
monthly invoices to insurance paying 
companies. We also encourage recycling 
of paper used internally to reduce 
consumption of paper.

32

  OverviewGovernanceFinancial StatementsGroup Strategic ReportBusiness ethics
The Group is proud of the values with which 
it conducts its business activities and 
encourages all of its employees to uphold 
these values and the highest levels of 
business ethics and personal integrity in all 
types of transactions and interactions. In 
this respect the Group has the following 
policies in place which all employees of the 
Group are subject to:

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
This Code sets out how employees should 
act in a range of different areas including 

Anti-Bribery, Anti-Corruption, Gifts and 
Entertainment Policy
This Policy sets out the rules and obligations 
of employees in relation to:

• the offer or acceptance, or the 

engagement in any activity that gives the 
appearance of accepting or accepting, 
a bribe;

• the offer or acceptance of gifts or 

entertainment;

• prohibition of facilitation payments

• any payment of charitable contributions or 

• potential conflicts of interest; 

political donations; and

• dealing with matters fairly as regards 

• the procedure for engaging any third 

competitors, suppliers, customers and 
colleagues;

parties.

• maintaining confidentiality in all areas of 

the business;

• compliance with all laws and regulations; 

and 

• the protection and proper use of Group 

assets.

The Board also operates a Gifts and 
Entertainment Policy applicable to the 
Directors of the Company.

All employees have been provided with a 
copy of these policies, as well as guidelines 
relating to them, and are aware of the 
significance of these policies to the Group. 
The Company also ran a series of 
workshops to explain these policies to 
employees in more detail in 2012. New 
employees receive training on all company 
policies and procedures as part of their 
induction program. A copy of the policies is 
included on the Company’s employee 
intranet. 

Given the principal activities of the Group, 
NMC Healthcare employees are issued with 
specific guidance in relation to attendance 
at Pharmaceutical conferences and clinical 
training events. Employees of NMC Trading 
are also specifically made aware, as part of 
their training activities, of the potential issues 
which may arise ethically in their dealings 
with our Distribution division’s Principals and 
Customers.

The Group also has in place a 
Whistleblowing procedure which is made 
aware to all employees of the Group and is 
available on the Company’s website  
www.nmc.ae. 

The Group Strategic Report set out on 
pages 5 to 33 has been approved by the 
Board and is signed on its behalf by:

Dr B R Shetty
CEO

33

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Overview

Group Strategic Report

Financial Statements

Governance

Governance

Contents
Compliance with the UK Corporate  
Governance Code  

Board of Directors  

Senior Management  

Directors’ Report 

Corporate Governance Report 

Directors’ Remuneration Report 2013 

35 

36

39

40 

43

56  

34

The Board is responsible for, and 
committed to, ensuring that procedures 
are in place so that good standards of 
corporate governance are operated at 
all levels in the Group in accordance with 
the guidance and principles set out in the 
UK Corporate Governance Code published 
by the Financial Reporting Council in 
September 2012 (the “Code”). The Code 
can be found on the Financial Reporting 
Council website, frc.org.uk.

In the 2012 Annual Report, the Group 
stated  that good progress had been 

made on the governance environment 
during the period since the Company’s 
IPO and that this would continue into the 
new financial year. This has indeed been 
the case. The management team and the 
Board, supported by the Audit Committee, 
have continued to review the governance 
and control environment ensuring that 
governance processes are documented 
and implemented and, where appropriate, 
continue to improve. This Corporate 
Governance report describes how the 

Board has applied Corporate Governance 
principles during the 2013 financial year. 

Both the Board and the senior management 
team encourages appropriate levels of 
governance for a Company listed on the 
Premium Segment of the London Stock 
Exchange, whilst respecting where 
possible business processes acceptable 
in the Group’s country of operation. 
The Board believes that progress has 
been made in relation to the governance 
structure during the year.

Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
The Board has reviewed the Company’s 
compliance against the provisions of the 
Code. 

Since the Company’s IPO in April 2012, 
the Board has continued to seek to ensure 
that Board and Governance processes 
evolve appropriately and in a manner 
which protects the interests of the Company 
and all of its shareholders. There are a 
number of provisions of the Code that 
the Company has not complied with during 
the year. These provisions are stated 
and an explanation of non-compliance 
provided either below or within this 
Governance Section.

• Provision A.4.1 of the Code. The 
Company did not have a Senior 
Independent Director from 27 June 2013 
for the remainder of the 2013 financial year 
after Mr Justin Jewitt ceased to be a 
Director of the Company. This was a result 
of the appointment of a new Non-
Executive Director, Jonathan Bomford, 
to the Board and a preference to allow 
Mr Bomford to transition into his new role 
prior to choosing the most appropriate 
candidate to become Senior Independent 
Director. The Board have subsequently 
appointed Jonathan Bomford as the 
Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director with effect from 21 January 2014 
and the Company is therefore now 
compliant with this Code Provision.

• Appraisals and evaluation processes. The 
Board has not to date undertaken a formal 
and rigorous annual evaluation of its own 
performance and that of its committees 

and individual directors. This was due to 
the relatively short period of time that the 
Board has been constituted. The 
Company therefore did not comply with 
provisions B.6, B.6.1 and B.6.3 of the 
Code during 2013. The Board is currently 
assessing its preferred process for 
proceeding with such an evaluation which 
it intends to undertake in the first half of 
2014. Similarly, the Non-Executive 
Directors did not meet during 2013 to 
appraise the Chairman’s performance. 
Therefore the Company also did not 
comply with provision A.4.2 of the Code. 
The Independent Non-Executive Directors 
did however meet in January 2014 to 
appraise the Chairman’s performance, 
which is the start of the formal Board and 
Directors appraisal process which is 
currently being implemented. The Board 
intends to comply with Provisions A.4.2, 
B.6, B.6.1 and B.6.3 of the Code by the 
end of the first half 2014 financial year.

• Provision B.2.1, B.2.2 and B.2.4 of the 
Code. Mr Jonathan Bomford was 
appointed by the Board with effect from 
27 June 2013. The decision to appoint Mr 
Bomford was considered by the Board as 
a whole and the Nominations Committee 
did not operate a formal process in 
relation to his appointment; the Company 
therefore did not comply with the 
provisions of B.2.1, B.2.2 and B.2.4 of the 
Code. Further details are provided on 
page 44. Furthermore, during the year to 
31 December 2013, whilst the Board have 
reviewed proposals for, and discussed the 
implementation of a senior management 

succession plan, although this process 
has not been finalised as a result of 
the Board’s primary focus on the 
Group’s Governance and overall control 
environment processes. A formal senior 
management succession plan is expected 
to be implemented in 2014 and the 
Nominations Committee will meet to 
consider the effectiveness of such plan 
thereafter. The Company was therefore 
not compliant with part of Provision B.2 of 
the Code during the period under review

• Provision B.4.2 of the Code. The 

Chairman did not meet with each Director 
to consider their training and development 
needs during 2013. However, a formal 
process has commenced in early 2014 
in this respect. It was considered 
appropriate that the implementation of 
this process be introduced in conjunction 
with new Board and Director evaluation 
processes which are currently being 
implemented as outlined above.

• Provision C.3.1 of the Code. The 

Chairman was a member of the Audit 
Committee during the year but resigned 
from the Committee in December 2013. 
The reasons for his membership of the 
Audit Committee are set out on page 48. 
The Company intends to be compliant 
with this provision for the 2014 financial 
year onwards. 

Unless otherwise stated above or in the 
Corporate Governance Report, the Board 
believes that it has been compliant with the 
remaining provisions of the Code for the 
2013 Financial Year.

35

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Board of Directors

Mr H.J. Mark Tompkins was appointed to 
the Board of NMC Health plc in March 2012 
and is the Chairman of the Board and of the 
Nominations Committee. Mr Tompkins has 
significant public company experience 
having previously served on a total of 11 
publicly listed company boards, including 
five on NYSE, NASDAQ or junior market 
U.S. exchange boards and four London 
Stock Exchange Primary Market or AIM 
boards. A number of these listed companies 
operated in various aspects of the 
Healthcare sector.

Mr Tompkins was Non-Executive Chairman 
of Allied Healthcare International Inc. one of 
the UK’s leading providers of domiciliary 
care and healthcare staffing services, from 
2007 to 2009, serving as a Director from 
2005 to 2009. From 2005 to 2008 he also 
served as Non-Executive Chairman of 
Healthcare Enterprise Group Plc, an 
international healthcare products company 
which was listed on the AIM market in 
London. Mr Tompkins served as Conseiller 
Special aupres du Conseil D’Administration 
of Sodexo S.A. from November 2010 
to August 2012 after serving as a Non-
Executive Director from 2002 to 2010 
and a member of its Audit Committee for 

six of those eight years. Other previous 
directorships have included Abbey 
Healthcare Group Inc., and Apria 
Healthcare Group Inc. Prior to his non-
executive director roles, Mr Tompkins 
served as the Chief Executive Officer 
of Compagnie Financiere Haussmann, 
a publicly listed company in France involved 
in property development, investment and 
management. 

Mr Tompkins began his career in investment 
banking in 1964 with Samuel Montagu & 
Company (now HSBC). From 1965 to 1971, 
he was a Management Consultant with 
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., working on 
assignments in the UK, continental Europe 
and the U.S. Mr Tompkins returned to 
investment banking joining Slater Walker 
Securities group from 1972 to 1974. He 
subsequently entered into international 
real-estate development from 1974 to 1987 
investing in both residential and commercial 
assets across the Middle East, the United 
States and Europe. 

Since 1987, he has been focussed on 
financing small and medium sized 
enterprises whilst also contributing at 
board level of a number of listed companies. 

Mr Bin Butti was appointed to the Board 
of NMC Health plc in July 2011. Mr Bin Butti 
has significant financial and investment 
experience in the Middle East and Europe.

Born in 1979, Khalifa Bin Butti Bin Omeir is 
the first son of Butti Bin Omeir whose father, 
Omeir Bin Yousef, was one of the first 
prominent businessmen in Abu Dhabi. 
Khalifa Bin Butti completed his secondary 
education in England and graduated with 
a concentration in finance from Suffolk 
University in Boston.

He joined the Abu Dhabi National Oil 
Corporation (ADNOC) in 2003, working 
in the financial department, where his 
educational background uniquely positioned 
him to succeed and gain further insight 
into the financial industry of Abu Dhabi. 

In 2006 Khalifa Butti was appointed to the 
position of Chairman & CEO of Brokerage 
House Securities LLC, bringing extensive 
financial and business experience. He is 
also the major shareholder of Brokerage 
House Securities LLC. 

His financial acumen and years of 
experience in the international and MENA 
public and private equity markets led him 
to establish another addition to his 
consortium which is Khalifa Butti Bin Omeir 
(KBBO) Group. This includes One Financial 
which is registered under the FSA regulation 
in the UK with operations in the UK, China, 
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and 
other areas in the Middle East. Despite the 
global financial crisis, the entity has 
registered profits from day one which 
enabled the company to distribute 
dividends from their first financial quarter. 
Khalifa Bin Butti is also the single largest 
individual Shareholder of One Financial.

Khalifa Bin Butti holds several roles in 
well established firms including the role 
of Chairman for KBBO Group, Bin Butti 
International Holding, Infinite Investment, 
BHS LLC and One Financial DMCC 
(London). He is also a Board Member 
of Centurion Investment.

Mr H.J. Mark Tompkins
Independent Non-Executive Chairman  
Aged 73 (RC, CGC, NC)

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti
Executive Vice-Chairman, 
aged 34

AC – member of the Audit Committee 
RC – member of the Remuneration Committee 
CGC – member of the Clinical Governance Committee  
NC – member of the Nominations Committee

36

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceDr B.R. Shetty
Chief Executive Officer, 
aged 71

Mrs Heather Lawrence OBE
Independent Non-Executive Director, 
aged 64 (AC, RC, CGC, NC)

Dr Shetty was appointed to the Board of 
NMC Health plc in July 2011. Dr Shetty has 
been involved in the private healthcare and 
pharmaceutical sectors since these were 
established in the UAE nearly 40 years ago. 

Dr B.R. Shetty is the founding partner of 
NMC. He received the Order of Abu Dhabi 
in 2005, the highest civilian award, for 
contribution to the development of the 
community and the cause of the emirate, 
as well as the Padma Shri Award from the 
government of India in January 2009. 
He is a member of the Advisory Board of 
the Financial Sector of the Dubai Economic 
Department, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi 
Indian School, the Founder and Vice 
President of the Swiss Business Council, 
the Founder of the Australian Business 
Council, the Canadian Business Council, 
the Netherlands Business Group and the 
Philippines Business Council. He is also a 
member of the Executive Panel of Dubai’s 
Pharmaceutical and Health Equipment 
Trading Business Group under the Dubai 
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 
the ex-President of the Abu Dhabi Cricket 

Mrs Lawrence OBE was appointed to 
the Board of NMC Health plc in March 2012 
and is the Chairman of the Clinical 
Governance Committee. Mrs Lawrence 
has significant operational experience in 
the healthcare sector as well as operating 
on a number of UK Governmental Boards.

Mrs Lawrence has over 20 years’ 
experience as a Chief Executive Officer 
in the hospital and healthcare sector. From 
2000 to July 2012 she served as CEO of 
the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 
which gained NHS Foundation Trust status 
in 2006. Prior to 2000 she served as CEO 
of  North Hertfordshire NHS trust from 1996 
to 2000 and Hounslow and Spelthorne 
Community and Mental Health Trust from 
1989 to 1996.

Mrs Lawrence chaired the UK-wide 
negotiations for the Staff and Associate 
Specialists (SAS) Doctors contract during 
2004 to 2006 and chaired the “Agenda 
for Change” three-year pay deal for 
non-medical staff on behalf of NHS 
employers during 2006 to 2009. She has 

Council and was the Managing Director 
of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Club since its 
inception in 1989 until 2006. 

Dr Shetty trained as a Pharmacist. 
He received a Doctorate degree from 
Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA 
and was invited by the Harvard Business 
School to attend its Owner/ President 
Management programme. He holds 
a controlling interest in the Alexandria 
New Medical Centre in Egypt. 

also served as a Commissioner for the UK 
Prime Minister’s Commission for the Future 
of Nursing and Midwifery and was a 
Founding Member of the Dr Foster Global 
Comparators Founders Board, which is an 
initiative to share comparative health data 
with other leading medical institutions in 
various countries to improve clinical quality. 

Mrs Lawrence originally trained as a nurse 
at St Mary’s Hospital Paddington and 
is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of 
Personnel Management. 

She was appointed, by Secretary of State 
for Health, as a Non-Executive Director of 
Monitor, the NHS Regulator, in July 2012.

Mrs Lawrence was awarded an OBE in 
the 2010 New Year Honours List for her 
services to healthcare.

37

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Board of Directors
continued

Lord Clanwilliam
Independent Non-Executive Director 
Aged 53 (AC, RC, CGC, NC)

Mr Jonathan Bomford FCA
Independent Non-Executive Director, 
aged 65 (AC, RC, CGC, NC)

Mr Abdulrahman Basaddiq
Non-Executive Director, 
aged 65

AC – member of the Audit Committee 
RC – member of the Remuneration Committee 
CGC – member of the Clinical Governance Committee  
NC – member of the Nominations Committee

38

Lord Clanwilliam was appointed to the 
Board of NMC Health plc in March 2012 
and is the Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee. He has significant business 
experience in the Middle East and on the 
Boards of overseas companies listed on 
the London Stock Exchange. 

Lord Clanwilliam is an international 
businessman and high-level government 
and financial communications specialist 
possessing over 30 years of business and 
political experience across a broad range 
of sectors, including mining, drilling, oilfield 
services and operational management 
and consultancy. During his career, 
Lord Clanwilliam has established an 
extensive network of senior level 
governmental and institutional contacts 
across the Middle East, the United Kingdom 
and Eastern Europe. He is currently 

Chairman of Eurasia Drilling Company, a 
drilling and work-over company operating in 
Eurasia and listed on the Premium Segment 
of the London Stock Exchange. He is also 
a Non-Executive Director of Polyus Gold 
OJSC, a Russian gold mining company 
listed on the Premium Segment of the 
London Stock Exchange. Lord Clanwilliam 
is the Founding Partner and Chairman 
of Gardant Communications Limited, 
a political, strategic, financial and litigation 
communications company based in London 
and Senior Advisor to Milio International 
Limited, a British owned and operated 
commodities and logistics company.

Lord Clanwilliam graduated from Eton 
College in 1978 and from The Royal Military 
Academy, Sandhurst in 1979 after which he 
served for four years with the 1st Battalion 
Coldstream Guards. 

Mr Bomford was appointed to the Board 
of NMC Health plc in June 2013 and is 
the Chairman of the Audit Committee. 
He is a Chartered Accountant and has 
significant accounting, financial and audit 
experience gained principally in the Middle 
East and East Africa.

Mr Bomford is a qualified Chartered 
Accountant who spent 24 years with Ernst 
& Young in a number of roles in the Middle 
East and East Africa including Abu Dhabi, 
Riyadh, Dubai and Jeddah. For his last 
15 years with Ernst & Young, he was 
a partner with a number of international 
clients across a range of sectors including 
healthcare, oil, banking and construction. 

In 2000, Mr Bomford retired from Ernst & 
Young and since then has undertaken a 
number of roles including a Board Member 
of an Agricultural Trust funding agricultural 
projects and an Official Mentor providing 
Business Advice and Services to clients 
of the Prince’s Trust. 

Given his strong financial expertise, 
Mr Bomford was appointed as Chairman 
of the Audit Committee upon his 
appointment to the Board.

Mr Basaddiq is a fellow of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in England & Wales 
(FCA) and a licensed auditor and consultant 
in the UAE. He trained and qualified as a 
chartered accountant with Ernst & Young, 
London and spent over 25 years with 
Ernst & Young in the UK and the GCC, 
15 of those as an equity partner. During his 
period at EY, Abdulrahman served as the 
Managing Partner of their Riyadh and Abu 
Dhabi offices, in addition to responsibilities 
as UAE Country partner in charge. 

During his tenure in Riyadh, he oversaw 
the development and implementation of 
the only Saudisation program within the 
profession in the Kingdom at the time. 
He also served as an elected member 
of the  firm’s executive committee for some 
eight years, in addition to serving on the 

human resources committee for a number 
of years. 

Mr Basaddiq spent over 12 years with 
a number of Gulf based diversified groups 
across multiple jurisdictions and sectors 
including healthcare, global public and 
private equities, venture capital, real estate 
investment, development and construction, 
steel trading and fabrication, in addition 
to food manufacturing, retail and packaging. 
He also spent over five years serving on 
two audit committees, chairing one of them, 
in addition to oversight responsibilities 
in the development of audit committees 
and the related internal audit functions 
of other entities, which have grown in size 
and complexity, to comply with the ever 
increasing governance and other regulatory 
demands.

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceSenior Management

1

2

3

4

5

1 Mr Binay Shetty 
Chief Operating Officer

Since 2010, Mr Binay Shetty has been 
overseeing operations of NMC Health’s 
healthcare and distribution divisions. He is 
also closely involved with the HR, Marketing, 
IT and Projects units of the organisation. 

Prior to his current role, he was an Executive 
Director of NMC Healthcare LLC with 
responsibility for strategic planning and 
governance and the management of 
new projects. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business 
Administration with specialisations in 
Finance and Entrepreneurship from Boston 
University, Massachusetts, USA.

He is always challenging himself and his 
team to work towards better healthcare 
delivery and to support the team of highly 
trained medical professionals at NMC 
Health in providing the best outcomes for 
their patients. Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, 
Binay is well accustomed to the culture of 
the UAE as well as India.

2 Dr C.R. Shetty
Group Medical Director

Dr Chandrakumari Raghuram Shetty is 
the Group Medical Director of NMC Health. 
Along with her husband, Dr B.R. Shetty,  
she has been a pioneer in establishing 
and developing the private healthcare sector 
in the UAE.

Dr Shetty has been instrumental in 
establishing Centers of Excellence in various 
units of NMC Healthcare. She has been 
actively involved in the conception, planning, 
design, execution and management of 
various healthcare facilities besides driving 
critical healthcare initiatives. Under her 
leadership, NMC Specialty Hospitals in 
Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain have received 
accreditation from the Joint Commission 
International (JCI). 

Dr Shetty supervises a diversified multi-
cultural workforce within NMC Health 
comprising of over 500 doctors and 3,000 
medical staff. In her present role, Dr Shetty 
chairs various committees including 

Governance, Infection Control, Patient 
Rights, Care of Patients, Quality and 
Facility Management. 

Despite of her wide ranging responsibilities, 
Dr Shetty remains rooted to the basic 
ethos of the healthcare profession of 
providing quality care with a human touch 
to all patients by continuing to remain as a 
practicing Physician for over three decades.

3 Mr Prasanth Manghat 
Chief Financial Officer

Mr Prasanth Manghat has 14 years of 
experience in management of treasury and 
banking functions, corporate finance, 
accounting and financial reporting activities. 

Prasanth has been a part of the NMC 
Health Group for 11 years and spearheaded 
NMC Healthcare’s successful listing on the 
Premium Segment of the London Stock 
Exchange in April 2012, the first company 
so to do, raising US$ 187 Million. 

Prior to joining NMC Health, he has worked 
as Credit & Operations Head with Kotak 
Mahindra Finance, one of the leading 
non-banking financial institutions in India.

Prasanth is a Fellow member of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants of India (FCA) 
and a member of the Association of 
Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK. 
He is a Bachelor of Science (1995) from 
MG University, Kerala, India. 

Prasanth was honored with the “CFO 
of the Year” award in 2012 by ICAEW, 
Middle-East. He was also conferred with 
the prestigious award for “Excellence in 
Finance” by the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants of India, Abu Dhabi Chapter 
in Nov, 2012 and “Professional Excellence 
Award in the Healthcare Sector” by ICAI 
UAE (Dubai) Chapter in May 2013.

4 Mr Roy Cherry
Head of Strategy & Investor Relations

Mr Roy Cherry works closely with the CEO 
and the Executive Vice Chairman on NMC 
Health’s strategy. He also leads the investor 
relations efforts. 

Roy’s career includes PwC Transaction 
Services where he advised on feasibilities 
and M&A transactions with a combined 
transaction value exceeding USD10bn 
across a variety of sectors including 
healthcare. He previously headed the Equity 
Research Department at SHUAA Capital in 
Dubai, one of the region’s first and most 
acclaimed equity research teams. Roy 
played an important role on several regional 
IPOs including, Saudi Catering, NMC 
Health, Deyaar, DP World and Royal 
Jordanian Airlines. 

Immediately prior to joining NMC Health, 
Roy was with Saudi Fransi Capital, where 
he was the Head of Research & Advisory 
Department. He holds a BSc in 
Management from the University of London. 
In addition to English, he is a fluent speaker 
of both Arabic and Swedish. 

5 Mr Simon Watkins 
Group Company Secretary

Mr Simon Watkins is Group Company 
Secretary of NMC Health plc. Simon joined 
NMC Health in May 2012 shortly after the 
Group’s IPO and is responsible to the Board 
for the Group’s listing obligations, all 
Governance matters affecting the Group 
and, with the Chairman, for ensuring that 
the Board operates effectively. 

Simon has over 20 years’ experience as 
a Company Secretary, principally within 
UK companies having a London Stock 
Exchange Listing on either the Main Market 
or on AIM. Previous experience includes 
Deputy Group Secretary of Rank Group 
plc and four years as Group Company 
Secretary of lastminute.com plc. Simon’s 
primary experience in the last 14 years 
has been within businesses focussed on 
strategic and acquisitive growth

Simon is an Associate Member of the 
UK Institute of Chartered Secretaries and 
Administrators.

39

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Report

The Directors of NMC Health plc (the 
“Group” or the “Company”) are pleased to 
submit their Annual Report and audited 
financial statements of the Group and the 
Company for the financial year ended 31 
December 2013.

Information in the Group Strategic Report 
on pages 5 to 33, which constitutes a fair 
review of the business required by the 
Companies Act 2006, and in the Corporate 
Governance Report on pages 43 to 55, is 

incorporated into this Directors’ Report by 
reference.

in the Business Overview and Financial 
review on pages 15 to 23. 

The details of salaries, bonuses, benefits 
and share interests of directors are shown in 
the Remuneration Report on pages 56 to 
72.

Results and Dividends
The Group results are shown in the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income on page 76. Profit after taxation for 
the year was US$69.1m (2012: US$59.8m). 
Factors influencing the results are discussed 

No interim dividend was declared during the 
period. Subject to shareholder approval, a 
final dividend of 4.4p per share (2012: 4.1p) 
is proposed, to be paid on 3 July 2014 to 
shareholders on the Company’s share 
register on 30 May 2014. 

Future Developments
The Group’s strategy and potential future 
development are outlined in the Group 
Strategic Report on pages 5 to 33.

Composition of the Board
The following have served as directors of the Company during the 2013 financial year:

Director
Mr H. J. Mark Tompkins

His Excellency Saeed Bin Butti

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

Dr B. R. Shetty

Mr Jonathan Bomford

Lord Clanwilliam

Mrs Heather Lawrence

Mr Justin Jewitt

Position
Non-Executive Chairman

Non-Executive Director

Executive Vice Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment
7 March 2012

20 July 2011

20 July 2011

20 July 2011

27 June 2013

7 March 2012

19 March 2012

7 March 2012

Date ceased to be a director  
(if applicable)
–

24 February 2014

–

–

–

–

–

27 June 2013

Mr. Abdulrahman Basaddiq was appointed as a Director of the company on 24 February 2014. No other directors have been appointed to serve during the period from  
1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013 or subsequently. 

Share Capital
There have been no changes to the issued 
share capital of the Company during the 
year. The issued share capital as at 1 
January 2013 and at 31 December 2013 is 
£18,571,428 divided into 185,714,286 shares 
of 10p each. As at the date of this report, 
the Company has not issued any options 
over the Company’s share capital.

At the annual general meeting held in 2013, 
shareholders approved an authority for the 
Board to be permitted, in certain 
circumstances, to purchase its own shares. 
This authority has not been used. 

Under the articles of association of the 
Company, all Ordinary shares have equal 
rights to dividends and capital and to vote at 

general meetings of the Company. There 
are no restrictions on the size of holding nor 
on the transfer of shares, which are both 
governed under the terms of the articles of 
association and relevant legislation. The 
directors are not aware of any agreements 
between holders of the Company’s shares 
that may result in restrictions on the transfer 
of securities or in voting rights. 

Principal shareholders
As at 24 February 2014, the Company is aware of the following significant shareholdings in the Ordinary shares of the Company:

H.E. Saeed Bin Butti

Dr B. R. Shetty

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

Infinite Investment LLC

Shareholder

Number of shares
53,466,559

% of issued  

share capital held
28.8

Nature of holding
Direct

37,742,409

19,059,842

14,072,024

20.3

10.3

7.6

Direct

Direct

Direct

Political donations
Neither the Company nor any subsidiary 
company in the Group made any Political 
donations during the year ended 31 
December 2013.

Whilst the Company has no intention of 
making formal political donations in the 
future, the Board acknowledge that given 

the wide interpretation of such donations, 
certain business events in which the 
Company or any of its subsidiaries, or the 
Board, may wish to participate may be 
caught under the formal definition of political 
donations. The Company will therefore 
again be seeking approval from 
shareholders at this year’s annual general 

meeting, for a small approved limit for 
“political donations”, for use in such 
circumstances. If this is approved by 
shareholders, the Board will provide full 
details of any such payments made in the 
next annual report. 

40

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceContracts of significance with directors
Under UAE law and regulations, with the 
exception of certain specific areas 
designated by the Government as such, all 
land must be held legally by a UAE National. 
In addition, all healthcare facility and 
pharmacy operating licences may only be 
held legally by a UAE National, and not a 
body corporate. As a result, some of the 
property owned beneficially by the Group 
and all the Group’s medical facility and 
pharmacy licences, are held legally in the 
name of either H.E. Saeed Bin Butti 
previously a Director of the Company or Mr 
Khalifa Bin Butti, a Director of the Company. 

Related Party Transactions
Details of related party transactions are 
included in note 28 of the financial 
statements on pages 101 to 102.

Post Balance Sheet Events
The Company’s subsidiary, NMC 
Healthcare LLC, entered into a renewed 
lease of 27 years with Municipality of Abu 
Dhabi for the site on which the Group’s new 
Khalifa City Specialty Hospital is being 
constructed. There were no other events 
which would have a material effect on the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position between 31 December 2013 and 
the date of this report.

Going Concern
The Group has two diverse operating 
divisions, both of which operate in a growing 
market. The Board have undertaken an 
assessment of the future prospects of the 
Group and the wider risks that the Group is 
exposed to. In its assessment of whether 
the Group should adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing its financial statements, 
the Board has considered:

Operating risk: The Board receives 
monthly management reports covering key 
operational matters, monthly comparison to 
budget and updated forecasts on a half 
yearly basis for the full financial year to 
ensure that the business is trading in line 
with its expectations. The management 
team prepare a Group budget for each 
financial year and a cash flow forecast for 
the following 18 months which allows the 
Board to monitor the financial position of the 
Group and to consider appropriate risks 
which the business may face from a 
financial perspective.

Financing risk: The Company has worked 
to structure its debts for the medium and 
long term as well as utilising short term 
facilities to meet the Group’s working capital 
requirements. The funds raised as a result 
of the share issue undertaken at IPO in April 
2012 and the US$300m five year syndicated 
term debt facility, of which US$225m has 
been drawn down to date, are more than 
sufficient to fund the Group’s material 
capital projects. The Group has banking 
arrangements through a spread of local and 
international banking groups. Debt 
covenants are reviewed by the board each 
month. The Board believes that the level of 
cash in the Group, the spread of bankers 
and the improved debt facility terms agreed 
during 2013 mitigates the financing risks 
that the Group faces from both its capital 
expenditure program and in relation to 
working capital requirements.

Customer and Supplier risk: Both the 
Healthcare and Distribution divisions have 
continued their positive growth trends. All 
major financial and non-financial KPIs 
showed good improvement during 2013. In 
the Healthcare division, trade receivables 
are monitored regularly, provisions made 
where necessary and the Group has no 
history of significant bad debts. In the 
Distribution division, the increase in revenue 
and product flow has an adverse effect on 
the Group’s working capital position. Trade 
receivables are monitored regularly and 
management maintain a close working 
relationship with all major suppliers to 
monitor performance as well as signs of 
financial risk The Board has reviewed the 
business plan for 2014 as well as 
considered growth forecasts for the 
healthcare sector in UAE, and considers the 
Group’s future forecasts to be reasonable.

Impairment risk: The Board has 
considered the carrying value of inventories, 
accounts receivable and property and 
equipment and concluded that there are no 
indicators of material impairment of these 
items and therefore no material cash flow 
impact associated with any loss in those 
areas.

In its review, the Board considered other 
areas of potential risk, including regulatory 
risk, insurance and legal risks and potential 
areas of contingent liability and found no 

matters which are likely to affect the viability 
of the Group in the medium term. 

The Directors therefore continue to adopt 
the going concern basis in the preparation 
of the financial statements. 

Financial risk management objectives
The financial risk management objectives 
and policies of the Group are included in 
note 29 to the financial statements on pages 
102 to 105.

Greenhouse gas emissions
The Group has not collected data as 
required under the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic and Directors’ Reports) 
Regulations 2013 in relation to its 
greenhouse gas emissions during 2013. 

The Company is aware of its responsibilities 
to the environment. The Company is aware 
that the climate in which its businesses 
operates is extremely hot when compared 
with other parts of the world. The Group’s 
medical facilities are particularly reliant on 
cooling to ensure a safe environment for our 
patients and employees.

The measuring of greenhouse gas 
emissions or other environmental indicators 
is largely not prevalent within businesses in 
the UAE. The Group has therefore not had 
experience of having to consider 
environmental matters or its gas emissions 
previously. The Company considers that its 
primary areas for review in relation to the 
effect that the Group has on the 
environment is as follows:

• The Group’s electricity usage which, given 

the focus on healthcare operations, is 
significant;

• The use of air conditioning, and in 

particular the use of gases within cooling 
systems, which given the location of the 
businesses in an extremely hot climate, 
will be higher than other countries in the 
world; and

• The use of vehicle fuels, particularly with 
regards to the vehicle fleet used in the 
Distribution division, in an environment 
where the distribution of product 
throughout the UAE can only be made via 
the country’s road network. 

41

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Report
continued

The Company has commenced a project to 
ensure that data in relation to the Group’s 
consumption of greenhouse gases is 
collected for 2014 onwards, but it hasn’t 
been practical for the Group to collect and 
publish historical data in relation to the 2013 
financial year. 

Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting of NMC Health 
plc will be held at Allen & Overy LLP, One 
Bishops Square, London E1 6AD on 
Thursday, 26 June 2014 at 2.00 p.m. 

Further details of the resolutions to be 
proposed at the annual general meeting are 
set out in the separate Notice of Meeting 
circular which accompanies this Annual 
Report and audited financial statements.

Auditors
Directors’ statement as to disclosure of 
information to auditors:

The Directors who were members of the 
Board at the time of approving the Directors‘ 
Report are set out on page 40. Having 
made enquiries of fellow directors and of the 
Company‘s Auditor, each of these Directors 
confirms that: 

• to the best of each Director‘s knowledge 
and belief, there is no information (that is, 
information needed by the group‘s Auditor 
in connection with preparing their report) 
of which the Company‘s Auditor is 
unaware; and 

• each Director has taken all the steps a 

Director might reasonably be expected to 
have taken to be aware of relevant audit 
information and to establish that the 
Company‘s Auditor is aware of that 
information.

remain as auditor to the Group for 2015, 
after which an audit tender process is 
proposed. 

Statement of Directors responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report, the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report and the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable 
law and regulations.

The Directors are required by Company Law 
to prepare financial statements for the 
Group and the Company in accordance 
with the International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European 
Union (“IFRS”). 

The financial statements are required to 
present fairly for each financial period the 
Company’s financial position, financial 
performance and cash flows. In preparing 
the Group and parent company financial 
statements the Directors are also required 
to:

• Properly select and consistently apply 

accounting policies;

• Present information, including accounting 

policies, in a manner that provides 
relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information;

• Provide additional disclosures when 

compliance with the specific requirements 
in IFRS is insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions 
on the entity’s financial position and 
financial performance; and

• Make an assessment of the company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.

to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the Company and to enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. The Directors are 
also responsible for safeguarding the assets 
and hence for taking reasonable steps for 
the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities and for the preparation of 
a Directors’ report and Directors’ 
remuneration report which comply with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The Directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the Company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements differs 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

We confirm to the best of our knowledge:

• The financial statements, prepared in 

accordance with the International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Company and the 
undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole; and

• The Strategic Report includes a fair review 
of the development and performance of 
the business and the position of the 
Company and the undertakings included 
in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties they face.

The Directors’ Report was approved by the 
Board on 24 February 2014 and are signed 
on behalf of the Board by:

Ernst & Young LLP have confirmed that they 
are willing to be reappointed as auditor for 
the financial year ending 31 December 
2014. As reported in the 2012 Annual 
Report, the Company agreed a basis for 
audit fees for a three year period 2014 and 
agreed, subject to their annual re-
appointment by shareholders, that Ernst & 
Young LLP would remain as auditor to the 
Group for that period. The Audit Committee 
now expect that Ernst & Young LLP will 

The Directors confirm that they have 
complied with the above requirements in 
preparing the financial statements. The 
Directors also confirm that they consider the 
annual report and accounts, taken as a 
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

The Directors are responsible for keeping 
proper accounting records that are sufficient 

Simon Watkins
Group Company Secretary

NMC Health plc (registered in England and 
Wales, number 7712220)

23 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JB

42

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceCorporate Governance Report

Governance framework
The Company operates within a traditional governance framework.

CHAIRMAN

BOARD

GROUP COMPANY SECRETARY

BOARD COMMITTEES
INDEPENDENT

SENIOR INDEPENDENT  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Audit Committee
Remuneration Committee
Clinical Governance Committee
Nominations Committee

CEO AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The roles and responsibilities of each of the individuals and groups above, and their role in 
the overall governance framework, are set out in the remainder of this Governance section. 

43

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Governance Report
continued

How the Board Operates
The role of the Board
The Board is responsible to shareholders for 
the overall conduct of the Group’s business 
and the performance of management and 
of the Group. The Board has the powers 
and duties as set out in the Company’s 
articles of association and the relevant 
regulations applicable to the Company as a 
registered public listed company registered 
in England and Wales. 

The Board is primarily responsible for:

Board composition 
The names of the directors and their 
biographical details are set out on pages 
36 to 38. 

The Board of the Company comprises 
seven directors, six of whom have served 
throughout the year:

• the Non-Executive Chairman;

• two Executive Directors;

• one Non-Independent Non-Executive 

• determining the strategic direction of 

Director; and

the Group;

• approving major capital projects, 
acquisitions and divestments;

• setting the annual budget;

• monitoring the financial performance of 

the Group against its targets;

• approving annual and half-year results and 
monitoring shareholder communications;

• promoting good governance within the 
Group, and seeking to ensure that the 
Company meets its responsibilities 
towards all stakeholders; and

• demonstrating leadership and focussing 
on matters that affect shareholder value. 

The Board seeks at all times to ensure that 
there is an appropriate balance between 
short term and long term considerations 
and objectives of the Group. 

The Company has an agreed formal 
schedule of matters reserved for the Board 
which includes approval of strategic plans, 
financial statements, budgets, material 
investment decisions, acquisitions and 
divestments. The Board has overall 
responsibility for the effectiveness of the 
Group’s systems of internal control and 
is assisted by the Audit Committee in 
this respect.

As part of the terms of their appointment, 
each director agreed that they will act 
collectively with the rest of the Board to 
ensure the success of the Group. The 
Board delegates authority in relation to 
matters which it has not reserved to the 
CEO who is responsible for delivering the 
Company’s strategic objectives.

44

• three Independent Non-Executive 

Directors, one of whom was appointed 
during the year.

The Non-Executive Chairman and the three 
independent Non-Executive Directors are all 
UK based. The two Executive Directors and 
the Non-Independent Non-Executive 
Director are based in Abu Dhabi. The Senior 
Independent Director with effect from 21 
January 2014 is Jonathan Bomford, who is 
available to shareholders should they have 
any concerns that they do not wish to raise 
with the Company or the Chairman directly. 
The Senior Independent Director can be 
contacted through the registered office of 
the Company at 23 Hanover Square, 
London W1S 1JB. 

The Board considers that the extensive and 
diverse business, cultural and operational 
experience of the Independent Non-
Executive Directors, and their UK listed 
company experience, ensures that 
appropriate corporate governance 
procedures are considered in all aspects 
of Group decision making and control. 
These attributes also enable them to 
bring independent judgement to bear on 
issues of:

• strategy, including constructively 

challenging the strategic direction of 
the Group;

• scrutinising and challenging the 

performance of the Group;

• assessing risk and controls operating 
within the Group and in its decision 
making; and

• standards of conduct and governance 

and other matters presented to the Board. 

Process for Board changes during the 
year and diversity
Mr Jonathan Bomford was appointed by the 
Board on 27 June 2013. The decision to 
appoint Mr Bomford was considered by the 
Board as a whole and the Nominations 
Committee did not operate a formal process 
in relation to his appointment; the Company 
did therefore not comply with the provisions 
of B.2.1, B.2.2 and B.2.4 of the Code. Mr 
Bomford is a Chartered Accountant having 
previous significant financial experience as a 
senior partner with Ernst & Young in the 
Middle East region, including the UAE. 
Given the lack of formal financial expertise 
on the Audit Committee prior to June 2013, 
and Mr Bomford’s financial and culturally 
aware background in the region, the Board 
considered it appropriate to appoint him to 
the Board and as Chairman of the Audit 
Committee notwithstanding that a 
Nominations Committee process was not 
undertaken. Mr Bomford met various 
members of the Board prior to the 
consideration of his appointment as a 
Director. As a result, given his particular 
experience, no external search was 
undertaken. As a result of Mr Bomford’s 
appointment, the Board considers that the 
Company now more fully complies with the 
requirement of provision C.3.1 of the Code 
in relation to financial expertise on the Audit 
Committee. 

The constitution of the current Board is 
diverse in terms of gender and in relation to 
its cultural and racial mix. The Board will 
consider both gender and cultural balance 
when reviewing whether the future make-up 
of the Board is appropriate to ensure the 
Group is managed appropriately on behalf 
of shareholders. However, neither the 
Board, nor the Group businesses, have 
formal diversity policies in place in relation 
to board and employee appointments. 
The Board considers that in addition to 
considering gender and race in relation to 
future Board appointments, it is important 
to consider the appropriate skills and 
character of potential new Directors to 
ensure that the Board acts effectively on 
behalf of shareholders. 

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceThe UAE does not have legislation in relation 
to gender or racial equality, but is a culturally 
and racially diverse country with many 
different nationalities working across all 
sectors of the country’s workforce. Given 
local practice, the Group does not believe 
that it is appropriate to have a formal 
diversity policy in the region within which it 
operates. However its recruitment 
processes ensure that the most appropriate 
candidate is appointed to each available 
role having consideration of his or her 
experience, skills and with consideration as 
to how the new employee would fit culturally 
into the team into which they are recruited. 

Board independence
For the purposes of the Code, the Board 
considers Mr Mark Tompkins, Mr Jonathan 
Bomford, Lord Clanwilliam and Mrs Heather 
Lawrence to be independent. 

The Independent Non-Executive Directors 
met separately to the other directors on five 
occasions, as well as having a number of 
other ad-hoc meetings and discussions, 
during the year. During their meetings the 
Independent Non-Executive Directors 
discussed various board related matters 
and other matters which, given their position 
as Independent Directors, they considered 
were of interest to them.

The Board did not classify His Excellency 
Saeed Bin Butti who served during the 2013 
financial year as an Independent Director for 
the purposes of the Code because of his 
significant shareholding in the Company. 
However, His Excellency has a detailed 
knowledge of the UAE and its culture, as 
well as having good connections within Abu 
Dhabi, both of which were of significant 
value to the Group and the Board.

Tenure of independent non-executive directors
Provision B.1.1 of the Code suggests that length of tenure is a factor in determining the independence of non-executive directors. The table 
below therefore shows how long each of the Independent Non-Executive Directors have been members of the Board.

H J Mark Tompkins

Jonathan Bomford

Lord Clanwilliam

Heather Lawrence

Date of appointment
7 March 2012

27 June 2013

7 March 2012

19 March 2012

Full Term years  
to 2014 AGM
2

Considered to be  
independent by the 
Board
Yes

1

2

2

Yes

Yes

Yes

Key roles and responsibilities in the 
governance structure
The roles of the Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer (“CEO”) are separate. 

Chairman
The Chairman was appointed to the Board 
in March 2012 in anticipation of the 
Company’s IPO. The Chairman is 
responsible for the proper functioning of 
the Company’s Board of directors who 
oversee the strategic direction of the 
Group including:

• the effective operation and governance 

of the Board;

• setting the agenda and coordinating the 
style and tone of Board discussions; and

• ensuring the directors receive accurate 

and timely information.

Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible 
for identifying, with the senior management 
team, opportunities that are deemed 
appropriate and in line with the Board’s 
strategic objectives. He is also responsible 
for delivering the key strategic objectives set 
by the Board. The Chief Executive Officer is 

assisted in this task by the senior 
management team who meet regularly to 
review the performance of the business, the 
progress of key capital projects, new 
development opportunities as well as other 
material matters arising within the business. 
Members of senior management attend 
Board meetings, as appropriate, to highlight 
and debate, with the Board, developments 
within their areas of responsibility.

Senior Independent Director
The Senior Independent Director acts as a 
sounding board for the Chairman and 
serves as an intermediary for the other 
Directors as required. The Senior 
Independent Director is available to 
shareholders if they have concerns which 
they have not managed to resolve through 
the normal channels of the Chairman or the 
Executive Directors, or who feel that such 
contact is inappropriate for the concerns 
that they may have. 

Group Company Secretary
The Group Company Secretary acts as 
Secretary to the Board and to the Board 
Committees. He assists the Chairman in 
ensuring that all Directors have full and 
timely access to all relevant information and 

in organising induction programmes for new 
Directors. The Group Company Secretary is 
responsible for ensuring that the correct 
Board procedures are followed and advises 
the Board on corporate governance 
matters. The appointment and removal of 
the Group Company Secretary is a matter 
for the Board as a whole.

The biographical details of the Chairman, 
CEO and Senior Independent Director can 
be found on page 36-38. The biographical 
details of the Group Company Secretary 
can be found on page 39.

45

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Governance Report
continued

Conflicts of interest
Given the history of the Group as a private 
business, the Board is aware of the interest 
that the Executive Directors have in other 
businesses in which they have invested. 
Any conflicts of interest that may arise are 
monitored by:

• The list of the other interests of each 

Executive Director being circulated to the 
Board at each of its Board Meetings;

• Each of the Directors are asked to confirm 
that they have no other interests which 
would conflict them for the purposes of 
any item to be discussed at the meeting; 
where such conflict is reported, the 
respective Director is not permitted to take 
part in the consideration of that matter by 
the Board; and

• Each Director discloses to the Board any 
related party transactions in which they 
are connected, and such transactions are 
reported in the Group’s financial 
statements.

Whilst Directors on the Board have other 
business interests, the Board do not 
consider that these, nor the time 
commitment that they require, materially 
affects the ability of such Directors to 
undertake their role or comply with their 
statutory obligations, directly or through 
their designated nominees. 

Board meetings
The Company Secretary supports the 
Chairman in finalising the agenda for each 
Board meeting and ensuring that 
appropriate papers are provided from the 
management team in a timely manner for 
circulation in advance of Board and 
committee meetings. This is to ensure that 
fully informed decisions can be reached. 

The Board considers the following standard 
matters at each of its Board meetings:

• Operational performance through the 

CEO’s report;

• Financial performance, including 

monitoring current and forecast trading, 
cash and debt levels against its 
expectations presented through the 
CFO report;

• Progress being made on the Group’s key 

capital development projects;

46

• Legal and regulatory matters; and

• meeting privately with the Company’s key 

• Investor relations, including an update 
in relation to activity in the Company’s 
shares and principal movements of 
its shareholders.

During the course of the 2013 financial year 
the Board has also considered, as 
appropriate:

• the Group’s half-year and full-year results; 

• interim management statements;

• updates from the Chair of discussions 
held at each of the Board Committees;

• the proposed budget for the following 

financial year;

• the Group’s future strategy;

• monitoring the progress of succession 
planning procedures which are in the 
process of being implemented in relation 
to senior management of the Group;

• the changes made in the Corporate 

Governance environment;

• the replacement of the Group’s Term 

Debt Facility;

• changes in the way in which the Group’s 

capital development projects are 
managed; and

• changes proposed by management to the 
Group’s IT environment, including a new 
Hospital Information System and a new 
financial system, the implementation of 
which are both underway.

Board effectiveness
Director Induction
On appointment, directors have the benefit 
of a personalised induction programme 
which is undertaken during the first few 
months of their tenure as a director. Each 
induction programme covers a number of 
different areas including:

• briefings and presentations from 

management to understand the business 
operations and financial drivers;

• their legal and regulatory responsibilities 

as directors;

• opportunities to visit the Group’s key 

facilities and new capital development 
project locations;

advisors; and

Board information and professional 
development.
The Directors maintain an appropriate 
dialogue amongst themselves and with 
senior management, which ensures that 
Non-Executive Directors are kept up to 
date with major developments in the 
Group’s business. 

Following an initial induction process, it is 
important that the Non-Executive Directors 
meet with management and undertake 
visits to operational facilities each year in 
order to further understand the way the 
business operates and any change within 
the business. Each of the NEDs have visited 
the UAE a number of times in 2013, with 
particular emphasis on monitoring progress 
in relation to the Company’s key capital 
projects and to oversee the implementation 
of improving controls and governance within 
the Group. 

As part of their overall training and 
development needs, all of the non-executive 
directors have attended externally provided 
seminars and discussion forums relating to 
their areas of Board responsibility during the 
period and also met individually with a 
number of industry specialists to increase 
their current knowledge of key investment 
issues in the healthcare sector. Given the 
significant changes in the governance 
framework and reporting requirements for 
companies listed on the Premium Segment 
of the London Stock Exchange, all of the 
Directors have either attended specific 
seminars or received presentations and 
documentation covering all aspects of 
corporate governance.

All Directors also received a comprehensive 
file of documents towards the end of 2013 
designed to increase their specific 
knowledge of the implementation of new 
governance requirements for London Stock 
Exchange Premium listed companies.

In early 2014, a formal process of reviewing 
each Directors’ training and development 
needs has commenced. This review, 
undertaken by the Chairman with individual 
Directors, will set the framework for each 
Directors’ professional development in any 
particular financial year.

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernancePerformance evaluation
As mentioned above, the Board did not 
undertake an evaluation of its own 
performance during the year to 31 
December 2013. It is the Board’s intention 
to formally evaluate the performance of 
directors individually and collectively during 
the first half of the 2014 financial year and to 
advise shareholders of the findings of that 
review in the 2014 Annual Report and 
audited financial statements.

Re-election of directors
All of the directors of the Company submit 
themselves for re-election at the annual 
general meeting of the Company to be held 
on 26 June 2014, with the exception of 
Jonathan Bomford who will seek election at 
his first annual general meeting as required 
by the Company’s articles of association. 
Each resolution for re-election of a retiring 

director, or the election of a new director, will 
be proposed as a separate resolution. 
Whilst a formal performance evaluation has 
not taken place, the Board have confirmed 
that the contributions made by each director 
to board deliberations continues to be 
effective and that the shareholders of the 
Company should support their re-election 
or election. 

Independent advice
Each of the directors is permitted to obtain 
independent legal advice at the Company’s 
expense in the performance of their duties 
as directors. This would normally be 
managed through the Group Company 
Secretary. 

All directors, and the Board as a whole, 
also have access to the advice and services 
of the Group Company Secretary who, 
under the Chairman’s direction, is 

responsible for ensuring that good Board 
procedures are followed. 

Indemnification of directors
The Company has put in place a Directors 
and Officers Liability Insurance policy which 
provides all Board members with insurance 
cover in respect of liabilities that may arise 
against the Directors collectively or 
individually. The Directors do not benefit 
from any form of qualifying third party 
indemnities made by the Company.

Board Committees
The Board has established an Audit 
Committee, a Remuneration Committee, a 
Clinical Governance Committee and a 
Nominations Committee. Further details in 
relation to these Committees are set out on 
pages 48 to 56. The terms of reference of 
each committee are available on our 
website at www.nmc.ae/ir. 

Board and Board Committee attendance in the 2013 financial year
During the period under review, the Board met on nine occasions; six of these meetings were scheduled as full periodic board meetings 
and three meetings were either brief meetings on matters requiring board approval or ad-hoc matters which arise. Scheduled periodic 
Board Meetings are planned in each financial year to be split, where possible, evenly between London and Abu Dhabi.

The attendance of the Directors at each of the Board and Committee meetings during the period was as follows:

Director
Mr H. J. Mark Tompkins

H.E. Saeed Bin Butti

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

Dr B. R. Shetty

Mr Jonathan Bomford

Lord Clanwilliam

Mrs Heather Lawrence

Mr Justin Jewitt

Mr Keyur Nagori (Alternate Director to H.E. Saeed Bin Butti)

Board meetings  

(*note)
8(9)

Audit Committee
3(3)

Remuneration 
Committee
3(3)

Clinical Governance 
Committee
2(2)

0(9)

6(9)

9(9)

4(4)

9(9)

9(9)

5(5)

3(5)

–

–

–

2(2)

4(4)

4(4)

2(2)

–

–

–

–

1(1)

3(3)

3(3)

2(2)

–

–

–

–

1(1)

1(2)

2(2)

1(1)

–

*Note:  The number of meetings that each director could have attended during the period under review is noted in brackets.  

The Nominations Committee did not meet during the year.

During 2013, given his other commitments, 
H.E. Saeed Bin Butti was not able to attend 
any of the board meetings held. His 
Excellency kept up to date with key matters 
relating to the Group outside of the formal 
Board Meeting environment through 
meetings with other board directors. His 
valuable time commitment to the Board and 
the Group, and fulfilment of his duties as a 
Director of the Company, were provided in 

this way. Given his other commitments, 
during the year His Excellency decided to 
appoint an alternate, Mr Keyur Nagori, who 
attended the majority of the Board Meetings 
held since his appointment in June 2013. 
Mr Nagori also attended a number of Board 
Meetings as an invited attendee before his 
formal appointment as an alternate director. 
His Excellency contributed to the Board 
process and to the effectiveness of the 

formal Board process, through his alternate. 
On 24 February 2014, H.E. Saeed resigned 
as a Director of the Company and 
nominated Mr. Abdulrahman Basaddiq 
to be appointed as a Director. The Broad 
approved his nomination on 24 February 
2014.

47

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Governance Report
continued

Audit Committee report
Audit Committee Chairman foreword
This is the first Audit Committee report since my appointment as Audit Committee Chairman. Following my appointment in June 2013, my 
induction process included elements specifically connected to financial and key risks matters, which are increasingly important in the 
Governance environment. 

2013 has seen significant changes in various aspects of UK listed company reporting requirements, and I am pleased to report that both 
management and the audit committee have been committed to ensuring that they have a good understanding of these new requirements. 
This report sets out the work of the Committee, significant matters addressed by the Committee during the year and the responsibilities of, 
and work undertaken by, the external and internal auditors.

The Audit Committee
Membership
The Audit Committee has consisted entirely of independent non-executive directors during the year under review. The Audit Committee 
members who have served during the year are:

Audit Committee Member
Jonathan Bomford  

Position
Audit Committee Chairman and financial expert  

Lord Clanwilliam

Heather Lawrence

H.J. Mark Tompkins

Justin Jewitt 

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Chairman 

Previous Audit Committee Chairman 

During the 2013 financial year until 27 June 
2013, there were no Chartered Accountants 
on the Audit Committee. During this period, 
the Chairman of the Audit Committee, 
Mr Jewitt, and its members had general 
financial experience gained through their 
previous employment and board 
experience. 

From 27 June 2013 to the date of this 
report, the new Chairman of the Committee 
and the Committee’s financial expert is Mr 
Jonathan Bomford. Mr Bomford is a 
Chartered Accountant and his biographical 
details and experience are set out on page 
38 of the annual report. 

On 14 December 2013, Mr Tompkins 
resigned as a member of the Audit 
Committee. Code provision C.3.1 of the UK 
Corporate Governance states that the 
Chairman of the Company should not be a 
member of the Audit Committee. Following 
the Company’s IPO in 2012, it was decided 
that it would be appropriate for all the 
Independent Non-Executive Directors to be 
members of the Audit Committee as the 
Group implemented new policies and 
procedures and enhanced its Corporate 
Governance environment. Following the 
change of Audit Committee Chairman in 
June 2013, Mr Tompkins remained on the 
Committee to assist the new Committee 
Chairman during the transition period 

48

following his appointment, but in 
compliance with best practice as 
determined by the Code, Mr Tompkins 
has now resigned as a member of the 
Committee. 

Key role and responsibilities
The key role of the Committee is to ensure 
that the integrity of published financial 
information by the Company, and the 
effectiveness of both external and internal 
audit processes, are appropriate to ensure 
that the interests of all shareholders are 
protected.

The Audit Committee assists the Board in:

• discharging its responsibilities with regard 
to financial reporting, external and internal 
audits and controls;

• reviewing the Company’s financial results 

announcements, Annual Report and 
audited financial statements;

• monitoring the independence and extent 
of the non-audit work undertaken by the 
external auditors;

• making recommendations to the Board 
on the appointment of external auditors 
and the level of their remuneration;

• reviewing the effectiveness of the 

Company’s internal audit activities and 
internal policies;

Period of membership during 2013
Member and Chairman of Audit Committee  
from 27 June 2013 until end of the year

Member of Audit Committee throughout the year

Member of Audit Committee throughout the year

Member of Audit Committee from beginning of the year 
until 14 December 2013

Member and Chairman of Audit Committee from 
beginning of the year until 27 June 2013

• Overseeing the Group’s compliance 

processes; and

• Undertaking reviews of the Group’s 

internal controls and risk management 
systems. 

The Audit Committee is required to report 
regularly to the Board of Directors in relation 
to its findings on the above. The ultimate 
responsibility for reviewing and approving 
the Company’s Annual Report and audited 
financial statements and the half yearly 
reports remains with the Directors of the 
Company.

Committee meetings
The Audit Committee met formally four 
times during the year, which will be the 
normal frequency in a given financial year 
unless otherwise as requested by any 
member of the Committee. The Meetings 
are scheduled to align with the Group’s 
reporting timetable with planning meetings 
in advance of both the half-year review and 
full-year audit, and approving meetings 
shortly in advance of the announcement of 
the Group’s half-year and full-year results.

Meetings are normally attended by the 
Chairman of the Company, the Chief 
Executive Officer, the Chief Operating 
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the 
Head of Strategy and Investor Relations. 
The Group Company Secretary acts as 

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceSecretary to the Committee. The 
Committee also meets separately with the 
external auditors, the internal auditors and 
management with the other parties not 
present.

Main activities of the Committee during 
the year
During the year, the Committee has 
focussed significantly on areas of corporate 
governance and management of risk. The 
listing of the Company on the London Stock 
Exchange has required significant change 
management in the Group, in particular in 
the way that formal reporting is undertaken 
to the Board and the formal documented 
policies and procedures within the 
businesses. 

The significant items which the Audit 
Committee focussed on and discussed 
during the year included:

• The implementation plan for the new ERP 
financial accounting system. The Group is 
in the process of implementing a new 
accounting IT system which is designed to 
ensure a less manual working 
environment than has previously been in 
existence when the Group was in private 
ownership. Implementation of the new 
system commenced in 2013, but 
completion will now be delayed following 
management’s decision to switch from 
instant “Go-live” to a phased roll-out of the 
new IT system, to enable full testing and 
the integration of the new Oracle version. 
The revised implementation plan for the 
roll-out of the new system was reviewed 
by Internal Audit who found that there are 
no material concerns in relation to the 
implementation of the new system. The 
new financial system is in the process of 
being rolled out into the Group’s 
operations and will be fully functional by 
the end of H1, 2014. 

• Revenue recognition 

The Group has a number of revenue 
streams across both its Healthcare and 
Distribution businesses. Whilst the Group 
ordinarily acts as principal in relation to its 
sales, there are a number of areas within 
both businesses where the recognition of 
revenue has been reviewed to ensure that 
the correct treatment of principal versus 
agency revenue has been adopted in all 
business areas. There is a risk that 
incorrect accounting treatment could be 

adopted within a particularly business unit, 
for example agency revenue being treated 
as principal revenue. Any error of this 
nature would affect the Revenue and not 
the EBITDA of the Group. The Audit 
Committee has reviewed the different 
treatment adopted by management in 
each relevant business unit and is 
comfortable with the accounting for 
revenue across the Group.

•   Trade receivables and other receivables 

The time taken for payers to settle invoices 
in the UAE is generally longer than would 
normally be expected in other parts of the 
world. In addition, within the Healthcare 
division, the vast majority of healthcare 
customers settle their invoices through 
medical insurance claims. The Group 
therefore experiences delays in payment 
as a result of the time taken to process 
claims through insurance companies and 
to arrange settlement of the claim. In the 
distribution business, payment delays are 
experienced from bulk retail sales 
customers and delays in processing bulk 
discounts and rebates achieved from key 
customers have an additional effect on 
receivables and working capital. The level 
of both trade and other receivables has 
been improving following a number of 
actions undertaken by management, but 
this will continue to be a key focus for the 
audit committee particularly to ensure that 
adequate bad debt provisioning is made.

• The internal audit programme – this was 
designed to review areas of the business 
which the Committee determined to be of 
the highest risk to the Group’s operations, 
and the mitigation of those risks. The 
internal audit programme is working well 
and importantly, has been helpful to both 
the Committee and to management. Due 
to the Group’s stage of development, the 
internal audit plan has to date been partly 
transaction based, rather than wholly 
strategic based. From 2014 onwards the 
internal audit plan will be strategic risk 
based to ensure that those areas of key 
and strategic risks are more closely and 
independently monitored. This transition of 
methodology will be closely monitored 
during 2014.

•  The implementation of new reporting and 

additional corporate governance 
requirements. Having prepared the 

Company’s inaugural annual report as a 
listed company for the 2012 financial year, 
the implementation of so many new 
regulations and governance provisions 
after just one year as a listed company, 
and after a period of significant 
governance change throughout the 
Group, has been a challenge which the 
Audit Committee and the Board wished to 
prepare for. Members of the Audit 
Committee, the CFO and the Group 
Company Secretary have all attended 
seminars and met with advisers to 
consider to effect of the new environment 
on the Group’s governance environment 
and on the 2013 annual report. The Board 
have also received a comprehensive pack 
of all documents making up the 
governance framework with which the 
Group should comply, as well as attended 
a presentation on the same from the 
external auditors.

During the 2014 financial year, the Audit 
Committee is intending to continue to 
closely monitor the roll-out of the Group’s 
new financial system, which the Committee 
sees as the one key element of the Group’s 
future internal control environment. 

Internal control
The Committee has reviewed the process 
by which the Group evaluates its control 
environment. The CFO provides a report 
each year to the Audit Committee on the 
effectiveness of internal controls and 
confirms to the Committee whether or not 
he is aware of any significant fraud that may 
have occurred within the business. The 
internal auditors also undertake a review 
across a wide range of control areas to give 
the Audit Committee and the Board 
assurance on the internal control 
environment.

Risk Management
The risk management process is primarily 
driven by scrutiny of the register of 
significant risks which is retained and 
reviewed by management and the Internal 
Auditors. This risk register, which is 
produced in discussions with the Group’s 
operating facilities, is the basis for the list of 
principal risks and uncertainties which are 
set out on pages 24 to 27. Whilst the Internal 
Auditors already focus on areas of key risks 
identified by the business, the risk 
management of the Group, and the 

49

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Governance Report
continued

maintenance of the register of significant 
risks, will be enhanced further by the 
change in methodology of the Internal Audit 
Programme which, as outlined above, will 
be a more strategic risk based approach 
from 2014.

Internal audit
A review of the work undertaken by the 
Group’s internal auditors is an agenda item 
for each Audit Committee meeting. The 
internal auditors report to the Committee 
their findings together with action plans to 
resolve any matters which they believe 
require to be addressed. The action plans 
are graded with key high risk matters taking 
priority to be resolved.

External audit and auditor independence
The Committee believes that the 
effectiveness of the external audit is 
dependent on the identification of key risks 
during the financial year under review. Ernst 
& Young LLP (hereinafter referred to as EY) 
produces and discusses with the 
Committee a detailed audit plan identifying 
these key risks and the work to be done to 
test management’s assumptions and 
accounting treatment in these areas. 

The Committee meets separately with the 
External Auditors to ensure that an 
independent dialogue is maintained in 
relation to monitoring key business and 
financial risks and to ensure that 
management have not restricted the scope 
of their audit. The Audit Committee 
Chairman also meets with the lead audit 
partner on a number of occasions during 
the year outside the formality of Audit 
Committee meetings.

The Committee discusses separately with 
management matters arising from the audit 
process and also to assess their view of the 
effectiveness of the audit work being 
undertaken. 

The Committee has not undertaken a formal 
review of the effectiveness of the external 
audit, although discussions were held at the 
June 2013 Audit Committee meeting where 
a review of any FY2012 audit 
recommendations was undertaken. The 
audit in relation to the 2012 financial year 
was the Company’s first as a listed 
company and management and the 
external auditors discussed the audit 
process, including matters which had 

50

worked well and areas of improvement in 
audit process for FY2013. 

The Committee believes that it will be 
appropriate to undertake a formal review of 
the effectiveness of the external audit 
following the Company’s second audit as a 
listed Company, which has just completed. 
This review will be undertaken in advance of 
the interim review for FY2014. 

Auditor fees and appointment
EY were appointed as auditor to the 
Company at the time of the Company’s IPO 
in April 2012. As reported in the 2012 
Corporate Governance Report, the 
Company agreed a basis for audit fees for 
the three year period of 2012, 2013 and 
2014 and agreed that, subject to their 
annual re-appointment by shareholders, EY 
would remain as Auditors to the Group for 
those financial years. The level of audit fees 
paid in relation to the 2013 financial year is 
set out in note 11 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

The Committee has considered further its 
intentions in relation to the tender of the 
provision of external audit services following 
a review of new guidance in the year. Having 
considered this guidance the Committee 
believes that the earliest that a tender for the 
provision of external audit service is likely to 
be undertaken will be subsequent to the 
2015 financial year end audit.

Non-Audit fees
During FY2013, the level of non-audit fees, 
excluding the fees for the half-year review, 
amounted to a total of US$ 0.1m. This figure 
is much reduced from FY2012, as the 
amount in that year included US$4.9m paid 
to EY, or its associate firm in the UAE, in 
relation to fees for their role as Reporting 
Accountants in relation to the Company’s 
IPO. The FY2013 non-audit fees were paid 
to EY, or its associate firm in the UAE, in 
relation to a number of one-off projects in 
assisting the NMC finance team with a 
number of business process related matters 
and for tax compliance services. The Audit 
Committee believe that the level of non-
audit fees in 2013 were acceptable in the 
first full financial year following the 
Company’s IPO.

The Audit Committee has adopted a 
non-audit fees policy whereby it will only 
permit such fees in circumstances where 

they feel that use of the Auditor firm is 
necessary, appropriate or efficient, and has 
delegated authority to the CFO to agree 
such projects subject to a strict cap on fees 
in relation to each financial year.

Auditor Independence
The Audit Committee formally reviewed the 
independence of the Company’s auditor, 
EY, during the period under review. The 
review took account of the relationship 
between management and the audit team, 
the processes that EY have in place 
internally to ensure objectivity and 
independence and also the level of non-
audit fees incurred during the year. 

As part of this review the Committee 
reviewed the potential threats to auditor 
independence as a result of:

• auditor self-interests, being those areas 

where the auditor may have a financial or 
other interest in the Company;

• auditor self-review, being areas where the 
results of non-audit services are reflected 
in the amounts included or disclosed in 
the financial statements;

• management threats, which may occur if 
partners or employees of the auditor take 
decision on behalf of management; and

• Other threats, such as familiarity and 

intimidation.

The Audit Committee is satisfied that in all 
areas sufficient safeguards were adopted by 
the auditor and that the independence of EY 
and of the audit engagement partner had 
not been compromised. There is no 
limitation of liability in the terms of 
appointment of the Auditor for the audit of 
the Company’s financial statements.

Jonathan Bomford, FCA
On behalf of the Audit Committee

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceClinical Governance Committee
The Clinical Governance Committee was established by the Board in June 2013 to provide assurance to shareholders that the key 
operational risks of the business are considered by a Committee of the Board and to ensure that the key risk of clinical care and quality 
associated with the Group’s healthcare business is independently monitored. 

The Committee has consisted entirely of independent non-executive directors during the period under review. The Clinical Governance 
Committee members who have served during the year are:

Clinical Governance Committee Member
Heather Lawrence 

Position
Clinical Governance Committee Chair 

Lord Clanwilliam 

Independent Non-Executive Director 

H.J. Mark Tompkins

Jonathan Bomford  

Justin Jewitt 

Independent Non-Executive Chairman 

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Previous Independent Non-Executive Director 

Meetings of the Committee will be 
scheduled for three times per financial year. 
In addition to the Clinical Governance 
Committee members, the Group Medical 
Director, Chief Operating Officer and Vice 
President – Quality and Standards attend 
each meeting. The Group Company 
Secretary is Secretary to the Committee.

Key role and responsibilities
The key role of the Committee is to oversee 
governance structures, processes and 
controls in place within the Group 
healthcare operations. This is to ensure that 
the risks associated with clinical care are 
mitigated in the interests of the Company 
and its stakeholders, including 
shareholders.

Specific responsibilities of the Committee 
include: 

• Ensuring processes and controls are in 

place across the NMC Healthcare 
hospitals to promote safety and 
excellence in patient care and manage 
risks arising from clinical care on a 
continuing basis;

• Review the systems of clinical 

governance, monitoring that they operate 
effectively and that action is being taken to 
address any areas of concern;

• Review clinical performance indicators 

quarterly to gain assurance; and

• Review compliance to local Health 

Authority requirements and standards.

Period of membership during 2013
Member and Chair of Clinical Governance Committee 
since its establishment

Member of Clinical Governance Committee since 
its establishment

Member of Clinical Governance Committee since 
its establishment

Member of Clinical Governance Committee from  
27 June 2013 until the end of the year

Member of Clinical Governance Committee from its 
establishment until 27 June 2013

The establishment of the Clinical 
Governance Committee was undertaken as 
a result of an appreciation of the clinical 
risks faced by the Group. As a result the 
Committee is a key aspect of the Group’s 
internal control environment. 

The Chair of each of the Audit Committee 
and the Clinical Governance Committee 
therefore intend during 2014 to consider the 
ways in which the two committees interact 
providing an overall control and governance 
framework to manage the Group’s key risks. 

Heather Lawrence, OBE
For and on behalf of the Clinical Governance 
Committee

51

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Governance Report
continued

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee consists entirely of independent non-executive directors. Further details of the Remuneration Committee, its 
membership and its role and responsibilities, is set out in the Remuneration Report on pages 56 to 72.

Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee has consisted entirely of independent non-executive directors during the year under review. The Nominations 
Committee members who have served during the year are:

Nominations Committee Member
H.J. Mark Tompkins 

Position
Nominations Committee Chairman 

Lord Clanwilliam

Heather Lawrence

Jonathan Bomford  

Justin Jewitt 

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Previous Audit Committee Chairman 

succession planning implementation as well 
as the results of a board appraisal and any 
effect the results of that appraisal has on the 
structure of the Board.

Other than in relation to specific matters 
which the Nominations Committee will be 
required to discuss, it is expected that the 
Nominations Committee will meet at least 
once in each financial year, or otherwise as 
requested by any member of the 
Committee. The Committee would expect 
to meet to consider appropriate candidates 
to fill any vacancy created on the Board 
should such a vacancy arise or be 
considered appropriate given other skills 
and experience on the Board. The duties 
and activities of the Committee during the 
year will be disclosed in the Company’s 
Annual Report and audited financial 
statements each year.

Shareholder engagement
The Company is committed to 
communicating with shareholders and 
stakeholders and to be available to meet 
with shareholders who require additional 
explanation of any matter which is of 
concern to them.

The Chairman and Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director are also available, 
either through contacting the Company 
Secretary or at the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting, to discuss any matters 
within their areas of responsibility or where 
individuals do not feel it is possible to 
discuss these matters with management. 

The Nominations Committee has a role to 
assist the Board in:

• reviewing and making recommendations 

to the Board in relation to its structure, size 
and composition;

• reviewing succession planning in place for 

senior management;

• determining the appropriate skills and 
characteristics required of directors; 
identifying individuals qualified to become 
Board members and recommending such 
individuals to the Board;

• recommending individuals to be 

considered for election as Directors at the 
next Annual General Meeting of the 
Company or to fill vacancies; and

• preparing a description of the role and 
capabilities required for a particular 
appointment.

The Committee will also undertake annual 
reviews of the composition of the Board and 
assess various attributes of each Board 
member, including reviewing annually the 
time required from a non-executive director 
and assesses whether he or she contributes 
effectively and demonstrates commitment 
to the role.

The Nominations Committee did not meet 
during 2013 but did meet early in 2014. A full 
senior management succession planning 
process is underway and the Committee 
met to consider this process and to ensure 
that a rigorous succession plan is being 
implemented. The Committee will meet 
further in 2014 to review progress on the 

52

Period of membership during 2013
Member and Chairman of Nominations throughout 
the year

Member of Nominations Committee throughout the year

Member of Nominations Committee throughout the year

Member of Nominations Committee from 27 June 2013 
until the end of the year

Member of Nominations Committee from beginning of 
the year until 27 June 2013

During 2013, the Company has increased 
its formal program of investor interaction 
including one-to-one meetings with 
institutional investors, investor days and 
attendance at investor conferences. As part 
of this increasing shareholder interaction, 
the Company appointed a full time executive 
during 2013, Mr Roy Cherry as Head of 
strategy and Investor Relations. 

In relation to the year ended 31 December 
2013, the Company issued its half year 
unaudited results, two interim management 
statements and a pre-close trading update 
prior to entering the close period at the end 
of each of the half year and full year periods. 

Aside from direct shareholder meetings, the 
principal ongoing communication with 
shareholders will be through the publication 
of the Company’s Annual report and 
audited financial statements, Interim Results 
and Interim Management Statements, 
together with the opportunity to question 
the Board and Committees at the AGM. 
Financial Results presentations are made 
available on the Company’s Investor 
Relations website. Shareholders are 
encouraged to attend the AGM and if 
unable to do so are encouraged to vote by 
proxy. The Chairman and other board 
members meet regularly with the 
Company’s brokers and/or other healthcare 
sector specialists to remain up to date with 
shareholder views and sector 
developments. The Chairman has also met 
with, or spoken to, a number of the 
Company’s principal shareholders and 
discussed with them their views on the 
Company.

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceThe Company has an investor relations 
section on its corporate website,  
www.nmc.ae. This has been, and will 
continue to be, updated regularly with 
information that the Company considers 
relevant to its investors. Additionally, the 
Company continues to communicate with 
the market in respect of the Group’s 
performance and prospects through the 
release of appropriate press 
announcements and other updates.

Internal Control and risk management
Financial and operational reporting
The Group has for nearly 40 years grown 
into a substantial business and a leader in 
the provision of private healthcare, as well 
as operating a substantial distribution 
business, in the United Arab Emirates. The 
Group is a regulated business operating 
many clinical and quality controls 
processes. Not unusually for a Group which 
was until recently a private business, whilst 
the financial and operational performance 
was monitored closely by the senior 
management team prior to IPO, formal 
written policies and governance procedures 
were not what might have been expected of 
a Company listed on the premium segment 
of the London Stock Exchange. 

As reported in the 2012 Corporate 
Governance report, the management team, 
with the support of the Audit Committee, 
has been progressively incorporating 
additional key internal controls into its 
financial and operational processes as part 
of an overall process to improve the 
Governance structure within the Group and 
to improve the Group’s formal internal 
control processes. 

The internal control environment has 
improved further in the year with:

• The implementation of new policies and 
procedures covering all aspects of the 
Group’s accounting policies and controls; 
and

• The Group’s internal audit function being 

in place for a full financial year.

Other than items connected with the 
implementation of the Group’s new financial 
accounting system which is now due to be 
implemented in H1, 2014, all financial 
reporting procedures recommendations 
made at the time of the Company’s IPO 
have been implemented. 

The key elements of the Groups’ internal 
controls are as follows:

• An annual budget and updated long-term 
forecasts for the Group that identifies risks 
and opportunities which are reviewed and 
approved by the Board.

• A monthly executive meeting at which the 
senior management team review Group 
financial and operational performance, 
progress on capital projects and other 
principal functional areas of the business.

• A system of internal monthly operational 
and financial reporting which includes 
monthly comparison of results and against 
budget and forecast, a review of KPIs, 
each discussed with additional 
management commentary and the 
reporting of key matters arising within the 
business during the month under review. 
The Group has a very flat organisational 
hierarchy resulting in an easy flow of 
information throughout the organisation 
structure. Communication of exceptional 
items happens naturally.

• A defined process for controlling capital 

expenditure, including appropriate 
authorisation levels, which is monitored 
and approved by the Board as 
appropriate.

•  Medical Directors’ meetings to monitor 

clinical governance procedures.

•  The establishment of the Clinical 

Governance Committee at which the 
Committee, on behalf of the Board, 
independently review performance against 
a range of key KPIs based on clinical 
quality and safety metrics, and thus acts 
as mitigation against clinical risks. 

•  An effective independent internal audit 
program which independently assists 
management in identifying key risks to the 
Group and monitors those risks through a 
program agreed with both management 
and the Audit Committee.

•  An appropriate approach to 

decentralisation within the Group. Each 
healthcare facility has a Medical Director 
and Head of Administration who are 
accountable for the operation of the 
facility. Both Healthcare and Distribution 
divisions are managed through 
fundamental activities of planning, 
executing and checking. The strategic 
direction of all operations is governed by 
the corporate office. All banking, treasury 
and payment processing is centralised in 
the Group finance function but accounting 
for payments is decentralised. The 
management team believes that these 
divisions of responsibility provide a natural 
check and balance across all internal 
control areas.

•  The delegation of authority provides that 

very few individuals within the organisation 
have payment approval authority. Access 
to cash is also restricted to very few 
individuals. All material payments are 
restricted to the senior management 
team. 

Risk appetite
The Senior Management Team and the 
Board have considered their business 
approach to risk. The Board acknowledges 
that elements of risk are inherent within all 
business operations and that the Group’s 
approach should be to encourage the 
exploitation by management of appropriate 
profitable business opportunities but 
through controlled and disciplined business 
and financial activities.

The Healthcare division operates a zero 
tolerance policy to the taking of risk in 
relation to clinical and safety matters. The 
Group operates in an emerging market 
which means that, by definition, the natural 
risk profile of the Group’s business and 
financial operations is moderate to high. The 
Board’s approach in reviewing the Group’s 
operations is to ensure that this natural risk 
profile is not increased above this level. The 
Board’s governance and risk mitigation 
processes are set and operated 
accordingly. 

53

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Corporate Governance Report
continued

Approach to risk mitigation
As a regulated business, the Group 
operates within a framework of managing all 
elements of risk which arise within the 
Group. As a result there are a number of 
ways in which the Company monitors its 
keys risks.

In 2012, the Company appointed Crowe 
Horwath as Internal Auditors to the Group. 
The Internal Auditors report directly to the 
Chairman of the Audit Committee but work 
in conjunction with the CFO. Their initial 
reports to the Audit Committee are received 
and discussed at Audit Committee 
meetings twice a year, in June and 
December.

The significant risks faced by the Group 
were reviewed prior to the Company’s IPO 
and again by the Internal Auditors in 
conjunction with management towards the 
end of 2013. 

The work undertaken by the Internal 
Auditors, alongside the improvements 
undertaken in the formal documenting of 
policies and procedures and the current 
implementation of new IT systems, are the 
main focus of the Audit Committee as it 
seeks to improve the mitigation of risks 
associated with the Group’s internal 
control environment.

The key strategic and business risks faced 
by the Group, the potential effect and the 
mitigation of those risks, are set out on 
pages 24 to 27. The consideration by the 
management team of the key risks faced by 
the Group is crucial to the work which will 
be undertaken by the Internal Auditors 
during 2014. The internal auditors have 
discussed with management, and have 
obtained agreement of the Audit 
Committee, their planned areas of focus 
during the coming financial year.

Following the completion of each review, the 
internal auditors identify areas for remedial 
action and the required action plans are 
discussed and agreed with management. 
The internal auditors present the reviews 
and the agreed management plans for any 
remedies to the Audit Committee and then 
monitor the implementation of any required 
changes on behalf of the Audit Committee. 
The Audit Committee reports to the Board 
on internal audit matters.

During the year, the Clinical Governance 
Committee was established. Aside of 
financial risks, the Board is aware that as a 
significant healthcare business it is subject 
to a range of risks related to clinical care 
and quality. The work of the Clinical 
Governance Committee, and how it fits into 
the Group’s overall control environment and 
risk mitigation, is set out on page 51. 

Effectiveness of Internal Controls
The Board has overall responsibility for the 
Group’s systems of internal control, and on 
behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee 
has been engaged in the process of 
ensuring that management have 
established continuous processes for 
identifying, evaluating and managing the 
risks the Group faces. These processes 
include the reporting from the finance 
department on Group performance, the 
work of the internal auditors and issues 
identified by the external auditors to the 
extent covered by their audit work. The 
Board is responsible for monitoring the 
ongoing effectiveness of these systems 
and for conducting a formal annual review 
of the effectiveness of the Group’s 
internal controls.

A system of internal controls is designed to 
manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of 
failure to meet business objectives and is 
designed to provide reasonable, but not 
absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

In reviewing the effectiveness of the internal 
controls in place during the year, the Audit 
Committee considered, amongst other 
matters, manual controls in place, the 
independence of the separate operating 
units, the delegation of authority, the 
balance of centralised and decentralised 
systems and the reporting process in 
relation to exceptional items.

The Audit Committee has noted that the 
Group does not operate under a fully 
integrated high end IT environment and 
therefore an element of manual intervention 
is prevalent within the Group. The Board 
has approved the implementation of a new 
Hospital Management System which, 
together with the implementation of the new 
ERP financial system in the first half of 2014, 
will result in a new integrated IT system 
becoming fully functional during the 2014 
financial year.

The Group continues to enhance its Internal 
Control practices and environment and as 
part of that progression have also 
implemented formal policies and 
procedures in relation to accounting policies 
and controls in 2013.

54

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceThe Audit Committee, on behalf of the 
Board, has reviewed the effectiveness of the 
Group’s systems of internal controls for the 
2013 financial year, in light of the key 
elements of the Group’s internal controls 
outlined above. Given the additional internal 
controls that have been incorporated into 
the Group’s financial and operational 
reporting process, such that sufficient 
internal controls were in place to monitor the 
Group’s key risks, the Board believes, 
having evaluated the effectiveness of the 
disclosure controls and procedures, that 
these were effective during the period 
covered by this report. The Board also 
believes that the process undertaken by the 
Board and the Audit Committee to monitor 
the internal control environment, accords 
with the guidance provided in Internal 
Control: Revised Guidance for Directors 
on the Combined Code. 

Other governance matters
Whistleblowing Policy
A confidential whistleblowing procedure is 
in operation allow employees to raise 
concerns of possible improprieties in 
relation to either operational or financial 
conduct. 

Employees have been provided with a 
copy of this policy and are aware of the 
significance of it. New employees receive 
training on all company policies and 
procedures as part of their induction 
program. A copy of the policy is included 
on the Company’s employee intranet. 

Bribery Act 2010
The Group has an Anti-Bribery and 
Anti-Corruption Policy which applies to all 
directors and employees of all Group 
Companies. The Policy, which has been 
communicated to all employees, includes 
clear statements setting out the Group’s 
Anti-Bribery measures and Anti-Corruption 
culture. Practical guidance has been issued 
in relation to specific circumstances 
considered to be most relevant to Group 
employees. These include guidance notes 
for clinical staff attending pharmaceutical 
and training and development conferences 
in relation to entertainment and other 
possible inducements, as well as guidance 
notes in relation to the receipt of free 
products and equipment and how such 
products and incentives may affect clinical 
judgement. Specific guidance has also 
been provided in relation to the provision 
of sales incentives to senior sales and 
marketing staff within our Distribution 
division. 

New employees receive training on all 
company policies and procedures as part 
of their induction program. A copy of the 
policy is included on the Company’s 
employee intranet.

The Corporate Governance Report set out 
on pages 43 to 55 has been approved by 
the Board and is signed on its behalf by:

H. J. Mark Tompkins
Chairman 

55

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report 2013
Letter from the Remuneration Committee Chairman

Dear Shareholder,

I am pleased to present to you our 
Directors’ Remuneration Report for the 
2013 financial year.

As shareholders may be aware, listed 
companies are now required to provide 
more detailed disclosures in relation to 
Directors’ remuneration and present such 
information in a different format. There 
is a requirement to set out not only the 
remuneration which Directors have received 
during the financial year under review, but 
also the Remuneration Policy which the 
Remuneration Committee (“the Committee”) 
will be applying in relation to future financial 
years. This has resulted in a change in 
format for the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report this year which I hope shareholders 
will find provides clarity and transparency 
in the way that our senior team is 
remunerated.

Changes in Remuneration Policy 
The new disclosure requirements are very 
timely in relation to the work undertaken by 
the Committee in 2013 in relation to the 
implementation of the Group’s remuneration 
policies applicable for Executive Directors 
and Senior Management of NMC 
(“executives”). In the main body of this 
report, the Committee sets out its 
remuneration policy for executives, including 
the incentive plans which have been 
implemented to ensure that executives are 
aligned with the interests of shareholders 
in seeking to improve performance and 
enhance shareholder value.

The principal changes which the Committee 
have discussed and agreed in relation to 
executive remuneration, and which are set 
out in the Remuneration Policy Report, are:

• The implementation of a short term 

incentive plan (STIP) for the Executive 
Directors and other senior management 
for 2013.

• The grant of awards under the long term 

incentive plan (LTIP) to Executive Directors 
and other senior management. The rules 
of the LTIP were approved as part of the 
Company’s IPO in 2012. The Committee 
intends to make awards under this plan 
for this first time in 2014. 

Further details of the STIP and LTIP are 
provided in the main part of the report. 

Rewarding good performance
The introduction of short and long-term 
incentives into the executive remuneration 
structure reflects our remuneration 
philosophy which is to provide competitive 
remuneration packages which reward 
strong performance in line with the 
Company’s strategic objectives. 

The use of performance based incentives, 
part of which is delivered in shares, seeks 
to align the interests of management with 
those of our shareholders and reflects 
market practice in the listed environment 
in which we now operate. 

Alignment of base pay
No base pay increases were awarded to 
any of the Executive Directors during the 
2013 financial year. The base pay of 
members of the senior management team 
was increased in May 2013 following a 
benchmarking exercise undertaken by the 
Committee during the year in conjunction 
with our remuneration consultants, 
Deloitte LLP. Whilst the percentage 
increases awarded were above the levels 
awarded more widely across the NMC 
group, this reflected several years of pay 
freeze at senior management level and a 
reflection of the increased responsibilities 
and complexity of roles undertaken by 
the senior management team following 
the Company’s IPO.

Consultation with shareholders
In addition to consulting our principal 
shareholders on the implementation of the 
new executive remuneration structure, I also 
met or spoke with several of our external 
shareholders to discuss the Committee’s 
new arrangements with them. I thank them 
for their positive support and contribution. 

Our first Directors’ Remuneration Report 
last year received a 99.99% vote in favour 
(and 0.01% voting against) for those votes 
validly cast, which were from 92.36% of the 
Company’s issued share capital; votes were 
withheld on the resolution from shareholders 
holding 2,275,476 Ordinary shares of the 
Company (1.23%). 

The Committee were delighted with both 
the level of shareholder voting on the report 
and the significant level of support from 
shareholders for our remuneration 
arrangements. The Committee sincerely 
hopes to receive your support for our new 
incentive arrangements at the AGM being 
held on 26 June 2014.

Finally, I would like to express my 
appreciation for the input of my fellow 
Remuneration Committee members during 
the year for their support and work to 
implement our new remuneration structure.

Lord Clanwilliam
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

5656

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceIntroduction
This remuneration report for the year ended 
31 December 2013 complies with the 
requirements of the Large and Medium-
sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 
as amended in 2013, the provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance 
Code and the Listing Rules.

This report is drafted in two sections:
• The Directors’ remuneration policy section 
will be put to a binding shareholder vote at 
the 2014 AGM. This section contains 
details of the remuneration policy that will 
apply from the 2014 AGM subject to 
obtaining shareholder approval. 

• The Directors’ annual remuneration 

report. This section sets out details of how 
our remuneration policy was implemented 
for the year ended 31 December 2013 
and how we intend for the policy to apply 
for the year ended 31 December 2014. 
This report will be subject to an advisory 
shareholder vote at the 2014 AGM.

Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report
The information contained in the Directors’ Remuneration Policy report is not subject to audit.
This section describes the future remuneration policy for our Executive and Non-Executive Directors. 

Executive Director Remuneration policy table 

The table below summarises the remuneration package provided to our Executive Directors.

Remuneration element

Base salary

Purpose and link to 
remuneration strategy

To attract and retain 
management of the calibre 
required to deliver the Group’s 
strategy without paying more 
than is necessary.
To reward executives for the 
performance of their role. 

Performance 
measures 

None, although an 
individual’s performance 
in the role will be 
considered when 
reviewing base salary 
levels. 

Operation 

Maximum opportunity 

Salaries are reviewed annually, with 
changes generally taking effect from 
1 June. Salaries may be reviewed at 
different intervals if the Committee 
considers that this is appropriate.
When setting base salaries, consideration 
is given to the following: 
•  Remuneration levels at companies of a 
similar size and complexity in the FTSE, 
other UAE companies of a similar size 
and other international healthcare 
companies. 

•  Salary increases elsewhere in the Group. 
•  Business and individual performance. 
•  The experience of the individual.
•  The external economic climate and 

market conditions. 
•  Local market practice. 
The Committee has also taken into 
account the tax treatment of salaries for 
UAE based management in setting base 
salary levels.

While there is no maximum salary 
level, ordinarily, salary increases 
will be in line with increases 
awarded to other employees of 
the Group.
However increases may be made 
above this level at the 
Committee’s discretion to take 
account of individual 
circumstances, such as:
•  An increase in scope/

responsibilities.

•  To reflect the individual’s 

development in the role (e.g. for 
a new appointment where the 
salary may be increased over 
time rather than set directly at 
the level of the previous 
incumbent/market).

•  Alignment to market level.

5757

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Operation 

Maximum opportunity 

Performance 
measures 

None.

The cost of benefit provision will 
depend on the cost to the 
Company of providing individual 
items and the individual’s 
circumstances and therefore 
there is no maximum value.

Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

Benefits are set at a level which the 
Committee considers is appropriate taking 
into account: 
•  Local market practice.
•  Practice at companies of a similar size 
and complexity, other UAE companies 
and other international healthcare 
companies.

•  The role and the individual’s 

circumstances.

The Group provides a range of benefits 
which reflect typical benefits offered in the 
UAE including: 
•  Employee/family accommodation. 
•  Private Medical Insurance (including 

family cover). 

•  Life and Permanent Health Insurance 

cover. 

•  Company provided transport facility 

(including free air travel up to three times 
a year). 

•  Annual family return flight to home 

country. 

•  30 days’ holiday.
•  End of service benefit. 
•  Reimbursement of reasonable personal 

accommodation and travel costs.

In the event that an Executive is required 
to re-locate to undertake their role, the 
Committee may provide an additional 
reasonable level of benefits to reflect the 
relevant circumstances (on a one off or 
on-going basis). Other benefits may be 
offered if considered appropriate and 
reasonable by the Committee.

At the Committee’s discretion, executives 
may be eligible to participate in a local 
pension arrangement or receive a cash 
allowance (or a combination of cash 
allowance and pension contribution). 
The Company currently does not operate 
any pension arrangements, but an end of 
service benefit, payable to the employee 
when he leaves the Group, is accrued 
annually in accordance with local UAE 
laws. The Committee retains discretion to 
operate pension arrangements in the 
future

Remuneration element

Benefits

Purpose and link to 
remuneration strategy

To provide benefits that are 
competitive relative to the 
employee’s local market.

Retirement benefits

To provide a market competitive 
retirement benefit. 

5858

None. 

Whilst the Committee has not set 
an absolute maximum 
opportunity, the Committee will 
determine the level of benefit 
based on what is appropriate 
taking into account:
•  Local market practice,
•  Practice at companies of a 
similar size and complexity, 
other UAE companies and 
other international healthcare 
companies

•  The role and the individual’s 

circumstances.

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceRemuneration element

Short Term Incentive 
Plan (“Bonus Plan”)

Purpose and link to 
remuneration strategy

To provide a structure to attract, 
retain and motivate senior 
executives of the calibre required 
to manage the business.
To align the interests of senior 
executives with those of 
shareholders by linking a 
significant proportion of the 
potential remuneration to 
performance and delivery of 
strategic objectives.
To provide a bonus arrangement 
which is clearly structured and 
transparent for senior executives 
and shareholders 

Operation 

Maximum opportunity 

The maximum bonus opportunity 
is 100% of base salary.
Up to 50% of the award pays out 
for target performance. 

Bonus measures and performance targets 
are set annually dependent on the deemed 
strategic priorities for that year.
Performance is determined by the 
Committee after the year-end based on 
performance against targets.
The Remuneration Committee has the 
discretion to amend the bonus pay-out 
should the formulaic output not produce a 
result which in the view of the Committee 
fairly reflects overall performance or 
individual contribution.
Any annual bonus achieved for a financial 
year is normally paid 50% in cash and 
50% is deferred into Company shares 
which vest three years from award subject 
to continued employment. There are no 
further performance conditions or other 
conditions which will apply to any deferred 
shares awarded (with the exception of 
continued employment).
The Committee shall have the discretion to 
determine that a different balance of cash 
and shares applies.
Deferred awards may receive an amount 
(paid in cash or shares, although it is 
intended that such amount will be paid 
in shares) equal to the dividends paid or 
payable between the date of grant and 
the vesting of the award on the number 
of shares vested. This amount may be 
calculated assuming the reinvestment of 
these dividends into shares.
Payment of the cash element of any 
bonus is generally made shortly after 
the announcement of audited results for 
that year.
Malus provisions apply. Awards may be 
reduced, cancelled or have further 
conditions applied in certain 
circumstances, these include but are not 
limited to mis-statement of financial 
results, a material failure of risk 
management or serious reputational 
damage to the Company. 
The Committee may adjust or amend the 
terms of the deferred bonus awards in 
accordance with the plan rules. 

Performance 
measures 

Performance is based on 
a mix of key financial, 
operational/strategic 
metrics and individual 
KPIs measured over one 
financial year.
At least 50% of the 
bonus is based on 
financial metrics. Payout 
against the operational/
strategic measures and 
individual KPIs is subject 
to a gateway hurdle in 
relation to the level of 
EBITDA achieved. 
The measures that will 
apply for the financial 
year 2014 are described 
in the Directors’ annual 
remuneration report. 

5959

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

Remuneration element

Long Term Incentive 
Plan (“LTIP”)

Purpose and link to 
remuneration strategy

To incentivise long-term value 
creation and exceptional 
business performance through 
the achievement of stretching 
Group financial targets. 

Share option plan 
(“SOP”)

To incentivise executive directors 
to increase the share price and 
deliver value for shareholders.

Performance 
measures 

The Committee shall 
determine appropriate 
performance measures 
and their weightings for 
LTIP awards to be 
granted. Such measures 
would normally be financial 
or linked to share price 
performance and would 
be aligned with the 
long-term strategy of the 
business.
The Committee has not 
yet determined the specific 
performance measures for 
LTIP awards to be granted 
in 2014. It is anticipated 
however that the principle 
measures used will be 
Earnings per Share and 
Total Shareholder Return 
metrics.
The performance 
measures and targets that 
will apply for each financial 
year and will be described 
in the Directors’ annual 
remuneration report.

In the event that an award 
was to be granted under 
this plan in exceptional 
circumstances the 
Committee would 
determine appropriate 
performance conditions 
at that time.

Operation 

Maximum opportunity 

Maximum award is 150% of base 
salary. In exceptional 
circumstances the Committee 
may grant awards of up to 200% 
of base salary.
It is currently intended that LTIP 
awards will be limited to 100% of 
base salary but the Committee 
retains discretion to grant awards 
up to the plan limit if it considers 
that this is appropriate.
Up to 25% of the award pays out 
for target performance. 
Awards vest on a straight-line 
basis between target and 
maximum performance.

Maximum award is 150% of base 
salary. In exceptional 
circumstances the Committee 
may grant awards of up to 200% 
of base salary.

Awards vest based on performance 
measured over a three year period. The 
Committee may determine that a longer 
performance period may apply.
Executives may receive an amount (paid in 
cash or shares) equal to the dividends paid 
or payable between the date of grant and 
the vesting of the award on the number 
of shares vested. This amount may be 
calculated assuming the reinvestment of 
these dividends into shares.
Awards may be made in the form of 
conditional share awards, forfeitable 
shares, nil-cost options or a right to 
a cash payment.
Awards in the form of options may be 
exercised until the 10th anniversary of 
the date of grant. 
Awards are subject to malus provisions. 
Awards may be reduced, cancelled or 
have further conditions applied in certain 
circumstances, these include but are not 
limited to mis-statement of results, a 
material failure of risk management or 
serious reputational damage to the 
Company. 
The Committee may adjust the term of 
awards in accordance with the plan rules. 

It is intended that awards would only 
be made under this plan in exceptional 
circumstances. 
Awards are granted in the form of market 
value options. Awards vest based on 
performance measured over a three year 
period. Options may be exercised until the 
10th anniversary of the date of grant.
Executives may receive an amount (paid in 
cash or shares) equal to the dividends paid 
or payable between the date of grant and 
the vesting of the award on the number of 
shares vested. This amount may be 
calculated assuming the reinvestment of 
these dividends into shares.
Awards are subject to malus provisions. 
Awards may be reduced, cancelled or 
have further conditions applied in certain 
circumstances, these include but are not 
limited to mis-statement of results, a 
material failure of risk management or 
serious reputational damage to the 
Company. 
The Committee may adjust the term of 
awards in accordance with the plan rules.

6060

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceThe Company also operates a shareholding 
guideline for Executive Directors and Senior 
Management – details of this policy can be 
found on page 68 of the Annual 
Remuneration Report.

Committee discretion 
The Committee reserves the right to make 
any remuneration payments and payments 
for loss of office notwithstanding that they 
are not in line with the policy set out above 
where the terms of the payment were 
agreed (i) before the policy came into effect 
or (ii) at a time when the relevant individual 
was not a director of the Company and, in 
the opinion of the Committee, the payment 
was not in consideration for the individual 
becoming a director of the Company. For 
these purposes “payments” includes (but is 
not limited to) the Committee satisfying 
awards of variable remuneration and, in 
relation to an award over shares, the terms 
of the payment are “agreed” at the time the 
award is granted.

For share awards, in the event of a variation 
of the Company’s share capital or a 
demerger, delisting, special dividend, rights 
issue or other event the number of shares 
subject to an award and/or any 
performance condition attached to awards, 
may be adjusted.

The Committee may amend any 
performance conditions applicable to the 
LTIP or SOP awards if an event occurs 
which causes the Committee to consider an 
amended performance condition would be 
more appropriate and not materially less 
difficult to satisfy.

The Committee retains the discretion to 
make any payment which is not explicitly 
provided in this policy which is it obliged to 
make under UAE or relevant local laws.

The Committee may make minor 
amendments to the policy set out above 
(for regulatory, exchange control, tax or 
administrative purposes or to take account 
of a change in legislation) without obtaining 
shareholder approval for that amendment. 

Selection of performance measures
The performance measures for the STIP 
have been selected, and for the LTIP will be 
selected, to support the delivery of short 
and long term performance of the business 
and shareholder value creation. Targets are 
set each year based on stretching internal 
budgets as well as those financial and 
operational areas which the Committee feel 
are key to business performance; achieving 
or exceeding these targets will both return 
value to shareholders and reward the 
executive team for delivery. 

The performance measures selected by 
the Committee may change from time to 
time to reflect any shift in Group Strategy, 
for example from a growth strategy to a 
consolidation strategy.

Remuneration arrangements 
throughout the Group
Remuneration philosophy is the same 
throughout NMC – that individuals should 
be remunerated based on their role, 
responsibilities, experiences and local 
market practice. NMC has a variety of 
different roles from senior executives, 
to doctors to administrators and therefore 
remuneration levels and structures vary 
to reflect the different requirements and 
expectations of these roles. 

The Committee does consider that it is 
important, however, that senior executives 
are all remunerated in a similar way to 
ensure that they are incentivised to 
collectively deliver the Group’s strategy and 

create value for shareholders. Executive 
Directors and senior managers will therefore 
all participate in the annual bonus plan and 
LTIP on principally the same basis for 2014.

The Committee has retained the existing 
benefits structure which applied to UAE 
based Executive Directors and Senior 
Management before the Company’s IPO 
in April 2012. A similar benefit structure 
is operated throughout the organisation. 
The benefits included reflect the expatriate 
nature of senior management in the UAE 
and are similar in nature to the types of 
benefits which are available to other 
expatriate employees in the Group. The 
benefits include private medical insurance, 
which is mandatory for employees in 
Abu Dhabi, where the Group is based. 

Remuneration outcomes in different 
performance scenarios
The Committee has set a remuneration 
structure which ensures that a high 
proportion of the potential total reward 
available for Executive Directors and senior 
management is related to the performance 
of the Company.

To demonstrate this three scenarios have 
been illustrated below for each Executive 
Director. These are based on STIP and LTIP 
awards of 75% of base salary.

Minimum

Mid performance 

Maximum performance

• Fixed pay
• No STIP pay out
•  No vesting under 

the LTIP

• Fixed pay 
•  50% of maximum STIP 

opportunity

•  25% of LTIP shares 
vest at threshold 
performance. 

•  Fixed pay 
•  75% of STIP pays out.
•  75% of LTIP shares 

vest.

Maximum 
performance

Fixed Pay

245,000

Salary

245,000

Mid performance 

245,000

245,000

Minimum 

245,000

245,000

Benefits

Pension

Annual Bonus

Long-term 
incentive

Total 
compensation

0

0

0

0

0

0

183,750

183,750

612,500

122,500

61,250

428,750

0

0

245,000

6161

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

CEO – Dr BR Shetty

Executive vice chairman – Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

Fixed pay

Annual Bonus

Long-term incentive

Fixed pay

Annual Bonus

Long-term incentive

$1,400,000

$1,200,000

$1,000,000

$800,000

$600,000

$400,000

$200,000

$0

$864k
12%

24%

64%

$558k

100%

$1,170k

29%

30%

41%

Minimum

Mid
Performance

Maximum
Performance

Fixed pay is comprised of the following:

$700,000

$600,000

$500,000

$400,000

$300,000

$245k

$200,000

$100,000

0

100%

$612k

30%

30%

40%

$429k

14%

29%

57%

Minimum

Mid
Performance

Maximum
Performance

CEO (Dr BR Shetty)

Executive vice chairman 
(Mr Khalifa Bin Butti)

Salary 
(Salary with effect from  
1 January 2014)

$408,400

$245,000

Benefits 
(Paid in 2013)

$149,300

$0

The scenarios illustrated above do not take into account share price appreciation or dividends

Remuneration policy on recruitment
When determining the remuneration 
package for a newly appointed Executive 
Director, the Committee would seek to 
apply the following principles: 

•  The package should be market 

competitive to facilitate the recruitment of 
individuals of sufficient calibre to lead the 
business. At the same time, the 
Committee would intend to pay no more 
than it believes is necessary to secure the 
required talent. 

•  The structure of the on-going 

remuneration package would normally 
include the components set out in the 
policy table for Executive Directors.

•  In addition, the Committee has discretion 

to include any other remuneration 
component or award which it feels is 
appropriate taking into account the 
specific commercial circumstances, and 
subject to the limit on variable 
remuneration set out below. The key 
terms and rationale for any such 
component would be appropriately 
disclosed.

•  Where an individual forfeits outstanding 
variable pay opportunities or contractual 
rights at a previous employer as a result of 
appointment, the Committee may offer 
compensatory payments or awards, in 
such form as the Committee considers 
appropriate taking into account all relevant 
factors including the form of awards, 
expected value and vesting timeframe of 
forfeited opportunities. When determining 
such ‘buy-out’ the guiding principle would 
be that awards would generally be on a 
‘like for like’ basis to those forfeited, unless 
this was not considered appropriate in  
the particular circumstances, and that  
the ‘buy-out’ package would be  
an appropriate reflection of the  
value forfeited. 

•  The maximum level of variable 

remuneration which may be awarded 
(excluding any compensatory payments  
or awards referred to above) is 200%  
of salary. 

•  Where an Executive Director is required to 

re-locate to take-up their role the 
Committee may provide reasonable 
assistance with re-location (either via 
one-off or on-going payments or benefits).

Pension

Total Fixed Pay

$0

$0

$557,700

$245,000

•  In the event that an internal candidate was 
promoted to the Board legacy terms and 
conditions would normally be honoured, 
including pension entitlements and any 
outstanding incentive awards. 

To facilitate awards outlined above, the 
Committee may make awards under 
company incentive plans or other available 
structures as appropriate, including using 
listing rule 9.4.2 for the purpose of making 
“buy-out” awards. 

The remuneration package for a newly 
appointed non-executive director would 
normally be in line with the structure set out 
in the policy table for Non-Executive 
Directors. Remuneration for new hires may 
be paid in the form of cash or shares.

Executive Director service contracts

Date of service agreement

Dr B R Shetty

19 March 2012

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

19 March 2012

6262

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceDr B R Shetty is employed by NMC Healthcare LLC pursuant to a service agreement dated 19 March 2012. The service agreement 
provides for an indefinite term of employment unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the service agreement. The service 
agreement may be terminated on twelve months’ prior written notice given by either Dr B R Shetty or NMC Healthcare LLC. 

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti is employed by NMC Healthcare LLC pursuant to a service agreement dated 19 March 2012. The service agreement 
provides for an indefinite term of employment unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms of the service agreement. The service 
agreement may be terminated on twelve months’ prior written notice given by either Mr Khalifa Bin Butti or NMC Healthcare LLC. 

Copies of the above Service Agreements are available for inspection during normal business hours at the Company’s Registered Office, 
and are available for inspection at the Company’s annual general meeting.

For future executives the Committee policy is that notice periods will not exceed 12 months. There are no matters for which the Company 
requires approval of shareholders for the purposes of Chapter 4A of Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

Loss of office payments

Element of remuneration 

Policy – Ill-health, injury, disability, death, sale 
of employing company or business from the 
Group, any other reason at the Committee’s 
discretion 

Policy – Other leavers 

Base salary and benefits/retirement benefits 

On termination without notice, Executive Directors may be entitled to compensation based on what would be 
earned by way of salary and other contractual benefits (including retirement benefits) over the notice period.

STIP 

Deferred bonus plan 
[Plan terms to be determined]

Long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”)

Share option plan (“SOP”)

There is no automatic entitlement to an annual bonus.
Executive Directors may receive a bonus in respect of 
the financial year of cessation. This payment will 
normally be pro-rated for time and subject to 
performance, however the Committee retains the 
discretion to review overall business and individual 
performance and determine that a different level of 
bonus payment is appropriate. 

Awards would normally continue to vest at the end of 
the normal deferral period. The Committee may 
determine, in appropriate circumstances, that awards 
should vest at cessation of employment. 

Awards may vest at a level determined by the 
Committee taking into account the extent to which the 
performance conditions have been met and the time 
elapsed since grant, unless the Committee determines 
otherwise.
Awards will normally carry on to the normal vesting 
date except in the case of death where awards may 
vest immediately. The Committee may determine that 
awards should vest at cessation of employment.
Awards in the form of nil cost options may be 
exercised for a period of 6 months from vesting (12 
months in the cases of death). Participants have 6 
months from cessation to exercise vested awards (12 
months in the case of death). The Committee may 
allow alternative exercise windows if it considers it 
appropriate.

Options may vest at a level determined by the 
Committee taking into account the extent to which the 
performance conditions have been met and the time 
elapsed since grant, unless the Committee determines 
otherwise.
Options vesting will normally carry on to the normal 
vesting date except in the case of death where awards 
may vest immediately. The Committee may determine 
that awards should vest at cessation of employment.
Options may be exercised for a period of 6 months 
from vesting (12 months in the case of death). 
Participants have 6 months from cessation to exercise 
vested awards (12 months in the case of death).

In certain circumstances, the Committee may determine 
that a bonus payment may be due to reflect 
performance and contribution to the point of cessation. 

Awards would normally lapse.

Awards will lapse.

Unvested awards will lapse. 
Vested options may be exercised for 6 months from the 
date of cessation.

6363

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

Change of control 
On a change of control, awards under the LTIP and SOP would normally vest to the extent that the performance conditions are satisfied at 
the date of the event. Any early vesting would generally be on a time pro-rata basis.

The Committee may vary the level of vesting, if it believes that exceptional circumstances warrant this, taking into account any other factors 
it believes to be relevant in deciding to what extent an award will vest. 

The Executive Directors may exchange their awards over Company shares for awards in shares of the acquiring company if the terms of the 
offer allow this.

Deferred bonus shares will normally vest in full upon a change of control.

In the event of a winding-up of the Company, demerger, delisting, special dividend or other event which in the opinion of the Committee 
may affect the current or future share price, the Committee may allow LTIP, SOP and deferred bonus awards to vest on the same basis as 
set out above.

Non-Executive Director Remuneration policy table

Purpose and link to remuneration 
strategy

Operation 

Maximum opportunity

To provide an appropriate reward to attract 
and retain high-calibre individuals

Chairman and Non-
Executive Director fees

The remuneration of Non-Executive 
Directors is approved by the Executive 
Directors following recommendations and 
discussions with the Chairman of the 
Company and the Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee. 
Fees are structured as follows: 
•  The Chairman is paid a single, 

consolidated fee.

•  The Non-Executive Directors are paid 
a basic fee, plus additional fees for the 
Senior Independent Director.

Fees are paid in cash with local taxes 
deducted at source. 
Non-Executive Directors are also 
reimbursed for travel and reasonable 
personal expenses.
Non-Executive Directors do not currently 
receive any benefits. However, benefits 
may be provided in the future if this was 
considered appropriate. 

The maximum level of Non-Executive 
Director remuneration is set out in the 
Company’s articles of association. 
This may be amended from time to 
time subject to shareholder approval.
Fees are set at a level which reflect 
the commitment and contribution that 
is expected from the Chairman and 
Non-Executive Directors and that are 
appropriately positioned against 
comparable roles in companies of a similar 
size and complexity.
Fee levels are disclosed in the Directors’ 
remuneration report for the relevant 
financial year. 
Additional fees may be payable to 
Non-Executive Directors from time to time 
for additional board responsibilities (e.g. 
Committee Chairmanship). Additional fees 
may also be paid where the time 
commitment in a particular year was 
significantly more than anticipated. 

6464

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceTerms and conditions for Non-Executive Directors 
The Non-Executive Directors do not have service agreements with the Company, but instead all have letters of appointment. The 
appointment of each of the Non-Executive Directors is stated for an initial term until the next annual general meeting of the Company 
at which, and at subsequent annual general meetings, they need to submit themselves for re-election if they so wish. Each of the Non-
Executive Directors have a minimum time commitment that they need to give to the Company in any year.

The letters of appointment for each Non-Executive Director are summarised below:

Director

Position

Date of appointment

Company and Director notice 
period

Mr H. J. Mark Tompkins

Non-Executive Chairman

H.E. Saeed Bin Butti

Lord Clanwilliam

Mrs Heather Lawrence

Mr Jonathan Bomford

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Senior Independent Director

7 March 2012 

20 July 2011 

7 March 2012

19 March 2012

27 June 2013

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

There is no compensation payable upon the early termination of a Non-Executive Directors’ appointment.

Copies of the above Executive Directors’ Service Agreements and Non-Executive Directors’ Letters of Appointment are available for 
inspection during normal business hours at the Company’s Registered Office, and available for inspection at the Company’s annual  
general meeting.

Shareholder views and consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Group
Communication with our Shareholders – The Committee maintains an open dialogue with our shareholders and seeks their views 
when any significant changes are made to remuneration arrangements. The Committee met or spoke with several of our external 
shareholders to discuss the Committee’s new arrangements this year. 

Consideration of pay and conditions of employees – The Committee considers pay information in relation to doctor and support staff 
when determining executive pay, to ensure that pay structures are appropriately aligned. The Committee did not consult with employees 
when setting executive director pay.

6565

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

Annual Remuneration Report
Some of the information contained in the 
Annual Remuneration Report is subject to 
audit. Where the information is subject to 
audit this is identified in the relevant 
heading.

How executive remuneration policy 
will be applied in 2014

Base salaries for 2014 

Executive Directors base salaries are 
as follows:

CEO – Dr BR Shetty

$408,400

Executive Chairman 
– Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

$245,000

No salary increases have been awarded 
from 2013 salaries although a review is 
scheduled for June 2014.

Operation of the annual bonus plan 
for 2014 
The operation of the annual bonus for 
2014 will be consistent with the policy 
detailed in the remuneration policy section. 
The maximum award level will be 100% 
of base salary.

The performance targets that will apply 
for the annual bonus for 2014 have yet 
to be considered and determined by the 
Committee. However the committee’s 
current view is that the performance 
measures will include a gateway hurdle 
in relation to the level of EBITDA achieved.

Operation of the LTIP for 2014 
The operation of the LTIP for 2014 will be 
consistent with the policy detailed in the 
remuneration policy section. The maximum 
award level will be 100% of base salary.

The performance targets that will apply 
to the awards have yet to be finalised and 
determined by the Committee. However, 
the Committee’s current view is that the 
performance measures will likely be based 
principally on Earnings Per Share and Total 
Shareholder Return metrics over a three 
year period.

Remuneration paid in 2013 (single pay figure) – subject to audit

The table below sets out the remuneration paid to or received by the Executive Directors of the Company during the financial year ended 
31 December 2013.

Executive Director

Salary  
$’000

Benefits  
$’000

STIP 
$’000

LTIP awards 
$’000

Pension 
$’000

Total  
$’000

Dr B R Shetty

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

2013

408.4

245.0

2012

408.4

245.0

2013

149.3

0

2012

142.2

0

2013

229.7

137.8

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2013

787.4

382.8

2012

550.6

245.0

6666

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceBenefits – subject to audit

Taxable benefits include the following items:

Executive Director

Dr B R Shetty

Provision of family 
accommodation 
$’000

2013

145.9

2012

138.9

Private medical insurance 
$’000

Life insurance cover 
$’000

Annual family return flights 
to home country 
$’000

2013

0.9

2012

0.9

2013

0.0

2012

0.0

2013

2..5

2012

2.5

Bonus – subject to audit

A bonus of 56.3% of base salary, out of a potential maximum entitlement of 75% of base salary set for the 2013 financial year, was paid 
in respect of that year to the CEO and Executive Vice Chairman. The bonus was based on the following performance measures:

Measure

EBITDA

Percentage Weighting 

Performance

50%

EBITDA performance for the year was US$92.9m 
representing a growth of 16.7% on 2012. This strong 
performance exceeded the relevant EBITDA targets 
set by the Committee and therefore this portion of the 
bonus paid out in full.

Outcome

50%

Progress on capital development projects

12.5%

Performance against clinical care KPIs

25.0%

Doctor recruitment targets

12.5%

The Committee considered that sufficient progress on 
capital development projects was not achieved, with 
a number of the projects being significantly delayed.

0%

Maximum performance was achieved in relation 
to the 4-5 KPIs monitored by each of the Group’s 
Specialty Hospitals under the terms of their JCI 
accreditation. JCI accreditation sets standards that all 
monitored KPIs must be achieved to the extent of 
90% over the course of the review period. Group 
performance was well in excess of this target. 

25%

The targets set for the recruitment of new Doctors to 
the Group was not met in 2013 as a result of 
a number of expected new facility openings not being 
achieved.

0%

Half of the bonus paid to the Executive Directors is deferred into shares, for which additional performance conditions or other conditions, 
with exception of continued employment, do not apply.

There was no bonus plan in operation for 2012.

Long-term incentive plans – subject to audit

There were no long-term incentive plan awards which were due to vest in respect of performance in 2012 and 2013.

Pension – subject to audit

There were no pension contributions in 2012 or 2013.

6767

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

Directors’ shareholdings and share interests – subject to audit

The table below shows details of the Directors’ holdings of Ordinary Shares in the Company as at 1 January 2013 and at 31 December 
2013.

Director

Mr H. J. Mark Tompkins

H.E. Saeed Bin Butti

Mr Khalifa Bin Butti

Dr B. R. Shetty

Lord Clanwilliam

Mrs Heather Lawrence

Mr Jonathan Bomford

Ordinary shares of 10p each

1 January 2013 
(or at date of appointment if later)

31 December 2013

17,083

53,466,559

19,059,842

37,742,409

8,597

0

0

17,083

53,466,559

19,059,842

37,742,409

0

4,557

10,000

Note: In addition to the above holdings, H.E. Saeed Bin Butti and Mr Khalifa Bin Butti also have an interest over 14,072,024 Ordinary shares of the Company (14,072,024 
Ordinary shares as at 1 January 2013) held by Infinite Investment LLC, a company which is owned jointly by H.E. Saeed Bin Butti and Mr Khalifa Bin Butti.

H.E. Saeed Bin Butti resigned as a Director of the company on 24 February 2014.

None of the Directors of the Company held any form of option over the shares of the Company during the year ended 31 December 2013.

None of the Directors received any loans, advances or other form of credit granted by the Company, nor were any guarantees of any kind 
provided by the Company on behalf of any Directors during the year ended 31 December 2013.

There have been no changes in the above shareholdings between 31 December 2013 and the date of this Directors’ Remuneration Report. 

Executive directors are required to build a shareholding of 200% of base salary. Both the CEO and the Executive Vice Chairman are 
significant shareholders in the Company and therefore meet this requirement.

Performance graph and historic CEO remuneration outcomes 

The following graph shows the Total Shareholder Return performance of NMC Health plc shares against the FTSE 250. 

250

200

150

100

50

)

h
t
l
a
e
H
C
M
N
o
t
d
e
s
a
b
e
r
(
s
n
r
u
t
e
R

l

r
e
d
o
h
e
r
a
h
S
a
t
o
T

l

0

Mar 12

Jun 12

Sept 12

Dec12

Mar 13

Jun 13

Sept 13

Dec 13

NMC Health

FTSE 250

Note: The performance graph shows the Total Shareholder Return performance of the Company from the date of the Company’s IPO in April 2012.

6868

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernance 
 
 
 
 
 
The Committee believes that the FTSE 250 Index is an appropriate comparator index used to compare performance given that the 
Company is a constituent of this Index and the lack of direct competitor comparators available in the London market.

The table below summarises the CEO’s single figure for total remuneration since listing. This table is also required to show the annual 
bonus and long-term incentive vesting as a percentage of the maximum for each year, however, there was no bonus or LTIP vesting in any 
of the years under consideration. 

CEO – Dr B R Shetty

Single remuneration figure

STIP payout (% of maximum)

LTI vesting (% of maximum)

2012 (US$’000)

2013 (US$’000)

550.6

n/a

n/a

787.4

75%

n/a

The Company did not operate the STIP in respect of 2012. No awards have been granted to date under the LTIP.

Change in remuneration of CEO compared to Group employees

The table below sets out the increase in total remuneration of the CEO and that of all employees:

%

CEO 

All-employees

Salary 

0%

11%

Benefits 

5.0%

10%

Annual bonus 

Comparison not applicable as the 
Company did not operate the STIP 
in 2012

Relative importance of spend on pay

The graph below shows the total group-wide remuneration expenditure and dividends for the last two years. 

2012 ($m)

2013 ($m)

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

126.6

97.4

68.2

58.9

11.6

13.6

Profit for the financial year
attributable to equity
shareholders
($m)

Distribution to shareholders
($m)

Total employee pay
($m)

6969

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

Voting

The following summarises voting at the 2013 AGM in respect of the 2012 Directors’ Remuneration Report. This was an advisory 
shareholder vote.

For

99.99%

Against

0.01%

Number of votes withheld

2,275,476 (1.23% of share capital)

Non-Executive Directors Remuneration 

How remuneration policy will be applied for 2014
For 2014, the fees payable to the non-executive directors effective as at 1 January 2014 are as follows:

Chairman

Senior Independent Director

Non-executive director

(£’000)

170

60

50

Additional fees may be also payable to non-executive directors from time to time for additional board responsibilities (this may include fees 
for additional time commitments).

No additional fees are payable in relation to the Chairmanship or membership of any Board Committees. 

Details of the remuneration paid to each of the non-executive directors who served during the year are included in the table on page 70.

Non-executive directors do not participate in any bonus or incentive plan or other form or performance-related remuneration. The Company 
does not provide any contribution to their pension arrangements.

What remuneration was paid in 2013 (single pay figure) – subject to audit
The fee paid in cash to each Non-Executive Director during the year ended 31 December 2013 is set out in the following table:

Director

Position

Mr H. J. Mark Tompkins 
(see note 1 below)

H.E. Saeed Bin Butti

Lord Clanwilliam 
(see note 1 below)

Mrs Heather Lawrence 
(see note 1 below)

Mr Jonathan Bomford

Mr Justin Jewitt  
(see note 2 below)

Independent Non-Executive Chairman

Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

Previously Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director

FY2013 
(£’000)

224.5

50.0

104.5

104.5

25.4

30.0

FY2012 
(£’000)

138.9

37.5

40.9

39.2

0.0

49.0

Notes:
1.  Each of the independent non-executive directors is contracted for 16 days per annum with the exception of the Chairman who is contracted for 24 days per annum. Each of 
the Non-Executive Directors has spent more time than originally anticipated within the Letters of Appointment by which they were appointed. This is because of time spent 
supporting the business in enhancing the Governance processes and improving the Group’s internal control environment which the Board, including the Non-Executive 
Directors, retain oversight over. As recognition for this, the Executive Directors agreed additional payments for each of the 2012 and 2013 financial years, both of which 
have been made in the 2013 financial year. An additional payment of £30,000 was made to Mr Tompkins, Lord Clanwilliam and Mrs Lawrence in relation to the 2012 
financial year and £24,465 in relation to the 2013 financial year. Whilst these amounts are in relation to additional time spent over two financial years, they were both paid in 
the 2013 financial year and are therefore consolidated with the normal fees payable for 2013 in the table above. 

2.  In addition to the fees paid to Mr Justin Jewitt shown in the table above, an amount of £66,500 was paid to Mr Justin Jewitt after he ceased to be a director of the Company 

on 27 June 2013. The letter of appointment for each of the non-executive directors includes a provision for 3 months’ notice being required on the termination of the 
appointment. The additional payment made to Mr Jewitt was in recognition of time additional to his contractual requirement, defined in his letter of appointment as 16 days 
per annum, being provided by Mr Jewitt in the busy first year for the non-executive directors after the Company’s listing on the London Stock Exchange. 

7070

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceThe Remuneration Committee

Membership
The Remuneration Committee consists of four Independent Non-Executive Directors, with an Independent Non-Executive Director holding 
the chairmanship of the Committee. During the 2013 financial year, the following have served as members of the Committee:

Chairman:

Committee members:

Lord Clanwilliam

Jonathan Bomford

Justin Jewitt

Heather Lawrence

H J Mark Tompkins

(from 27 June 2013)

(until 27 June 2013)

Whilst they do not attend Remuneration 
Committee meetings, the Chairman of the 
Committee discussed proposed 
remuneration policies with the Chief 
Executive Officer and the Executive Vice 
Chairman during their formulation. It is worth 
noting that the shareholdings of the Chief 
Executive Officer and the Executive Vice 
Chairman are large enough to form a 
majority veto on any remuneration proposals 
so their input and encouragement has been 
vital in the remuneration process. 

The Group Company Secretary acts as 
Secretary to the Remuneration Committee 
and provides advice to the Committee on 
Corporate Governance aspects relating to 
remuneration matters. He also provides 
assistance to the Chairman of the 
Committee as required in discussions with 
the Remuneration Committee advisers and 
on implementation of Committee decisions. 
The Group Company Secretary is not 
present when his own remuneration is 
discussed.

Role and responsibility
The Remuneration Committee assists the 
Board in:

• making recommendations to the Board 

on the Company’s framework of executive 
remuneration, including the use of 
incentive arrangements within that 
framework; and

• determining on the Board’s behalf the 

entire individual remuneration packages 
for each Executive Director, the Chairman 
and the senior management team.

All other recommendations must be referred 
to the Board for approval. In setting 
remuneration for senior management, the 
Committee has considered market practice 
in the UAE and are aware of remuneration 

structures existing for employees who 
are below senior management level. 
The Committee understands the need 
to incentivise executives appropriately, 
whilst ensuring that higher rewards are only 
achieved for exceptional performance.

No committee member is permitted to 
participate in any discussion or decision 
regarding his/her own remuneration. Neither 
of the Executive Directors attend meetings 
of the Committee. The remuneration of 
non-executive directors is a matter for 
consideration by the Chairman of the 
Company, assisted by the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman, and the Executive 
Directors. 

The Remuneration Committee terms of 
reference clearly set out its authority and 
duties and were approved by the Board 
prior to IPO. The terms of reference are 
available on the Investor Relations section 
of the Group’s website at www.nmc.ae, 
or by contacting the Group Company 
Secretary. 

Support and External Advice
The Remuneration Committee seeks and 
considers advice from Deloitte LLP, 
independent remuneration advisers. Deloitte 
provides no other advisory role to the 
Group. Deloitte acted as advisors to the 
Company in advance of the Company’s IPO 
in April 2012, but were formally appointed by 
the Committee as advisors to the 
Committee later in 2012 specifically to 
provide the Committee with objective and 
independent advice on executive 
remuneration matters. Deloitte is a member 
of the Remuneration Consultants’ Group 
and, as such, voluntarily operates under the 
code of conduct in relation to executive 
remuneration consulting in the UK. The 
Committee is satisfied that the advice they 

have received from Deloitte during the year 
has been objective and independent. 

The Chairman has direct access to Deloitte 
as and when required. The Group Company 
Secretary liaises with Deloitte as required to 
ensure that all Committee requests and 
decisions are dealt with and implemented, 
but does so under the guidance of the 
Remuneration Committee Chairman. 
Deloitte attend meetings of the Committee 
as required.

During the year, Deloitte provided the 
following services and advice to the 
Committee:

• Market practice in relation to remuneration 
practices prevalent within similar sized 
listed and private groups;

• a review of the previous remuneration 

policies existing in relation to the Executive 
Directors and senior management;

• a base salary benchmarking exercise 

against companies of a similar size and 
complexity, taking account of the tax 
regime prevalent in the UK and UAE; and

• provided advice as to the structure of the 
new short term bonus plan and long term 
incentive plan, and the targets relating 
thereto.

Deloitte received fees of £38k (charged 
on a time plus expenses basis) for advice 
received during the year.

7171

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Directors’ Remuneration Report
Continued

Meetings
The Remuneration Committee met formally 
three times during the period under review, 
in addition to a number of discussions held 
informally during the year whilst the 
structure and implementation of the new 
incentive arrangements were being 
discussed. 

The primary matter for discussion was the 
implementation of a new STIP which would 
be put in place for Executive Directors and 
senior management. Discussion at the initial 
meetings during the year focused on the 
structure of the new incentive plans, with 
advice from Deloitte as to market practice 
and expectations. 

The Remuneration Committee also 
discussed basic salary levels for senior 
management following the benchmarking 
exercise undertaken by Deloitte. The 
Remuneration Committee decided not to 
increase the basic salary of either of the 
Executive Directors, but the salaries for the 
four members of the senior management 
team in place at that time were increased by 
an average of 14% to bring them into line 
with median salaries payable for similar roles 
within a comparator group of companies.

Assessment of risk and key priorities
The Committee is aware of the need to be 
mindful of potential risks associated with 
elements of executive remuneration. 
The Committee is keen to ensure that 
variable remuneration is not structured 

in such a way as to encourage the taking 
of undue business risks for the purposes 
of achieving higher remuneration. 

All the members of the Remuneration 
Committee are also members of, or 
normally attend meetings of, the Audit 
Committee and, as a result, are aware 
of the key risks and challenges faced 
by the Group.

The new remuneration structure has been 
implemented to ensure an appropriate 
reward system is in place, but considers 
that the new incentive structure mitigates 
key business risks as follows:

• the deferral of 50% of STIP awards into 

shares for a three year period. The 
introduction of an LTIP in 2014 will also 
encourage focus on long term share value 
enhancement;

• the STIP includes two financial measures 
and three operational measures which 
the Committee believe are key to the 
success of the Company in a particular 
financial year;

• market practice malus and clawback 

provisions allow the Company to forfeit the 
delivery of share related benefits to plan 
participants.

External commitments
The Chairman holds a Non-Executive role 
on the Board. Whilst he has other business 
interests, these are not considered material 
enough to interfere or conflict with his duties 
to the NMC Group. 

The Board acknowledges that each of the 
Executive Directors also have interests as 
directors and/or shareholders of other 
businesses outside of the NMC Group. The 
Board believes that such interests do not 
interfere, or conflict, with the role which 
either Executive Director has with the NMC 
Group.

The other Directors are required to spend a 
specific amount of time performing their 
duties as Non-Executive Directors and none 
have significant other external commitments 
which interfere, or conflict, with their duties 
to the NMC Group. 

It is my pleasure to submit this report to 
shareholders. The Directors’ Remuneration 
Report has been approved by the Board 
and is signed on its behalf by: 

Lord Clanwilliam
Chairman

7272

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportFinancial StatementsGovernanceNMC Health — Annual Report 2013

Consolidated 2013 
Financial Statements

Contents
Independent Auditors’ Report 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements 

NMC Health plc 
Financial Statements  

74

76 

80  

108  

73

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members  
of NMC Health plc

We have audited the group financial 
statements of NMC Health plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2013 which comprise 
the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated 
statement of financial position, the 
consolidated statement of changes in 
equity, the consolidated statement of cash 
flows and the related notes 1 to 34. The 
financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in their preparation is applicable law 
and International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union.

This report is made solely to the company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken 
so that we might state to the company’s 
members those matters we are required to 
state to them in an auditor’s report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than 
the company and the company’s members 
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, 
or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of 
directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement set out on page 
42, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the group financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 
to audit and express an opinion on the 
group financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with 
the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial 
statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about 
the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are 
free from material misstatement, whether 
caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the group’s 
circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of significant accounting 

74

estimates made by the directors; and the 
overall presentation of the financial 
statements. In addition, we read all the 
financial and non-financial information in the 
Annual Report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial 
statements and to identify any information 
that is apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with, the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course of 
performing the audit. If we become aware of 
any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications 
for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the group financial 
statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the 
group’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 
and of its profit for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union; and

• have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Our assessment of risks of material 
misstatement
We identified the following risks that have 
had the greatest effect on the overall audit 
strategy; the allocation of resources in the 
audit; and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team:

• The valuation of trade receivables

• Revenue recognition, including the timing 

of revenue recognition and the 
determination of whether the Group is 
acting in the capacity of an agent rather 
than principal; and

• The capitalisation of costs into capital 

work in progress.

Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in 
planning and performing our audit, and in 
evaluating the effect of misstatements on 
our audit and on the financial statements. 
For the purposes of determining whether 
the financial statements are free from 
material misstatement, we define materiality 
as the magnitude of an omission or 
misstatement that, individually or in the 

aggregate, in light of the surrounding 
circumstances, could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic 
decisions of the users of the financial 
statements. We also determine a level of 
performance materiality which we use to 
determine the extent of testing needed to 
reduce to an appropriately low level the 
probability that the aggregate of 
uncorrected and undetected misstatements 
exceeds materiality for the financial 
statements as a whole.

When establishing our overall audit strategy, 
we determined a magnitude of uncorrected 
misstatements that we judged would be 
material for the financial statements as a 
whole. We determined materiality for the 
Group to be $3.60 million (2012: $2.48 
million), which is approximately 5% (2012: 
4%) of adjusted profit before tax. We used 
adjusted profit before tax to exclude the 
non-recurring write-off of unamortised 
finance fees resulting from the refinance of 
loan facilities in the year. This provided a 
basis for determining the nature, timing and 
extent of risk assessment procedures, 
identifying and assessing the risk of material 
misstatement and determining the nature, 
timing and extent of further audit 
procedures.

On the basis of our risk assessments, 
together with our assessment of the 
Group’s overall control environment, our 
judgement was that overall performance 
materiality (ie: our tolerance for 
misstatement in an individual account or 
balance) for the Group should be 50% 
(2012: 50%) of materiality, namely $1.80 
million (2012: $1.24 million). Our objective in 
adopting this approach was to ensure that 
total detected and undetected audit 
differences in all accounts did not exceed 
our materiality level.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that 
we would report to the Audit Committee all 
audit differences in excess of $0.16 million 
(2012: $0.12 million). We also agreed to 
report differences below that threshold that, 
in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our 
audit
Following our assessment of the risk of 
material misstatement to the Group financial 
statements we selected eight components 

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statementswhich account for 95% of the group’s profit 
before tax and 97% of the group’s total 
assets. Six of these components were 
subject to a full audit, whilst one component 
was subject to a partial audit where the 
extent of audit work was based on our 
assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement and one component was 
subject to analytical review procedures. 
They were also selected to provide an 
appropriate basis for undertaking audit work 
to address the risks of material 
misstatement identified above.

The audit work at the eight components 
and the statutory audits were executed at 
levels of materiality applicable to each 
individual entity which were much lower 
than Group materiality.

Given that the Group operates solely in the 
United Arab Emirates the Senior Statutory 
Auditor visited the United Arab Emirates 
three times during the current year audit 
process. The Group audit team interacts 
regularly with the component team in the 
United Arab Emirates where appropriate 
during the various stages of the audit, 
reviewed key working papers and were 
responsible for the scope and direction of 
the audit process.

Our response to the risks identified above 
was as follows:

Valuation of trade receivables
We challenged management on the 
significant estimation and subjectivity 
involved in the appropriateness of provisions 
for bad debts which included obtaining 
evidence to support the recoverability of the 
older un-provided debts. We obtained direct 
external confirmations for a sample of 
customer receivable balances and we 
vouched post year end cash receipts for a 
sample of year-end trade receivable 
balances.

Revenue recognition, including the 
timing of revenue recognition and 
the determination of whether the 
Group is acting in the capacity of 
an agent rather than principal
We relied upon testing relating to controls 
over revenue recognition, including the 
timing of revenue recognition. We 
performed analytical procedures and cut-off 
testing procedures to check that revenue 
had been recognised in the appropriate 

accounting period. We tested a sample of 
new revenue agreements entered into 
during the year. We checked the Group’s 
adherence to their revenue recognition 
policies, including their determination of 
whether the Group is acting as an agent 
rather than as a principal, to agree that 
these policies are in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union.

Capitalisation of costs into capital 
work in progress
We vouched the majority of additions to 
capital work in progress in the year to 
supporting documentation to check that the 
costs met the criteria for capitalisation into 
work in progress. We also held discussions 
with the project managers on major capital 
projects.

Opinion on other matter prescribed 
by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the 
Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report 
for the financial year for which the group 
financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the group financial 
statements.

Matters on which we are required 
to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the 
following:

Under the ISAs (UK and Ireland), we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion, 
information in the annual report is:

• materially inconsistent with the information 

in the audited financial statements; or

• apparently materially incorrect based on, 

or materially inconsistent with, our 
knowledge of the Group acquired in the 
course of performing our audit; or

• is otherwise misleading.

In particular, we are required to consider 
whether we have identified any 
inconsistencies between our knowledge 
acquired during the audit and the directors’ 
statement that they consider the annual 
report is fair, balanced and understandable 
and whether the annual report appropriately 
discloses those matters that we 
communicated to the audit committee 
which we consider should have been 
disclosed.

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are 
required to report to you if, in our opinion:

• certain disclosures of directors’ 

remuneration specified by law are not 
made; or

• we have not received all the information 

and explanations we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to 
review:

• the directors’ statement, set out on page 

42, in relation to going concern; and

• the part of the Corporate Governance 
Statement relating to the company’s 
compliance with the nine provisions of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code 
specified for our review.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent 
company financial statements of NMC 
Health plc for the year ended 31 December 
2013 and on the information in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report that is described as 
having been audited.

Cameron Cartmell (Senior statutory auditor) 
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, 
Statutory Auditor 
London 
24 February 2014

Notes:
1.  The maintenance and integrity of the NMC Health 

plc website is the responsibility of the directors; the 
work carried out by the auditors does not involve 
consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the 
auditors accept no responsibility for any changes 
that may have occurred to the financial statements 
since they were initially presented on the web site.
2.  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 

preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements may differ from legislation in other 
jurisdictions.

75

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 December 2013

Revenue

Direct costs 
GROSS PROFIT 

General and administrative expenses 
Other income 
PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND IMPAIRMENT
Depreciation 
Impairment of property and equipment 
Finance costs 
Finance income 
Flotation costs 
Unamortised finance fees written off 
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR BEFORE TAX 

Tax 
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 
Other comprehensive income 
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 
Total profit and comprehensive income attributable to: 
  Equity holders of the Parent 
  Non-controlling interests 
Total profit and comprehensive income for the year 
Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the Parent:

Notes
5

6 

6 
7 

16 
16
8 
9 
13 
25
10 

14 

2013  

US$ ’000
550,878 

2012  

US$ ’000
 490,053 

(365,336) 
185,542 

 (329,800) 
 160,253 

(119,562) 
26,960 
92,940 
(9,663) 
(210) 
(14,344) 
3,814 
– 
(3,394) 
69,143 

– 
69,143
 – 
69,143

68,165 
978 
69,143 

 (105,055) 
 24,421 
 79,619 
 (7,038) 
– 
 (13,738) 
 4,325 
 (3,402) 
– 
 59,766 

 – 
 59,766 
 – 
 59,766 

 58,891 
 875 
 59,766 

Basic and diluted (US$) 

15 

0.367

0.343

These results relate to continuing operations of the Group. There are no discontinued operations in the current and prior year.

The attached notes 1 to 34 form part of the consolidated financial statements.

76

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsConsolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2013

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property and equipment
Intangible assets

Current assets 
Inventories 
Accounts receivable and prepayments 
Amounts due from related parties 
Bank deposits 
Bank balances and cash 

TOTAL ASSETS 
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Group restructuring reserve 
Retained earnings 
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent 

Non-controlling interests 
Total equity 
Non-current liabilities 
Term loans 
Employees’ end of service benefits 
Other payable 

Current liabilities 
Accounts payable and accruals 
Amounts due to related parties 
Bank overdrafts and other short term borrowings 
Term loans 
Employees’ end of service benefits 

Total liabilities 
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

Notes

US$ ’000

2013  

2012  
US$ ’000 
(restated)

1 January  
2012  
US$ ’000 
(restated)

16
17

18 
19 
28
20 
20 

21 
21 
22 
23 

25 
26 

27 
28
20 
25 
26 

273,792
1,016
274,808 

94,123 
168,382 
9,254 
193,366 
75,329 
540,454 
815,262 

201,653
1,016
202,669 

72,458 
181,402 
1,601 
233,703 
 23,747 
512,911 
715,580 

29,566 
179,152 
(10,001) 
187,519 
386,236 

29,566 
179,152 
(10,001) 
130,952 
329,669 

94,856
–
94,856 

54,178
153,453
–
11,072
43,001
261,704
356,560 

27,226
–
–
72,061
99,287 

2,915 
389,151 

1,934 
331,603 

1,059 
100,346 

161,845 
10,036 
408 
172,289 

76,087 
5,079 
82,238 
88,355 
2,063 
253,822 
426,111 
815,262 

118,428 
8,634 
1,225 
128,287 

68,613 
123 
80,668 
104,540 
1,746 
255,690 
383,977 
715,580 

35,454
7,703
–
43,157

63,942
1,245
101,275
45,434
1,161
213,057
256,214
356,560

The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the board of directors on 24 February 2014 and were signed on its 
behalf by

Mr H J Mark Tompkins 
Chairman 

 Mr. Prasanth Manghat 
 Chief Financial Officer

The attached notes 1 to 34 form part of the consolidated financial statements.

77

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2013

 Attributable to the equity holders of the Parent

Share  
capital 
 US$ ’000
27,226 

– 
(27,226) 
20,696 

Share  
premium 
US$ ’000
– 

Group 
restructuring 
reserve  

US$ ’000
– 

– 
– 
16,531 

– 
(10,001) 
– 

Retained 
earnings  
US$ ’000
72,061 

58,891 
– 
– 

Total  

US$ ’000
99,287 

58,891 
(37,227) 
37,227

8,870 
– 

177,394 
(14,773)

– 
– 

– 
– 

186,264 
(14,773)

Non- 
controlling 
interests  
US$ ’000
1,059 

875 
– 
– 

– 
– 

Total  

US$ ’000
100,346 

59,766 
(37,227) 
37,227

186,264 
 (14,773) 

29,566 

179,152 

(10,001) 

130,952

329,669

1,934 

331,603 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

68,165 
(11,598) 

68,165 
(11,598) 

– 

– 

978 
– 

3 

69,143 
(11,598) 

3 

29,566 

179,152 

(10,001) 

187,519 

386,236 

2,915 

389,151

Balance as at 1 January 2012
Total (other) comprehensive 
income for the year 
Group restructuring (note 22) 
Issue of share capital (note 21)
Issue of share capital – IPO 
(note 21)
Share issue costs (note 13)
Balance as at  
31 December 2012 
Total (other) comprehensive 
income for the year 
Dividend (note 24) 
Contribution by non-controlling 
interest
Balance as at  
31 December 2013 

The attached notes 1 to 34 form part of the consolidated financial statements.

78

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2013

OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Profit for the year before tax 
Adjustments for: 
  Depreciation 

Impairment of property and equipment 

  Employees’ end of service benefits
  Finance income 
  Finance costs 
  Flotation costs 
  Loss on disposal of property and equipment 
  Unamortised finance fees written off 

Working capital changes: 

Inventories 

  Accounts receivable and prepayments 
  Amounts due from related parties 
  Accounts payable and accruals 
  Amounts due to related parties 
Net cash from operations 
Employees’ end of service benefits paid 
Flotation costs paid 
Net cash from operating activities 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Purchase of property and equipment 
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 
Acquisition of BR Medical Suites FZ LLC 
Bank deposits maturing in over 3 months 
Restricted cash 
Finance income received 
Net cash (used in) investing activities 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Proceeds from share issue – IPO 
Flotation costs paid 
New term loans and draw-downs 
Repayment of term loans 
Receipts of short term borrowings 
Repayment of short term borrowings 
Finance costs paid 
Dividend paid to shareholders 
Net cash from financing activities 
(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 31 DECEMBER 

The attached notes 1 to 34 form part of the consolidated financial statements.

Notes

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000
(restated)

69,143 

 59,766 

16 
16
26 
9 
8 
13 

25

26 
13

21 
13 

24

20 

9,663 
210 
2,362 
(3,814) 
14,344 
– 
383 
3,394 
95,685 

(21,665) 
11,582 
(7,653) 
2,809 
4,956 
85,714 
(643) 
–
85,071 

(78,616) 
257 
– 
(12,251) 
(22,732) 
5,255 
(108,087) 

– 
– 
524,465 
(500,627) 
275,347 
(252,768) 
(14,532)
(11,598) 
20,287 
(2,729) 
81,930 
79,201 

 7,038 
– 
 2,142 
 (4,325) 
 13,738 
3,402 
 310 
– 
 82,071 

 (18,186) 
 (25,221) 
 (1,601) 
 3,354 
 (1,122) 
 39,295 
 (626) 
(3,402)
 35,267 

 (105,277) 
 255 
(8,822) 
(136,129) 
(10,327) 
 2,253
 (258,047) 

186,264 
(14,128) 
 314,510 
 (172,430) 
 255,485 
 (275,508) 
 (13,908) 
– 
 280,285 
 57,505 
 24,425 
 81,930 

79

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
At 31 December 2013

1  CORPORATE INFORMATION
NMC Health plc (the “Company” or 
“Parent’’) is a Company which was 
incorporated in England and Wales on 20 
July 2011. The Company is a public limited 
company operating solely in the United Arab 
Emirates (“UAE”). The address of the 
registered office of the Company is Suite 23 
Hanover Square London, W1S 1JB. The 
registered number of the Company is 
7712220. There is no ultimate controlling 
party.

The Company completed its Premium 
Listing on the London Stock Exchange on 5 
April 2012.

The Parent and its subsidiaries (collectively 
the “Group”) are engaged in providing 
professional medical services, wholesale of 
pharmaceutical goods, medical equipment, 
cosmetics, food and IT products and 
services in the United Arab Emirates.

The consolidated financial statements of the 
Group for the year ended 31 December 
2013 were authorised for issue by the board 
of directors on 24 February 2014 and the 
consolidated statement of financial position 
was signed on the Board’s behalf by Dr B. 
R. Shetty and Mr Khalifa Bin Butti.

2.1  BASIS OF PREPARATION
The consolidated financial statements have 
been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
as adopted by the European Union as they 
apply to the financial statements of the 
Group for the year ended 31 December 
2013 and applied in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

The consolidated financial statements are 
prepared under the historical cost 
convention, except for derivative financial 
instruments that have been measured at fair 
value. The principal accounting policies 
adopted in the preparation of these 
consolidated financial statements are set 
out below. These policies have been 
consistently applied to all periods presented.

Functional and reporting currency
The functional currency of the Company 
and its subsidiaries is UAE Dirham. The 
reporting currency of the Group is United 
States of America Dollar (US$) as this is a 
more globally recognised currency. The 

UAE Dirham is pegged against the US 
Dollar at a rate of 3.673 per US Dollar.

basis in preparing the consolidated financial 
statements.

All values are rounded to the nearest 
thousand dollars ($000) except when 
otherwise indicated.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together 
with the factors likely to affect its future 
development, performance and position are 
set out in the Strategic Review on pages 5 
to 33. The financial position of the Group, its 
cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing 
facilities are described in the Financial 
Review on pages 22 to 23.

The directors have undertaken an 
assessment of the future prospects of the 
Group and the wider risks that the Group is 
exposed to. In its assessment of whether 
the Group should adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing its financial statements, 
the directors have considered the adequacy 
of financial resources in order to manage its 
business risks successfully, together with 
other areas of potential risk such as 
regulatory, insurance and legal risks.

The Group has banking arrangements 
through a spread of local and international 
banking groups and utilizes short and 
medium term working capital facilities to 
optimise business funding. Debt covenants 
are reviewed by the board each month. The 
Board believes that the level of cash in the 
Group, the spread of bankers and debt 
facilities mitigates the financing risks that the 
Group faces from both its capital 
expenditure program and in relation to 
working capital requirements.

Both the Healthcare and Distribution 
divisions have continued their positive 
growth trends and all major financial and 
non-financial KPIs showed good 
improvement during 2013. The directors 
have reviewed the business plan for 2014 
and the five year cash flow, together with 
growth forecasts for the healthcare sector in 
UAE. The directors consider the Group’s 
future forecasts to be reasonable.

The directors have not identified any other 
matters that may impact the viability of the 
Group in the medium term and therefore 
they continue to adopt the going concern 

Comparative information
Reclassifications
The Group has made following 
reclassifications in respect of the 
comparatives to conform to the current 
period presentation. These reclassifications 
are made to correct the presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements.

• Amounts of US$1,746,000 as of 31 

December 2012 and US$1,161,000 as of 
31 December 2011 in respect of 
employees’ end of service benefits have 
been reclassified from non-current 
liabilities to current liabilities (note 26).

• An amount of U$ 3,402,000 in respect of 
flotation costs has been reclassified from 
financing activities to operating activities in 
the consolidated statement of cash flows.

These reclassifications have no impact on 
previously reported equity or profit of the 
Group.

2.2  BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the 
date of acquisition, being the date on which 
the Group obtains control, and continue to 
be consolidated until the date when such 
control ceases. The financial statements of 
the subsidiaries are prepared for the same 
reporting period as the Parent, using 
consistent accounting policies. All intra-
group balances, transactions, unrealised 
gains and losses resulting from intra-group 
transactions and dividends are eliminated in 
full.

Total comprehensive income within a 
subsidiary is attributed to the non-controlling 
interest even if that results in a deficit 
balance. Non-controlling interests represent 
the portion of profit or loss and net assets 
not held by the Group and are presented 
separately in the statement of 
comprehensive income and within equity in 
the consolidated statement of financial 
position, separately from shareholders’ 
equity.

A change in the ownership interest of a 
subsidiary, without a loss of control, is 
accounted for as an equity transaction.

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, a gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss and is calculated as the difference between (i) the 

80

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements2.2  BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION continued
aggregate of the fair value of consideration received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of the 
assets (including goodwill), and liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-controlling interests.

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its principal subsidiaries listed below:

Direct subsidiaries: 
  NMC Holding Co LLC 
  NMC Health Holdco Limited 
Indirect subsidiaries: 
  NMC Healthcare LLC 
  New Pharmacy Company Limited 
  New Medical Centre Hospital LLC-Dubai 
  NMC Specialty Hospital LLC-Abu Dhabi 
  NMC Specialty Hospital LLC-Dubai 
  New Medical Centre Trading LLC 
  Bait Al Shifaa Pharmacy LLC-Dubai 
  New Medical Centre LLC-Sharjah 
  New Medical Centre Specialty Hospital LLC-Al Ain 
  Reliance Information Technology LLC 
  BR Medical Suites FZ LLC 
  Brightpoint Hospital LLC 
  NMC Day Surgery Centre LLC 
  NMC Dubai Investment Park LLC 

Percentage of holdings

31 December
2013

31 December
2012

100% 
100% 

100% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99%
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
100%
99%
99%
99%

100% 
100% 

100% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99%
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
100%
99%
99%
99%

All the above subsidiaries are incorporated 
in the UAE except for NMC Health Holdco 
Limited, which is incorporated in England 
and Wales.

2.3  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The key assumptions concerning the future, 
key sources of estimation uncertainty and 
critical judgements at the reporting date that 
have a significant risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial 
year are discussed below:

Significant estimates
Impairment of inventories
Inventories are held at the lower of cost and 
net realisable value. When inventories 
become old or obsolete, an estimate  
is made of their net realisable value.  
For individually significant amounts this 
estimation is performed on an individual 
basis. Amounts which are not individually 
significant, but which are old or obsolete, 
are assessed collectively and a provision 
applied according to the inventory type and 
the Group’s policy for inventory provisioning. 

The gross carrying amount of inventories at 
31 December 2013 was US$94,839,000 
(2012: US$ 72,574,000) and the provision for 
old and obsolete items at 31 December 
2013 was US$716,000 (2012: US$ 116,000).

Impairment of accounts receivable
An estimate of the collectible amount of 
trade accounts receivable is made when 
collection of the full amount is no longer 
probable. For individually significant 
amounts, this estimation is performed on an 
individual basis. Amounts which are not 
individually significant, but which are past 
due, are assessed collectively and a 
provision applied according to the length  
of time past due, based on historical 
recovery rates.

A majority of the receivables that are past 
due but not impaired are from insurance 
companies and government-linked entities 
in the United Arab Emirates which are 
inherently slow payers due to their long 
invoice verification and approval of payment 
procedures. Payments continue to be 
received from these customers and 

accordingly the risk of non-recoverability is 
considered to be low.

Gross trade accounts receivable at 31 
December 2013 were US$154,234,000 
(2012: US$ 164,907,000) and the provision 
for doubtful debts at 31 December 2013 
was US$8,241,000 (2012: US$6,444,000). 
Any difference between the amounts 
actually collected in future periods and the 
amounts expected will be recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income.

Significant judgements
Functional currency
The UAE Dirham is determined to be the 
functional currency of the Company.

Judgement has been used to determine the 
functional currency of the Company that 
most appropriately represents the economic 
effects of the Company’s transactions, 
events and conditions.

The primary economic environment 
influencing the Company’s income 
(dividends) is the UAE and the effect of the 
local environment is limited to expenses 

81

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

2.3  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES 
continued
incurred within the UK. The ability of the 
Company to meet its obligations and pay 
dividends to its shareholders is dependent 
on the economy of, and the operation of its 
subsidiaries in, the UAE.

Refinancing of JP Morgan loan
Judgement has been used to determine 
that the terms and conditions of the new JP 
Morgan syndicated loan are substantially 
different from the previous loan and 
accordingly the previous JP Morgan 
syndicated loan has been derecognised 
(note 25). Management used the following 
basis for determining that the terms and 
conditions are substantially different:

• The principal amount of the loan changed 
from US$150 million to US$225 million

• The interest risk profile on the loan 

changed as the interest rate decreased 
from 3.5% plus margin to 3% plus margin.

• The securities and guarantees of the loan 
changed as the personal guarantees of 
shareholders have been removed in the 
new loan.

• The loan covenants changed; and

• The repayment terms changed as the new 
loan had an initial repayment grace period 
of six months.

Assets held in the name of the 
previous shareholder
In accordance with local laws, except in 
some specific locations in the UAE the 
registered title of land and buildings must be 
held in the name of a UAE national. As a 
result, land and buildings of the Group are 
legally registered in the name of 
shareholders or previous shareholders of 
the Group. As at 31 December 2013 certain 
land and buildings with a carrying amount of 
US$9,648,000 (2012: US$9,974,000) are 
held in the name of a previous shareholder 
for the beneficial interest of the Group. As 
the beneficial interest of such land and 
buildings resides with the Group, these 
assets are recorded within land and 
buildings in the Group consolidated financial 
statements. The directors take into account 
this local legal registration requirement, the 
Group’s entitlement to the beneficial interest 

82

arising from these assets, as well as other 
general business factors, when considering 
whether such assets are impaired.

Leases for buildings and land
Generally our hospitals, day patient medical 
centres and hospital projects under 
development are located on land and in 
buildings which are leased. As at 31 
December 2013, the majority of the lease 
periods range from five to twenty years 
apart from the leases for New Medical 
Centre Hospital LLC-Dubai (‘Dubai General 
Hospital) the land on which the Khalifa City 
Specialty Hospital is being constructed and 
the warehouse facilities, which had leases 
which are renewable on an annual basis 
with a total value of US$50,244,600 
included within Property, Plant and 
Equipment as at 31 December 2013. Of this 
US$49,696,000 pertains to Khalifa City 
Specialty Hospital. If any such leases are 
terminated or expire and are not renewed, 
the Group could lose the investment, 
including the hospital buildings and the 
warehouses on the leased sites which could 
have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition and results of 
operations. The directors have considered 
the following facts in determining the 
likelihood that these leases will be renewed:

• Whilst some leases can be for long term 
durations, it is not unusual and can often 
be common practice throughout all of the 
emirates in the United Arab Emirates for 
landlords to lease land and buildings to 
companies on annually renewable leases 
of one year terms and for these leases to 
be renewed automatically. Throughout the 
Group’s 40 year history it has never had a 
lease cancelled or not renewed, and the 
Group enjoys a high degree of respect in 
the region and believes that it maintains 
strong relationships with the landlords.

• Both the Dubai General Hospital and the 
warehouse facilities have been occupied 
by the Group on annually renewable 
leases, for a period of more than 13 years 
and each year these leases have been 
automatically renewed.

• The warehouse facilities have been built 
by the company on land leased from 
government bodies in the Emirates of 
Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the back of the 
policies of these governments to attract 

investment in warehousing in the United 
Arab Emirates.

• At 31 December 2013 the land on which 

the Khalifa City Specialty Hospital is being 
constructed is being leased to NMC from 
the Municipality of Abu Dhabi and was on 
a one year annually renewable basis. 
Subsequent to year end, the lease has 
been renewed and extended so that it is 
now a 27 year lease expiring in the year 
2040. The total carrying amounts included 
within Property Plant and Equipment in 
respect of Khalifa City Specialty Hospital 
as at 31 December 2013 is 
US$49,696,000.

2.4  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES
Changes in accounting policies:
The accounting policies adopted are 
consistent with those of the previous 
financial year except for employees’ end of 
service benefits as discussed below:

Employees’ end of service benefits:
The Group has reassessed its accounting 
policy with respect to employees’ end of 
service benefits. In previous years the 
Group was treating these as other long term 
benefits and has now assessed these to be 
treated as post-employment benefits. This 
change in accounting treatment did not 
materially impact the previously reported 
profit or equity of the group as the actuarial 
gain/loss as a result of the actuarial 
valuation is not material to the Group.

New and amended standards and 
interpretations:
The Group applies IFRS (as adopted in the 
European Union), the European Union 
endorsement states that IFRS 10, IFRS 11 
and IFRS 12 must be applied at the latest 
with an effective date of 1 January 2014 
although earlier adoption is permitted. 
Accordingly, the Group has early adopted 
IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 with effect 
from 1 January 2013.

The amendments to IFRS, which are 
effective as of 1 January 2013 and are 
described in more detail below, have no 
impact on the Group.

The following amendments to IFRS are 
effective as of 1 January 2013:

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements2.4  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial 
Statements and IAS 27 Separate 
Financial Statements
IFRS 10 establishes a single control model 
that applies to all entities including special 
purpose entities.

IFRS 10 replaces the parts of previously 
existing IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate 
Financial Statements that dealt with 
consolidated financial statements and 
SIC-12 Consolidation – Special Purpose 
Entities. IFRS 10 changes the definition of 
control such that an investor controls an 
investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to 
variable returns from its involvement with the 
investee and has the ability to affect those 
returns through its power over the investee. 
IFRS 10 had no impact on the consolidation 
of investments held by the Group

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements and 
IAS 28 Investment in Associates 
and Joint Ventures
IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint 
Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly-controlled 
Entities – Non-monetary Contributions by 
Ventures. IFRS 11 removes the option to 
account for jointly controlled entities (JCEs) 
using proportionate consolidation. Instead, 
JCEs that meet the definition of a joint 
venture under IFRS 11 must be accounted 
for using the equity method.

IFRS 11 had no impact on the financial 
position or performance of the Group as it 
does not have any JCEs.

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in 
Other Entities
IFRS 12 sets out the requirements for 
disclosures relating to an entity’s interests in 
subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates 
and structured entities. The requirements in 
IFRS 12 are more comprehensive than the 
previously existing disclosure requirements 
for subsidiaries. For example, when a 
subsidiary is controlled with less than the 
majority of voting rights. None of these 
disclosure requirements are applicable for 
consolidated financial statements. 
Accordingly, the Group has not made such 
disclosures.

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
IFRS 13 establishes a single source of 
guidance under IFRS for all fair value 

measurements. IFRS 13 does not change 
when an entity is required to use fair value, 
but rather provides guidance on how to 
measure fair value under IFRS when fair 
value is required or permitted. The 
application of IFRS 13 has not materially 
impacted the fair value measurements 
carried out by the Group.

IAS 1 Financial Statements 
Presentation – Presentation of 
items of Other Comprehensive 
Income- Amendments to IAS 1
The amendments to IAS 1 introduce a 
grouping of items presented in Other 
Comprehensive Income. Items that will be 
reclassified (‘recycled’) to profit or loss at a 
future point in time (e.g. Net loss or gain on 
available for sale financial assets) have to be 
presented separately from items that will not 
be reclassified (e.g., revaluation of land and 
buildings). The amendments affect 
presentation only and have no impact on 
the Group’s financial position or 
performance.

IAS 1 Clarification of the 
requirement for comparative 
information (Amendment)
The amendments specify that a third 
statement of financial position is required 
when a) an entity applies an accounting 
policy retrospectively, or makes a 
retrospective restatement or reclassification 
of items in its financial statements, and b) 
the retrospective application, restatement or 
reclassification has a material effect on the 
information in the third statement of financial 
position. The amendments specify that 
related notes are not required to accompany 
the third statement of financial position. The 
amendments affect presentation only and 
have no impact on the Group’s financial 
position or performance.

IAS 19 Employee Benefits 
(Revised 2011)
IAS 19 (revised 2011) changes the 
accounting for defined benefit plans and 
termination benefits. The most significant 
change relates to the accounting for 
changes in defined benefits obligation and 
plan assets. The amendments require the 
recognition of changes in defined benefit 
obligation and in the fair value of the plan 
assets when they occur, and hence 
eliminate the ‘corridor approach’ permitted 
under the previous version of IAS 19 and 

accelerate the recognition of past service 
costs. All actuarial gain and losses are 
recognized immediately through other 
comprehensive income in order for the net 
provision asset or liability recognized in the 
consolidated statement of financial position 
to reflect the full value of the plan deficit or 
surplus. Furthermore, the interest cost and 
the expected return on plan assets used in 
the previous version of IAS 19 are replaced 
with a ‘net interest’ amount under IAS19 (as 
revised in 2011), which is calculated by 
applying the discount rate to the net defined 
benefit liability or asset. These changes 
have no material impact on the amounts 
recognised in the prior years.

2.5  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that the economic benefits will 
flow to the Group and the revenue can be 
reliably measured, regardless of when the 
payment is being made. Revenue is 
measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable, less 
discounts and rebates and talking into 
account contractually defined terms of 
payment and excluding taxes or duties.

Revenue streams include clinic service 
revenues, sale of goods – Pharmacy, sale of 
goods – Distribution, Healthcare 
management fees and revenue from BR 
Medical Suites.

The Group assesses its revenue 
arrangements against specific criteria in 
order to determine if it is acting as principal 
or agent. The Group determines it is acting 
as principal when it has exposure to the 
significant risks and rewards associated 
with the transaction and measures revenue 
as the gross amount received or receivable. 
When the Group does not retain the 
significant risks and rewards, it deems that it 
is acting as an agent and measures revenue 
as the amount received or receivable in 
return for its performance under the 
contract and excludes any amounts 
collected on behalf of a third party.

Clinic service revenues:
Clinic service revenues represent the 
revenue which NMC generates from the 
provision of either inpatient or outpatient 
medical services. The group primarily 

83

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

2.5  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
receives clinic service revenues from 
patients’ private/medical insurance 
schemes. Clinic revenues are recognised 
when, and to the extent that, performance 
of a medical service occurs, and is 
measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable. NMC 
has determined that it is acting as Principal 
in these arrangements as it has the 
responsibility for providing the medical 
services to the patient, it sets the prices for 
the clinic services which are provided, it 
bears the credit risk and it bears the risk of 
providing the medical service.

Sale of Goods – Pharmacy:
The sales of goods from pharmacy relates 
to the sale of pharmaceutical and other 
products from hospitals and pharmacies. 
Whilst the Group does not establish the 
prices for the pharmaceutical products sold 
as both the purchase and selling prices for 
all pharmaceutical products are fixed by the 
Ministry of Health, NMC has determined 
that it is acting as Principal in respect of 
these sales as it provides the goods for sale, 
it bears the inventory risk, and it bears the 
credit risk from customers. Revenue from 
the sale of goods – Pharmacy is therefore 
recognised when the significant risks and 
rewards of ownership of the goods have 
passed to the buyer. Significant risk for retail 
goods is passed to the buyer at the point 
of sale.

Sale of Goods – Distribution:
Where the Group bears the inventory risk 
and the customer credit risk and has the 
ability to set the prices for the products sold 
then the Group has determined that it is 
acting as Principal. Revenue from the sale of 
goods is therefore recognised when the 
significant risks and rewards of ownership of 
the goods have passed to the buyer. 
Significant risk for retail goods is passed to 
the buyer for wholesale goods at the time 
of delivery.

For agency relationships, the revenue 
earned is measured as the Group’s share of 
the revenue, as specified in the contract. 
Any amounts collected on behalf of the third 
party are excluded from revenue and are 
recorded as a payable. There are currently 
no material agency relationships.

84

Healthcare Management fees:
Management fees represent fees earned for 
managing a hospital. Management fees are 
recognised when the services under the 
contract are performed, and the service 
level criteria have been met, and are 
measured at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable, in line 
with the terms of the management contract.

Revenue from BR Medical Suites:
BR Medical Suites enters into contracts with 
doctors whereby these doctors are 
employed to perform certain procedures or 
run outpatient services using the facilities at 
BR Medical Suites. In return the doctors 
obtain a share of the revenues that are 
generated from these facilities. Each 
contractual arrangement with individual 
doctors is assessed against specific criteria 
to determine whether the Group is acting as 
principal or agent in the arrangement with 
these doctors.

Other income
Other income comprises revenue from 
suppliers for the reimbursement of 
advertising and promotion costs incurred by 
the Group. Revenue is recognised following 
formal acceptance of the Group’s 
reimbursement claims by suppliers and is 
measured at the confirmed amount 
receivable.

Interest income
For all financial instruments measured at 
amortised cost, interest income or expense 
is recorded using the effective interest rate 
(EIR), which is the rate that exactly discounts 
the estimated future cash payments or 
receipts through the expected life of the 
financial instrument or a shorter period, 
where appropriate, to the net carrying 
amount of the financial asset or liability. 
Interest income is included in finance 
income in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income.

Rebate from Suppliers
The Distribution business receives rebates 
in the ordinary course of business from a 
number of its suppliers of pharmaceutical 
products, in accordance with contractual 
arrangements in place with specific 
suppliers. Rebates are accounted for once 
approval has been received from the 
supplier following the negotiations which 
have taken place with them. Rebates 

receivable are accounted for as a deduction 
from the cost of purchasing pharmaceutical 
goods, once the rebate has been approved 
by the supplier on the basis under IAS 18 
that the probability of inflow is not sufficiently 
certain and the amounts cannot be reliably 
measured until that point. When rebates 
have been agreed in advance, for example 
when it has been agreed that a certain 
rebate will be applied to the purchase of 
specific goods for a set period of time rather 
than just to a specific one off purchase, then 
the rebate is recognised as a reduction in 
the purchase price as soon as the goods 
are purchased. When rebates are offered 
based upon the volume purchased and it is 
probable that the rebate will be earned and 
the amount can be estimated reliably, then 
the discount is recognised as a reduction in 
the purchase price when the goods are 
purchased and the assessment is reviewed 
on an ongoing basis. Rebates receivable are 
accounted for on a net basis, being set off 
against the trade payables to which they 
relate, as they are a reduction in the amount 
we owe to our suppliers in respect of 
pharmaceutical products purchased.

Business combinations 
and goodwill
The Group applies the acquisition method 
to account for business combinations. The 
consideration transferred for the acquisition 
of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets 
transferred, the liabilities incurred to the 
former owners of the acquiree and the 
equity interests issued by the Group. The 
consideration transferred includes the fair 
value of any asset or liability resulting from a 
contingent consideration arrangement. 
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities 
and contingent liabilities assumed in a 
business combination are measured initially 
at their fair values at the acquisition date. 
The Group recognises any non-controlling 
interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-
acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the 
non-controlling interest’s proportionate 
share of the recognised amounts of 
acquiree’s identifiable net assets. 
Acquisition-related costs are expensed as 
incurred.

If the business combination is achieved in 
stages, the acquisition date fair value of the 
acquirer’s previously held equity interest in 
the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at 
the acquisition date through profit or loss.

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements2.5  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Any contingent consideration to be 
transferred by the Group is recognised at 
fair value at the acquisition date. 
Subsequent changes to the fair value of the 
contingent consideration that is deemed to 
be an asset or liability is recognised in 
accordance with IAS 39 either in profit or 
loss or as a change to other comprehensive 
income. Contingent consideration that is 
classified as equity is not remeasured, and 
its subsequent settlement is accounted for 
within equity.

Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being 
the excess of the aggregate of the 
consideration transferred and the amount 
recognised for non-controlling interest over 
the net identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed. If the fair value of the net 
assets acquired is in excess of the 
aggregate consideration transferred, the 
gain is recognised in profit or loss.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured 
at cost less any accumulated impairment 
losses. For the purpose of impairment 
testing, goodwill acquired in a business 
combination is, from the acquisition date, 
allocated to each of the Group’s cash-
generating units that are expected to benefit 
from the combination, irrespective of 
whether other assets or liabilities of the 
acquire are assigned to those units.

Where goodwill has been allocated to a 
cash-generating unit and part of the 
operation within that unit is disposed of, the 
goodwill associated with the disposed 
operation is included in the carrying amount 
of the operation when determining the gain 
or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in 
these circumstances is measured based on 
the relative values of the disposed operation 
and the portion of the cash-generating unit 
retained.

Business combinations involving 
entities under common control
Business combinations involving entities 
under common control do not fall under the 
scope of IFRS 3 Revised ‘Business 
Combinations’. The transfer of companies 
under common control is therefore 
accounted for using the pooling of interests 
method. Under this method there is no 
requirement to fair value the assets and 

liabilities of the transferred entities and 
hence no goodwill is created upon transfer 
of ownership as the balances remain at 
book value. The consolidated income 
statement, consolidated balance sheet and 
the consolidated statement of cash flows 
comparative figures are also presented as if 
the Company had been the parent 
undertaking of the Group throughout the 
current and previous year. The consolidated 
financial statements are therefore presented 
as though the Group had always existed in 
its current form.

Restructuring reserve
The group restructuring reserve arises on 
consolidation under the pooling of interests 
method used for the group restructuring 
which took place on 1 April 2012. This 
represents the difference between the share 
capital of NMC Healthcare LLC, the 
previous parent company of the Group, and 
the carrying amount of the investment in 
that company at the date of the restructure. 
This reserve is non-distributable.

Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and any 
impairment in value.

Depreciation is calculated on all property 
and equipment other than land and capital 
work in progress, at the following rates 
calculated to write off the cost of each asset 
on a straight line basis over its expected 
useful life:

6% 
  Hospital building 
6% 
  Buildings 
20% 
  Leasehold improvements 
  Motor vehicles 
20% 
  Furniture, fixtures and fittings  12.5%-20% 
10%-25%
  Medical equipment 

The carrying amounts of property and 
equipment are reviewed for impairment 
when events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the carrying value may not be 
recoverable. If any such indication exists 
and where the carrying values exceed the 
estimated recoverable amount, the assets 
are written down to their recoverable 
amount, being the higher of their fair value 
less cost to sell and their value in use.

Capital work in progress is stated at cost 
and is not depreciated. Lease costs in 
respect of capital work in progress are 

capitalised within capital work in progress 
during the period up until it is 
commissioned. When commissioned, 
capital work in progress is transferred to the 
appropriate property and equipment asset 
category and depreciated in accordance 
with the Group’s policies. The carrying 
amounts of capital work in progress are 
reviewed for impairment when events or 
changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying value may not be recoverable. If 
any such indication exists and where the 
carrying values exceed the estimated 
recoverable amount, the assets are written 
down to their recoverable amount.

Expenditure incurred to replace a 
component of an item of property and 
equipment that is accounted for separately 
is capitalised and the carrying amount of the 
component that is replaced is written off. 
Other subsequent expenditure is capitalised 
only when it increases future economic 
benefits of the related item of property and 
equipment. All other expenditure is 
recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income as the expense is 
incurred.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable 
to the acquisition or construction of an asset 
are capitalised as part of the cost of the 
asset until the asset is commissioned for 
use. Borrowing costs in respect of 
completed assets or not attributable to 
assets are expensed in the period in which 
they are incurred.

Pre-operating expenses
Pre-operating expenses are the expenses 
incurred prior to start of operations of a new 
business unit. These are recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income in the year in which they occur.

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost 
and net realisable value after making due 
allowance for any obsolete or slow moving 
items. Costs are those expenses incurred in 
bringing each product to its present location 
and condition and are determined on a 
weighted average basis. Net realisable  
value is based on estimated selling price 
less any further costs expected to be 
incurred to disposal.

85

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

2.5  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at original 
invoice amount less a provision for any 
uncollectible amounts. An estimate of 
doubtful debts is made when collection of 
the full amount is no longer probable. Bad 
debts are written off when there is no 
possibility of recovery.

Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of the consolidated 
statement of cash flows, cash and cash 
equivalents consist of cash in hand, bank 
balances and short term deposits with an 
original maturity of three months or less, net 
of outstanding bank overdrafts.

Equity
The Group has issued ordinary shares that 
are classified as equity. The difference 
between the issue price and the par value of 
ordinary share capital is allocated to share 
premium. The transaction costs incurred for 
the share issue are accounted for as a 
deduction from share premium, net of any 
related income tax benefit, to the extent they 
are incremental costs directly attributable to 
the share issue that would otherwise have 
been avoided.

Listing transaction costs
Transaction costs of the IPO are accounted 
for as a deduction from equity, net of any 
related income tax benefit. Transaction 
costs arising on the issue of equity 
instruments, however, do not include 
indirect costs, such as the costs of 
management time and administrative 
overheads, or allocations of internal costs 
that would have been incurred had the 
shares not been issued. Marketing costs for 
the IPO do not meet the definition of directly 
attributable expenses and are therefore 
expensed through the statement of 
comprehensive income, together with the 
indirect costs related to the IPO.

Accounts payable and accruals
Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be 
paid in the future for goods and services 
received whether billed by the supplier or 
not. Accounts payable are classified as 
current liabilities if payment is due within one 
year or less (or in the normal operating cycle 
of the business if longer). If not, they are 
presented as non-current liabilities. 

86

Accounts payable are recognised initially at 
fair value and subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest 
method.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group 
has an obligation (legal or constructive) 
arising from a past event, and the costs to 
settle the obligation are both probable and 
able to be reliably measured.

Provisions are measured at the present 
value of the expenditures expected to be 
required to settle the obligation using a 
pre-tax rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money 
and risks specific to the obligation. 
Increases in provisions due to the passage 
of time are recognised in the consolidated 
income statement within ‘Finance costs’.

Term loans
Term loans are initially recognised at the fair 
value of the consideration received less 
directly attributable transaction costs. After 
initial recognition, term loans are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method. Interest 
on term loans is charged as an expense as 
it accrues, with unpaid amounts included in 
“accounts payable and accruals”.

When an existing financial liability is replaced 
by another from the same lender on 
substantially different terms, or the terms of 
an existing liability are substantially modified, 
such an exchange or modification is treated 
as the derecognition of the original liability 
and the recognition of a new liability. The 
difference in the respective carrying 
amounts is recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income.

Employees’ end of service benefits
The Group operates an un-funded post-
employment benefit plan (employees’ end of 
service benefits) for its expatriate employees 
in UAE, in accordance with the labour laws 
of the UAE. The entitlement to these 
benefits is based upon the employees’ final 
salary and length of service, subject to the 
completion of a minimum service period. 
Payment for employees’ end of service 
benefits is made when an employee leaves, 
resigns or completes his service.

The cost of providing benefits under the 
post-employment benefit plan is determined 
using the projected unit credit method. 

Re-measurements, comprising of actuarial 
gains and losses, are recognized 
immediately in the statement of financial 
position with a corresponding debit or credit 
to retained earnings through other 
comprehensive income in the period in 
which they occur. Re-measurements are 
not reclassified to profit or loss in 
subsequent periods.

Interest is calculated by applying the 
discount rate to the defined benefit liability. 
The rate used to discount the end of service 
benefit obligation is determined by reference 
to market yields at the balance sheet date 
on high quality corporate bonds. The 
current and non-current portions of the 
provision relating to employees’ end of 
service benefits are separately disclosed in 
the consolidated statement of financial 
position.

The Group recognises the following 
changes in the employees’ end of service 
benefits under ‘direct costs’ and ‘general 
and administrative expenses’ in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income:

• Service costs comprising current service 

costs

• Interest expense

With respect to its UAE national employees, 
the Group makes contributions to the 
relevant UAE Government pension scheme 
calculated as a percentage of the 
employees’ salaries. The obligations under 
these schemes are limited to these 
contributions, which are expensed when 
due.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are 
recorded in UAE Dirhams at the exchange 
rate ruling at the date of the transaction. 
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated 
in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet 
date. All differences are taken to the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income.

Translation of foreign operations
On consolidation the assets and liabilities of 
foreign operations are translated into US 
Dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at 
the reporting date and their income 

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements2.5  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
statements are translated at exchange rates 
prevailing at the dates of the transactions. 
Since the UAE Dirham is pegged against 
the US Dollar a single rate of 3.673 per US 
Dollar is used to translate assets and 
liabilities and balances in the income 
statement.

Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial 
instruments such as interest rate swaps and 
caps to hedge its interest rate risks. Such 
derivative financial instruments are initially 
recognised at fair value on the date on 
which a contract is entered into and are 
subsequently remeasured at fair value. The 
fair value of interest rate swaps are 
determined by reference to market values 
for similar instruments. Derivatives with 
positive market values (unrealised gains) are 
included in other assets and derivatives with 
negative market values (unrealised losses) 
are included in other liabilities in the 
consolidated statement of financial position. 
Any gains or losses arising from changes in 
fair value on derivatives during the year are 
taken directly to profit or loss. Whilst the 
policy of the group is not to apply hedge 
accounting, the derivatives are economic 
hedges of liabilities in issue and it is 
therefore considered appropriate to show 
the changes in fair value of derivatives in 
finance costs in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income.

Financial instruments
Financial instruments comprise cash and 
bank balances, receivables, payables, bank 
overdrafts, term loans and certain other 
assets and liabilities. The fair value of these 
financial instruments are based on 
estimated fair values calculated using 
methods such as the quoted market prices 
and net present value of future cash flows. 
The fair value of interest bearing items is 
estimated based on discounted cash flows 
using interest rates for items with similar 
terms and characteristics. The fair value of 
investments traded in organised markets is 
determined by reference to quoted market 
bid prices.

Impairment of financial assets
An assessment is made at each 
consolidated statement of financial position 
date to determine whether there is objective 
evidence that a specific financial asset may 
be impaired. If such evidence exists, any 
impairment loss is recognised in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income. Impairment is determined as the 
difference between carrying value and the 
present value of future cash flows 
discounted at the current market rate of 
return for a similar financial asset.

Leases
The determination of whether an 
arrangement is, or contains, a lease is 
based on the substance of the arrangement 
at inception date, whether fulfilment of the 
arrangement is dependent on the use of a 
specific asset or assets or the arrangement 
conveys a right to use the asset, even if that 
right is not explicitly specified in an 
arrangement. Operating leases are 
recognised as an operating expense in the 
statement of comprehensive income on a 
straight line basis.

3  ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND 
INTERPRETATIONS ISSUED BUT 
NOT EFFECTIVE
The standards and interpretations that are 
issued, but not yet effective, up to the date 
of issuance of the Group’s financial 
statements are disclosed below. The Group 
intends to adopt these standards, if 
applicable, when they become effective.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 9, as issued, reflects the first phase of 
the IASB’s work on the replacement of IAS 
39 and applies to classification and 
measurement of financial assets and 
financial liabilities as defined in IAS 39. The 
standard was initially effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2013, but amendments to IFRS 9 
Mandatory Effective Date of IFRS 9 and 
Transition disclosures, issued in December 
2011, moved the mandatory effective date 
to 1 January 2015. In subsequent phases, 
the IASB is addressing hedge accounting 
and impairment of financial assets. The 
adoption of the first phase of IFRS 9 will not 
have a significant impact on the classification 
and measurement of the Group’s financial 
assets and financial liabilities.

Investment Entities (Amendments 
to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)
These amendments are effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 
provide an exception to the consolidation 
requirement for entities that meet the 
definition of an investment entity under IFRS 
10. The exception to consolidation requires 
investment entities to account for subsidiaries 
at fair value through profit or loss. It is not 
expected that this amendment would be 
relevant to the Group, since none of the 
entities in the Group would qualify to be an 
investment entity under IFRS 10.

IAS 32 Offsetting Financial Assets 
and Financial Liabilities – 
Amendments to IAS 32
These amendments clarify the meaning of 
‘currently has a legally enforceable right to 
set-off’ and the criteria for non-simultaneous 
settlement mechanisms of clearing houses 
to qualify for offsetting. These are effective 
for annual periods beginning on or after 1 
January 2014. These amendments are not 
expected to be relevant to the Group.

IFRIC Interpretation 21 Levies 
(IFRIC 21)
IFRIC 21 clarifies that an entity recognises a 
liability for a levy when the activity that 
triggers payment, as identified by the 
relevant legislation, occurs. For a levy that is 
triggered upon reaching a minimum 
threshold, the interpretation clarifies that no 
liability should be anticipated before the 
specified minimum threshold is reached. 
IFRIC 21 is effective for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2014. The 
Group does not expect that IFRIC 21 will 
have any material financial impact in future 
financial statements.

IAS 39 Novation of Derivatives and 
Continuation of Hedge Accounting 
– Amendments to IAS 39
These amendments provide relief from 
discounting hedge accounting when 
novation of a derivative designated as a 
hedge instrument meets certain criteria. 
These amendments are effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2014. These amendments have no impact 
on the Group.

87

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

4  BUSINESS COMBINATION UNDER COMMON CONTROL
On 28 March 2012 the Company became the holding company of NMC Healthcare LLC through its wholly owned subsidiaries, NMC 
Holding LLC and NMC Health Holdco Limited. This transaction falls outside the scope of IFRS 3 – Business Combinations, so the pooling 
of interests method is applied and the consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented as a continuation of the existing group. 
The following accounting treatment was applied:

a) 

b) 

the assets and liabilities of the previous parent company, NMC Healthcare LLC, were recognised and measured in the consolidated 
financial statements at the pre-combination carrying amounts, without restatement to fair value; and

the retained earnings and other equity balances of NMC Healthcare LLC immediately before the business combination, and the results 
of the period from 1 January 2012 to the date of the business combination are those of NMC Healthcare LLC as the Company did not 
trade prior to the transaction.

The Company had no significant assets or liabilities immediately prior to the time of the acquisition. As part of the acquisition, 130,000,000 
new 10 pence shares were issued to the shareholders of NMC Healthcare LLC. A group restructuring reserve of US$10,001,000 (debit) 
arose on consolidation being the difference between the share capital of NMC Healthcare LLC and the carrying amount of the investment 
in the books of the Company. This has been classified as part of the equity within the consolidated statement of financial position (note 22).

5  SEGMENT INFORMATION
For management purposes, the Group is organised into business units based on their products and services and has two reportable 
segments as follows:

• The healthcare segment is engaged in providing professional medical services, comprising diagnostic services, in and outpatient clinics 

and retailing of pharmaceutical goods. It also includes the provision of management services in respect of a hospital.

• The distribution & services segment is engaged in wholesale trading of pharmaceutical goods, medical equipment, cosmetics and food.

No operating segments have been aggregated to form the above reportable operating segments.

Management monitors the operating results of its business units separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation 
and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on profit or loss and is measured consistently with profit or loss, 
excluding finance income and finance costs, group administrative expenses, unallocated depreciation and unallocated other income, in the 
consolidated financial statements.

Group financing and investments (including finance costs and finance income) are managed on a group basis and are not allocated to 
operating segments. This also includes the flotation costs incurred in 2012.

Transfer prices between operating segments are on an arm’s length basis in a manner similar to transactions with third parties.

The following tables present revenue and profit and certain asset and liability information regarding the Group‘s business segments for the 
years ended 31 December 2013 and 2012.

Year ended 31 December 2013
Revenue
External customers 
Inter segment 
Total 
Results 
Depreciation 
Finance costs 

Segment profit 
Segment assets 
Segment liabilities 
Other disclosures 
Capital expenditure 

88

Healthcare
US$ ’000

Distribution  

and services
US$ ’000

Total 
segments
US$ ’000

Adjustments 
and 
eliminations
US$ ’000

Consolidated
US$ ’000

285,043 
4,252 
289,295 

265,835 
34,341 
300,176 

550,878 
38,593 
589,471 

– 
(38,593) 
(38,593) 

550,878 
 – 
550,878 

(7,120) 
– 

(2,092) 
– 

(9,212) 
– 

(451) 
(14,344) 

(9,663) 
(14,344) 

74,339 
338,341
33,818 

27,815 
190,407 
47,028 

102,154 
528,748 
80,846 

(33,011) 
286,514
345,265 

69,143 
815,262 
426,111 

80,845 

1,220 

82,065 

587 

82,652 

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements5  SEGMENT INFORMATION continued

Year ended 31 December 2012 
Revenue
External customers 
Inter segment 
Total 
Results 
Depreciation 
Finance costs 

Segment profit 
Segment assets
Segment liabilities
Other disclosures 
Capital expenditure

 247,469 
 4,179
 251,648 

 242,584 
 28,490
 271,074

 490,053
 32,669
 522,722

– 
 (32,669)
 (32,669) 

 490,053
 – 
 490,053

 (5,871) 
 – 

 (829) 
– 

 (6,700) 

 –

 (338) 
 (13,738) 

 (7,038) 
 (13,738) 

62,318 
 270,574 
 40,575 

25,379 
 169,112 
 32,326 

87,697 
 439,686 
 72,901 

(27,931) 
 275,894 
 311,076 

59,766 
 715,580 
 383,977 

 115,129 

 10,014 

 125,143 

 1,008 

 126,151 

Inter-segment revenues are eliminated upon consolidation and reflected in the ‘adjustments and eliminations’ column. All other adjustments 
and eliminations are part of detailed reconciliations presented further below.

Adjustments and eliminations
Finance income and costs, group overheads and fair value gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are not allocated to 
individual segments as the underlying instruments are managed on a group basis.

Term loans, bank overdraft and other short term borrowings and certain other assets and liabilities are substantially not allocated to 
segments as they are also managed on a group basis.

Capital expenditure consists of additions to property and equipment.

Reconciliation of Group profit

Segment profit 
  Unallocated finance income 
  Unallocated finance costs 
  Unallocated group administrative expenses 
  Unallocated unamortised finance fees written off 
  Unallocated depreciation 
  Unallocated other income 
  Unallocated flotation costs 
Group profit 

Reconciliation of Group assets

Segment assets 
  Unallocated property and equipment 
  Unallocated inventory 
  Unallocated accounts receivable and prepayments 
  Unallocated amounts due from related parties 
  Unallocated bank balances and cash 
  Unallocated bank deposits 
Group assets 

2013
US$ ’000
102,154 
3,814 
(14,344) 
(18,654) 
(3,394) 
(451) 
18 
– 
69,143 

2013
US$ ’000
528,748 
12,365 
36 
5,526 
267 
74,954 
193,366 
815,262

2012
US$ ’000
 87,697 
 4,325 
 (13,738) 
 (15,036) 
 – 
 (338) 
 258 
 (3,402) 
 59,766

2012
US$ ’000
 439,686 
 12,229 
 33 
 6,497 
58
 23,374
233,703
 715,580 

89

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

5  SEGMENT INFORMATION continued
Reconciliation of Group liabilities

Segment liabilities 
 Unallocated term loans 
 Unallocated employees’ end of service benefits 
 Unallocated accounts payable and accruals 
 Unallocated bank overdraft and other short term borrowings 
 Unallocated amounts due to related parties 
Group liabilities 

2013
US$ ’000
80,846 
250,200 
219 
12,547 
82,238 
61 
426,111 

2012
US$ ’000
 72,901 
 222,968 
 218 
 7,276 
 80,491 
 123 
 383,977

Other information
The following table provides information relating to Group’s major customers who contribute more than 10% towards the Group’s revenues:

Year ended 31 December 2013 
  Customer 1 
  Customer 2 

Year ended 31 December 2012 
  Customer 1 
  Customer 2 

Healthcare 
US$ ’000

Distribution 
and services 
US$ ’000

75,802 
32,715 
108,517 

 66,354 
27,426 
 93,780

– 
 – 
– 

– 
 – 
 – 

Total  

US$ ’000

75,802 
32,715 
108,517

66,354 
27,426 
93,780 

Geographical information
The Group has only one geographical segment – United Arab Emirates. All revenues from external customers are generated in the United 
Arab Emirates and all non-current assets are located in the United Arab Emirates.

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

207,532 
5,445 
212,977 

265,835 
72,066 
337,901 
550,878 

 177,609 
 907 
 178,516

 242,584
 68,953
 311,537
 490,053

Analysis of revenue by category:

Revenue from services: 
  Healthcare – clinic 
  Healthcare – management fees 

Sale of goods:
  Distribution 
  Healthcare 

Total 

90

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements6  EXPENSES BY NATURE

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense 
Salary expenses 
Rent expenses 
Sales promotion expenses 
Repair & maintenance expenses 
Others 

Allocated to:
  Direct costs 
  General and administrative expenses 

2013
US$ ’000
265,852 
126,580 
21,518 
29,533 
5,796 
35,619 
484,898 

365,336 
119,562 
484,898 

The classification of the remaining expenses by nature recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are:

Depreciation 
Impairment of property and equipment 
Finance costs
Flotation costs
Unamortised finance fees written off

2013
US$ ’000
9,663
210
14,344
–
3,394
27,611 

2012
US$ ’000
 246,749 
 97,436 
 21,029 
 29,999 
 6,356 
 33,286 
 434,855 

 329,800
 105,055 
 434,855

2012
US$ ’000
7,038
–
13,738
3,402
–
24,178

7  OTHER INCOME
Other income includes US$26,771,000 (2012: US$23,919,000) relating to reimbursement of advertisement and promotional expenses 
incurred by the Group. Revenue is recognised following the formal acceptance of the Group’s reimbursement claims by suppliers and is 
measured at the confirmed amount receivable.

8  FINANCE COSTS

Bank interest 
Bank charges 
Change in fair value of derivative financial instrument 

9  FINANCE INCOME

Bank and other interest income 

2013
US$ ’000
12,788 
2,258 
(702) 
14,344 

2012
US$ ’000
 11,968 
 2,099 
 (329) 

 13,738

2013
US$ ’000
3,814 
3,814 

2012
US$ ’000
 4,325 
 4,325

91

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

10  PROFIT FOR THE YEAR BEFORE TAX
The profit for the year before tax is stated after charging:

Cost of inventories recognised as an expense (note 6) 
Cost of inventories written off (note 18) 
Minimum lease payments recognised as operating lease expense 
Depreciation (note 16) 
Net Impairment of accounts receivable (note 19) 
Employees’ end of service benefits (note 26) 
Net foreign exchange loss 

2013
US$ ’000
265,852 
1,781 
21,518 
9,663 
2,462 
2,362 
3,841 

2012
US$ ’000
 246,749 
 1,753 
 21,029 
 7,038 
 1,291 
 2,142 
 3,034

11  AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION
The Group paid the following amounts to its auditor and its associates in respect of the audit of the financial statements and for other 
services provided to the Group.

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services: 
 – the audit of the company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 
 – audit related assurance services 
 – other assurance services 
 – Tax compliances services
 – Tax advisory services
 – corporate finance services 
 – non audit services 

Offset against share premium (note 21) 
Total included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

2013
US$ ’000
615

2012
US$ ’000
 500

142 
155 
15 
25
25
– 
19 
996 
– 
996 

 161
173 
2,283 
–
–
 2,622 
 41 
 5,780
 (4,285) 
 1,495

Other assurance services in 2012 represented work performed on the Group’s historical financial information and corporate finance 
services represent work performed on the Group’s long form and working capital report, both of which were required for the Company’s 
premium listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Included in the fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts in the current year is an amount of 
US$100,000 which was under-accrued in respect of the prior year audit of the Company’s annual accounts.

The fees paid to the auditor includes US$85,000 (2012: US$249,500) in respect of out of pocket expenses of which US$ nil (2012: 
US$205,000) relates to out of pocket expenses in respect of the corporate finance services work referred to above. There were no benefits 
in kind provided to the auditor or its associates in either 2013 or 2012.

Of the total fees payable to the auditor in 2013, US$437,000 (2012: US$297,500) was payable to the auditor Ernst & Young LLP, in the 
United Kingdom, and the remainder was payable to an associate of the auditor based in the UAE.

92

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements12  STAFF COSTS AND DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS
(a) Staff costs

Wages and salaries 
Employees’ end of service benefits (note 26) 
Others 

2013
US$ ’000
126,580 
2,362 
7,726 
136,668 

2012
US$ ’000
 97,436 
 2,142 
 6,639 
 106,217

Staff costs include amounts paid to directors, disclosed in part (b) below. The average number of monthly employees during the year was 
made up as follows:

Healthcare 
Distribution & services 
Administration 

(b) Directors’ remuneration

Directors’ remuneration 

2013
3,169 
1,726 
151 
5,046 

2012
 2,715
 1,538 
 162 
 4,415

2013
US$ ’000
1,746 

2012
US$ ’000
 1,352

There are no other employee benefits such as long-term benefits, post-employment benefits or share options paid or payable to the 
directors. Further information in respect of this compensation paid to directors is disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

13  FLOTATION COSTS
During the year ended 31 December 2012 costs of US$18,175,000 were incurred in relation to completion of the Company’s Premium 
Listing on the London Stock Exchange. Of these costs, US$ 14,773,000 has been deducted from the share premium account (note 21) and 
US$3,402,000 has been charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in accordance with the requirements of IAS 32 
– Financial Instruments: Presentation. Out of the total costs of US$18,175,000 an amount of US$ nil remains payable as at 31 December 
2013 (2012: US$645,000) and is included in accounts payable and accruals.

14  TAX
The Group operates solely in the United Arab Emirates and as there is no corporation tax in the United Arab Emirates, no taxes are 
recognised or payable on the operations in the UAE. It is the opinion of management that there are sufficient losses in the Company to 
offset any potential taxable income arising in the UK and accordingly any tax liability that could arise would be immaterial.

15  EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the 
Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent (US$ ’000) 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (’000) 
Basic and diluted earnings per share (US$) 

2013
68,165
185,714 
0.367 

2012
 58,891 
 171,824 
 0.343

The weighted average number of shares for the year ended 31 December 2012 has been adjusted for the effect of the increase in share 
capital as a result of the Company’s premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (note 21).

93

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

16  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following:

Property and equipment

Freehold 
land
US$ ’000

Hospital 
building
US$ ’000

Buildings
US$ ’000

Leasehold 
improvements
US$ ’000

Motor  
vehicles 
US$ ’000

2013
US$ ’000
273,792
273,792 

2012
US$ ’000
 201,653
201,653

Furniture, 
fixtures and 
fittings and 
medical 
equipment
US$ ’000

Capital  
work in 
progress
US$ ’000

Total
US$ ’000

31 December 2013 
Cost: 
  At 1 January 2013 
  Additions 
  Disposals 

 Transfer from capital 
work in progress 
 Impairment of property 
and equipment
 At 31 December 2013 

Depreciation:
  At 1 January 2013
  Charge for the year 
  Relating to disposals 

 At 31 December 2013 

Net carrying amount: 

 19,206
– 
– 

 12,343
– 
– 

26,269
31 
– 

12,722
907 
– 

5,544
83 
(47)

110,594
8,791 
(6,553) 

104,067
72,840
– 

290,745 
82,652
(6,600) 

 – 

 – 

– 

3,759 

307 

1,242 

(5,308) 

– 

 – 
 19,206 

 – 
 12,343 

– 
26,300 

– 
– 
– 
– 

7,494 
310 
 – 
7,804 

3,083 
1,418 
 – 
4,501 

– 
17,388 

8,932 
1,347 
– 
10,279 

– 
5,887 

– 
114,074 

(210)
171,389

(210) 

366,587

4,701 
214 
(47) 
4,868 

64,882 
6,374 
(5,913) 
65,343 

– 
– 
– 
 – 

89,092 
9,663 
(5,960) 
92,795 

 At 31 December 2013 

 19,206 

4,539 

21,799 

7,109 

1,019 

48,731 

171,389

273,792

31 December 2012 
Cost: 
  At 1 January 2012 
  Additions 

 Additions from a 
business combination 

  Disposals 

 Transfer from capital 
work in progress 
 At 31 December 2012 

Depreciation: 
  At 1 January 2012 
  Charge for the year 
  Relating to disposals 

 At 31 December 2012 

Net carrying amount: 

 19,206 
– 

 12,343 
– 

6,529 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

 – 
 19,206 

 – 
 12,343 

 19,740 
26,269 

– 
– 
– 
– 

7,184 
310 
– 
7,494 

2,649 
434 
– 
3,083 

10,498 
312 

 1,336 
 (203) 

 779 
12,722 

8,448 
663 
(179) 
8,932 

5,233 
331 

91,349 
11,605 

22,796 
106,619 

167,954 
118,867 

– 
 (20) 

 5,948 
 (3,137) 

– 
– 

 7,284 
 (3,360) 

 – 
5,544 

 4,829 
110,594 

 (25,348) 
104,067 

 – 
290,745 

4,561 
160 
(20) 
4,701 

62,007 
5,471 
(2,596) 
64,882 

– 
– 
– 
– 

84,849 
7,038 
(2,795) 
89,092 

 At 31 December 2012

 19,206 

4,849 

23,186 

3,790 

843 

45,712 

104,067 

201,653

As part of the Group’s capital expenditure programme, borrowing costs of US$4,886,000 (2012: US$4,110,000) net of finance income of 
US$54,000 (2012: US$1,217,000) have been capitalised during the year. The rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible 
for capitalisation was 3.40% (2012: 3.81%) which is the effective rate of the borrowings used to finance the capital expenditure. As 
companies in UAE are not subject to taxation and as such there is no tax relief in respect of capitalised interest.

Generally hospital and distribution operations are carried out on land and buildings which are leased from Government authorities or certain 
private parties. The majority of the lease periods range from five to twenty years apart from New Medical Centre Hospital LLC-Dubai 

94

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT continued
(“Dubai General Hospital”), the land on which the Khalifa City Specialty Hospital is being constructed and the warehouse facilities which had 
leases renewable on an annual basis (note 2.3). As at 31 December 2013 US$50,244,600 (2012 US$21,796,700) of the amounts included in 
Property plant and equipment related to assets with annually renewable leases. Subsequent to year end, the lease for the land on which 
the Khalifa City Specialty Hospital is being constructed was renewed for a period of 27 years (note 34). Khalifa City Specialty Hospital has 
US$49,696,000 included in Property plant and equipment as at 31 December 2013.

In accordance with the local laws, except in some specific locations in the UAE the registered title of land and buildings must be held in the 
name of a UAE national. As a result, land and buildings of the Group are legally registered in the name of shareholders or previous 
shareholders of the Group. Certain land and buildings with a carrying amount of US$9,648,000 (31 December 2012: US$9,974,000) are 
held in the name of a previous shareholder for the beneficial interest of the Group As the beneficial interest of such land and buildings 
resides with the Group, these assets are recorded within land and buildings in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. The directors 
take into account this local legal registration requirement, the Group’s entitlement to the beneficial interest arising from these assets, as well 
as other general business factors, when considering whether such assets are impaired.

Property and equipment with a net carrying amount of US$ nil at 31 December 2013 (2012: US$4,849,000) are pledged as security against 
term loans.

17  INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill 
Balance at 1 January
Addition from business combination 
Balance at 31 December

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

1,016
–
1,016

–
1,016)
1,016

On 1 July 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of BR Medical Suites FZ LLC, a company registered in Dubai, UAE, from its 
owner, Dr BR Shetty, a shareholder and director of the Company. The consideration for the acquisition was US$9,000,000. BR Medical 
Suites FZ LLC is a day patient centre with four operating theatres and state of the art medical equipment. The Group acquired BR Medical 
Suites FZ – LLC because it increases the range of services in its healthcare segment and will work as a synergy to their existing facilities in 
the areas of patient profiling as well as connectivity with international healthcare professionals.

Goodwill arose on the acquisition of BR Medical Suites FZ LLC on 1 July 2012. The goodwill is attributable to the synergies that arose as a 
result of the acquisition. Goodwill is allocated to the healthcare segment and is monitored at the healthcare segment level, which equates to 
the level for impairment testing.

The recoverable amount of the CGU has been determined based on value-in-use calculations. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow 
projection based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five year period. The pre-tax discount rate applied to cash flow 
projections is 9.3% and a 3% growth rate is used to arrive at the cash flows between year 6 to 10 and a terminal value beyond year 10 is 
used using a zero growth rate. Management has assessed the key assumptions within these calculations using their past experience from 
operating within the healthcare industry. The growth rate does not exceed either the long term average growth rate for the healthcare 
business in which the CGU operates or the country growth rate.

The main assumptions used to compute the value in use were those concerning the discount rate, the most recent cash flow projections 
and the expected growth rate at the end of the time horizon of the forecast.

In addition, the Group performed a sensitivity analysis for changes in the basic assumptions of the impairment test, specifically focusing on 
the variables that have the greatest impact on recoverable value (discount rate and projections). The results of these tests showed no 
indications of impairment.

95

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

18  INVENTORIES

Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
Scientific equipment 
Consumer products 
Food 
Telecommunication equipment 
Consumables 
Opticals 
Goods in transit 
Other 

Less: provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventories 

2013
US$ ’000
44,959 
11,899 
27,915 
6,796 
569 
290 
358 
1,594 
459 
94,839 
(716) 
94,123 

2012
US$ ’000
 32,906 
 9,111 
 22,701 
 4,791
 140 
 436 
 357 
 1,589 
 543 
 72,574 
 (116) 

 72,458

The amount of write down of inventories recognised as an expense for the year ended 31 December 2013 is US$ 1,781,000 (2012: 
US$1,753,000). This is recognised in direct costs.

Trust receipts issued by banks amounting to US$3,100,000 (2012: US$9,493,000) are secured against the inventories.

19  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PREPAYMENTS

Accounts receivable 
Receivable from suppliers for promotional expenses 
Other receivables 
Prepayments 

2013
US$ ’000
145,993 
9,696 
6,845 
5,848 
168,382

2012
US$ ’000
 158,463 
 11,684 
 6,219 
 5,036 
 181,402

Receivables from suppliers relate to advertising and promotional expenses incurred by the Group. Accounts receivable are stated net of 
provision for doubtful debts of US$8,241,000 (2012: US$6,444,000). Movements in the provision for doubtful debts are as follows:

2013  

US$ ’000
6,444 
(665) 
(472) 
2,934 
8,241 

2012 
US$ ’000
 5,153 
 – 
(951) 
 2,242 
 6,444

At 1 January 
Written off 
Written back (note 10) 
Charge for the year (note 10) 
At 31 December 

96

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements19  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PREPAYMENTS continued
The ageing of unimpaired accounts receivable is as follows:

31 December 2013
  Accounts receivable 
31 December 2012
  Accounts receivable 

Neither past  
due nor  
impaired
US$ ’000

Total 
US$ ’000

< 90 days
US$ ’000

91-180 days
US$ ’000

181-365 days
US$ ’000

>365 days
US$ ’000

Past due but not impaired

145,993 

104,028 

31,658 

6,053 

2,774 

1,480 

 158,463 

 92,086 

 41,051 

 15,950 

 9,007 

 369 

Unimpaired receivables are expected, on the basis of past experience, to be fully recoverable. It is not the practice of Group to obtain 
collateral over receivables and they are therefore unsecured. As at 31 December 2013 trade receivables of US$8,241,000 (2012: 
US$6,444,000) were impaired and fully provided for.

Credit risk is managed through the Group’s established policy, procedures and controls relating to credit risk management (note 29). A 
majority of the receivables that are past due but not impaired are from insurance companies and government-linked entities in the United 
Arab Emirates which are inherently slow payers due to their long invoice verification and approval of payment procedures. Payments 
continue to be received from these customers and accordingly the risk of non-recoverability is considered to be low.

Of the net trade receivables balance of US$145,993,000 an amount of US$61,353,000 is against five customers (2012: US$63,966,000 is 
against five customers).

The Group’s terms require receivables to be repaid within 90-120 days depending on the type of customer, which is in line with local 
practice in the UAE. Due to the long credit period offered to customers, a significant amount of trade accounts receivable are neither past 
due nor impaired.

20  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents included in the consolidated statement of cash flows comprise of the following:

Bank deposits 
Bank balances and cash 
Bank overdrafts and other short term borrowings 

Adjustments for: 
Short term borrowings 
Bank deposits maturing in over 3 months 
Restricted cash 
Cash and cash equivalents 

2013
US$ ’000
193,366 
75,329 
(82,238) 
186,457 

74,183 
(148,380) 
(33,059) 
79,201 

2012
US$ ’000
 233,703 
 23,747 
(80,668) 
 176,782 

 51,604 
(136,129) 
 (10,327) 
 81,930

Bank deposits of US$193,366,000 (2012: US$233,703,000) are with commercial banks in the United Arab Emirates. These are mainly 
denominated in the UAE Dirhams and earn interest at the respective deposit rates. These deposits have original maturity between 3 to  
12 months (2012: 3 to 12 months).

Short term borrowings include trust receipts and invoice discounting facilities which mature between 90 and 180 days. Trust receipts are 
short term borrowings to finance imports. The bank overdrafts and short term borrowings are secured by assets of the Group up to the 
amount of the respective borrowings and personal guarantees of the shareholders (H.E. Saeed Mohamed Butti Mohamed Al Qebaisi,  
Dr BR Shetty and Khalifa Butti Omair Yousif Ahmad Al Muhairi) and carry interest at EIBOR plus margin rates ranging from 3% to 4%.

At 31 December 2013, the Group had US$18,323,000 (2012: US$11,444,000) of undrawn bank overdraft facilities, which are  
renewable annually.

Restricted cash mainly represents funds held by a bank in respect of upcoming loan repayment instalments.

97

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

21  SHARE CAPITAL
As at 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012:

Issued and fully paid 
(nominal value 10 pence sterling each) 

Issued share capital and share premium movement

At 1 January 2012 
Group restructuring 
Issue of new shares 
Issue of new shares – IPO 
Share issue costs 
At 31 December 2012 
At 31 December 2013 

Number of 
shares
(thousands)

Ordinary  
shares
US$ ’000

Total
US$ ’000

185,714 

29,566 

29,566 

Notes

13

Number of 
shares
(thousands)
 100 
 (100) 
 130,000 
 55,714 
 – 
 185,714 
 185,714 

Ordinary  
shares
US$ ’000
 27,226 
 (27,226) 
 20,696 
 8,870 
 – 
 29,566 
 29,566 

Share  

premium
US$ ’000
- 
- 
 16,531 
 177,394 
 (14,773) 
 179,152 
 179,152 

Total 
US$ ’000
 27,226 
 (27,226) 
 37,227 
 186,264 
 (14,773) 
 208,718 
 208,718 

On 5 April 2012, NMC Health plc completed its Premium Listing on the London Stock Exchange and raised US$186,264,000 from the 
issue of 55,714,286 new ordinary shares, thereby diluting existing shareholders equity interest to 66.95% at the time of listing.

Share issue costs incurred in 2012 include US$4,285,000 of fees paid to the auditor (note 11).

22  GROUP RESTRUCTURING RESERVE
The group restructuring reserve arises on consolidation under the pooling of interests method used for group restructuring. Under this 
method, the group is treated as a continuation of the NMC Healthcare LLC group. The difference between the share capital of NMC 
Healthcare LLC (US$27,226,000) and the carrying amount of the investment in that company (US$37,227,000), which equates to the net 
assets of NMC Healthcare LLC at the date of reorganisation (28 March 2012), amounting to US$10,001,000, is recorded on consolidation 
as a group restructuring reserve (note 4). This reserve is non-distributable.

23  RETAINED EARNINGS
As at 31 December 2013, retained earnings of US$14,333,000 (2012: US$12,627,000) are not distributable. This relates to a UAE 
Companies Law requirement to set aside 10% of annual profit of all UAE subsidiaries until their respective reserves equal 50% of their paid 
up share capital. The subsidiaries discontinue such annual transfers once this requirement has been met.

24  DIVIDEND
In the AGM on 27 June 2013 the shareholders approved a dividend of 4.1 pence per share, amounting to GBP 7,614,286 (US$11,598,326) 
paid to shareholders on the Company’s share register on 31 May 2013. The dividend was paid on 4 July 2013. No interim dividend was 
declared during the year. Subject to shareholder’s approval, a final dividend of 4.4 pence per share, GBP 8,212,700 (US$13,633,000) will be 
paid to shareholders on the Company’s share register on 30 May 2014.

25  TERM LOANS

Current portion 
Non-current portion 

Amounts are repayable as follows: 
Within 1 year 
Between 1 – 2 years 
Between 2 – 5 years 

The term loans primarily carry interest at EIBOR/LIBOR plus margin.

98

2013
US$ ’000
88,355 
161,845 
250,200 

88,355 
50,871 
110,974 
250,200 

2012
US$ ’000
 104,540 
 118,428 
 222,968 

 104,540 
 45,195 
 73,233 
 222,968 

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements25  TERM LOANS continued
31 December 2013:
During the year ended 31 December 2013, the Group agreed a new syndicated loan facility, led by JP Morgan Chase Bank, of 
US$225,000,000 (with an additional available facility of US$75,000,000 which the group has not drawn down to date). The loan facility is 
repayable over 54 monthly instalments with a grace period of six months and carries interest at the rate of 1 month US$ LIBOR + 3% + 
mandatory costs; if any, per annum. The new syndicated loan facility has been utilised to repay some of the existing debts including the 
debt with JP Morgan Chase Bank against the facility of US$150,000,000 obtained in the previous year and will also be utilised for capital 
expenditures. The Group has utilised an amount of US$ 225,000,000 against the new syndicated loan facility as of 31 December 2013.

This new syndicated loan is guaranteed by corporate guarantees provided by NMC Health plc and operating subsidiaries of the Group.  
The new syndicated loan is secured against a collateral package which includes an assignment of some insurance company receivables 
and their proceeds by the Group and a pledge over certain bank accounts within the Group.

In addition to the JP Morgan loan facility, term loans also include other short term revolving loans which get drawn down and repaid over 
the period and carry interest at varying rates which include EIBOR + margins ranging from 3% to 3.75% per annum, except for one of the 
loans which carries interest at a fixed rate of 7.5% per annum.

The Group has charged an amount of US$3,394,000 (2012: US$ nil) to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income with respect 
to unamortised transaction costs of previously existing debts which have been settled during the year using the proceeds of the new 
syndicated loan led by JP Morgan Chase Bank.

31 December 2012:
During the year ended 31 December 2012, the Group agreed a new syndicated loan facility, led by JP Morgan Chase Bank, of 
US$150,000,000, repayable over 5 years with interest charged at the rate of 1 month LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum. The Group had drawn 
down US$ 150,000,000 against the loan as at 31 December 2012. Repayments in the year ended 31 December 2012 amounted to 
US$18,889,000. Finance fees of US$636,000 had been capitalised against the loan as at 31 December 2012 and were being amortised 
over the period of the loan.

This syndicated loan was guaranteed by corporate guarantees provided by all operating subsidiaries of the Group and personal guarantees 
provided by H E Saeed Mohamed Butti Mohamed Al Qebaisi, Khalifa Butti Omair Yousif Ahmad Al Muhairi, and Dr BR Shetty. The 
syndicated loan was secured against a collateral package consisting of: (i) an assignment of Daman and Abu Dhabi National Insurance 
health insurance receivables and their proceeds by the Borrower; (ii) a pledge over the accounts of the Borrower; (iii) an account cash 
sweep (Borrower accounts only); and (iv) mortgage security over the real estate of the Dubai Specialty Hospital. As noted above, this loan 
was repaid during the current year using the proceeds from the new syndicated loan facility.

99

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

26  EMPLOYEES’ END OF SERVICE BENEFITS
Movements in the provision recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

Balance at 1 January 
Charge for the year 
Employees’ end of service benefits paid 
Net transferred from related party 
Balance at 31 December 
Current 
Non-current 
Balance at 31 December 
Charge for the year comprise of the following:
Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Balance at 31 December 

2013
US$ ’000
10,380 
2,362 
(643) 
– 
12,099 
2,063 
10,036 
12,099 

1,909 
453 
2,362 

2012
US$ ’000
8,864 
2,142 
(626) 
– 
10,380 
1,746 
8,634 
10,380 

1,784 
358 
2,142 

1 January
2012
US$ ’000
7,532
1,821
(531)
42
8,864
1,161
7,703
8,864

1,821
– 
1,821

In accordance with the provisions of IAS 19 – ‘Employee Benefits’, management has carried out an exercise to assess the present value of its 
obligation at 31 December 2013 and 2012, using the projected unit credit method, in respect of employees’ end of service benefits payable 
under the UAE Labour Law. The impact of the actuarial valuation is not material to the Group, accordingly no actuarial gain or losses are 
recognised in other comprehensive income. Management has assumed an average length of service of 5 years (2012: 5 years) and 
increment/promotion costs of 3.0% (2012: 3.0%). The expected liability at the date of employees’ leaving service has been discounted to its 
net present value using a discount rate of 4.5% (2012: 4.5%). Management also performed a sensitivity analysis for changes in discount rate 
and increment costs; the results of this analysis showed that none of the factors had any material impact on the actuarial valuation.

Note: No actuarial valuation was performed as of 31 December 2011.

27  ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUALS

Trade accounts payable 
Other payables 
Accrued interest 
Accrued expenses 

2013
US$ ’000
57,565 
13,416 
705 
4,401 
76,087 

2012
US$ ’000
 53,334 
 10,657 
 893 
 3,729 
 68,613

Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing and are normally settled on 90-120 day terms.

28  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
These represent transactions with related parties, including major shareholders and senior management of the Group, and entities 
controlled, jointly controlled or significantly influenced by such parties, or where such parties are members of the key management 
personnel of the entities. Pricing policies and terms of all transactions are approved by the management of the Group.

The Company’s immediate and ultimate controlling party is a group of three individuals (H.E. Saeed Bin Butti, Dr BR Shetty and Mr Khalifa 
Bin Butti) who are all shareholders and directors of the Company and who together have the ability to control the company. As the 
immediate and ultimate controlling party is a group of individuals, it does not produce consolidated financial statements.

100

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements28  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS continued
Transactions with related parties included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows:

Entities significantly influenced by a shareholder who is a key  
management personnel in NMC
  Sales 
  Purchases 
  Rent charged 
  Other Income
Shareholder who has significant influence over NMC is a key  
management personnel of the entity
  Management fees 
  Sales 

Transactions with related parties included in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

Shareholder with significant influence over NMC: 
  Acquisition of BR Medical Suites FZ LLC 

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

8,828 
30,040 
418 
582

4,135 
 13,206 
425
–

5,445 
2,608 

907 
–

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

– 

9,000

On 1 July 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of BR Medical Suites FZ LLC, a company registered in Dubai, UAE, from its 
owner, Dr BR Shetty, a shareholder (with significant influence over the Company) and director of the Company. The consideration for the 
acquisition was US$9,000,000 (note 17).

Amounts due from and due to related parties disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

Entities significantly influenced by a shareholder who  
is a key management personnel in NMC
  Amounts due from related parties 
  Amounts due to related parties
Shareholder who has significant influence over NMC  
is a key management personnel of the entity
  Amounts due from related parties 
Shareholder: 
  Amounts due to related parties 

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

3,619 
5,018

58 
–

5,635 

1,543 

 61

123

Outstanding balances with related parties at 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012 were unsecured, payable on 60–120 days term 
and carried interest at 0 % (31 December 2012: 0%) per annum. Settlement occurs in cash. As at 31 December 2013: US$3,249,000.of the 
amounts due from related parties were past due but not impaired (31 December 2012: US$ nil).

The Group has incurred an expenses and recharged back an amount of US$12,340,000 (31 December 2012: US$ 636,000) made on 
behalf of a related party where a shareholder who has significant influence over the Group is a key management personnel of that entity.

With the exception of the JP Morgan Chase syndicated loan facility of US$225,000,000, all credit facilities provided by the bankers to the 
Group are secured by joint and several personal/corporate guarantees of the shareholders (H.E. Saeed Mohamed Butti Al Qebaisi, Dr BR 
Shetty and Khalifa Butti Omair Yousif Ahmad Al Muhairi).

Pharmacy licenses, under which the Group sells its products, are granted to the shareholders or directors of the Company, who are UAE 
nationals. No payments are made in respect of these licenses to shareholders or directors.

101

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

28  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS continued
Compensation of key management personnel

Short term benefits 
Employees’ end of service benefits 

2013  

US$ ’000
4,065 
19 
4,084

2012 
US$ ’000
2,174 
32 
2,206

The key management personnel include all the Non-Executive Directors, the two Executive Directors and five senior management 
personnel.

The spouse and the non-dependent son of one of the shareholders are employed by the Group. The total compensation for employment 
received by the spouse and the non-dependent son in the year ended 31 December 2013 amount to US$541,000 (2012: US$476,000).

29  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Group’s principal financial liabilities, other than derivatives, comprise loans and borrowings and trade and other payables. The main 
purpose of these financial liabilities is to finance the Group’s operations. The Group has accounts and other receivables, and cash and 
short-term deposits that arise directly from its operations.

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency risk.

The Group’s senior management oversees the management of these risks. The Board of Directors reviews and agrees policies for 
managing each of these risks which are summarised below.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest 
rates. The Group is exposed to interest rate risk on its interest bearing assets and liabilities (bank deposits, bank overdrafts and other short 
term borrowings and term loans). Management has sought to limit the exposure of the Group to any adverse future movements in interest 
rates by entering into interest rate swap arrangements. Management is therefore of the opinion that the Group’s exposure to interest rate 
risk is limited.

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the statement of comprehensive income to reasonably possible changes in interest rates, 
with all other variables held constant. The sensitivity of the statement of comprehensive income is the effect of the assumed changes in 
interest rates on the Group’s profit for the year, taking into account interest rate swap arrangements, based on the floating rate financial 
assets and financial liabilities as of the respective year end.

Increase/ 
decrease in 
basis points
 100 
 (100) 

Effect on 
profit at 31 
December 
2013
US$ ’000

Effect on profit 
at 31 
December 
2012
US$ ’000

(1,105) 
1,105 

 (454) 
 454 

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to a financial 
loss. The Group limits its credit risk with respect to customers due to the nature of the customers that it has dealings with. Within the 
Healthcare business the majority of the Group’s customers are Insurance Companies. The largest insurance company is fully backed by 
Sovereign wealth funding from Abu Dhabi. All other insurance companies are required to be listed on a stock exchange and therefore are 
governed by the regulations of their respective markets. Within the distribution business the Group deals primarily with large reputable 
multinational retail companies. The Group further seeks to limit its credit risk by setting credit limits for individual customers and monitoring 
outstanding receivables.

102

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements29  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES continued
The Group limits its credit risk with regard to bank deposits by only dealing with reputable banks. The external credit ratings for the banks at 
which the bank deposits and cash at bank are held are as follows:

AA+
Aa/AA2
AA-/A-1/Aa3
A+/A1
A/A2
A+/A-1
A3/A-
AA-
Baa2
BBB-
BBB+/Baa1/P-2
Baa2/P-2
Without external credit rating 
Total bank deposit and cash at bank 

2013
US$ ’000
–
–
498
701
32,352
1,762
1,188
–
789
187,822
13,099
–
30,167 
268,378 

2012
US$ ’000
2,169
40,839
199
14,521
4,452
–
9,532
35
–
–
2,166
111,070
 72,237
 257,220

With respect to credit risk arising from cash and cash equivalents, the Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from default of the 
counterparty, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of these instruments.

Liquidity risk
The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of banking facilities. The Group 
limits its liquidity risk by raising funds from its operations and ensuring bank facilities are available. Trade payables are normally settled within 
90–120 days of the date of purchase.

The table below summarises the maturities of the Group’s undiscounted financial liabilities, based on contractual payment dates and 
current market interest rates.

At 31 December 2013 
Trade accounts payable 
Amounts due to related parties 
Other payables 
Terms loans 
Bank overdrafts and other short term borrowings 
Financial guarantees
Total 
At 31 December 2012 
Trade accounts payable 
Amounts due to related parties 
Other payables 
Terms loans 
Bank overdrafts and other short term borrowings 
Financial guarantees
Total 

On demand
US$ ’000

Less than  
3 months
US$ ’000

3 to 12  
months
US$ ’000

1 to 5 years
US$ ’000

Total
US$ ’000

– 
– 
– 
– 
8,178
–
8,178 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 28,849 
–
 28,849 

57,565 
5,079 
13,416 
21,128 
42,090
180
139,458

 53,334 
 123 
10,657 
57,252 
 52,900 
447
 174,713 

– 
– 
– 
75,603 
34,048
3,275
112,926 

– 
– 
– 
62,380 
 –
1,631
64,011 

– 
– 
408
175,803 
 – 
3,612
179,823 

– 
– 
1,225 
130,143 
 – 
5,204
136,572 

57,565
5,079
13,824
272,534 
84,316
7,067
440,385

53,334 
123 
11,882 
249,775 
 81,749 
7,282
404,145 

The group also has future capital commitments for the completion of ongoing capital projects of US$76,402,000 (2012: US$103,106,000) 
(note 31). These are to be financed from the fixed deposits held by the Group.

103

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

29  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES continued
Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign 
exchange rates. Foreign currency risk comprises of transaction and statement of financial position risk. Transaction risk relates to the 
Group’s cash flow being adversely affected by a change in the exchange rates of foreign currencies against the UAE Dirham. Statement of 
financial position risk relates to the risk of the Group’s monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies acquiring a lower or higher value, 
when translated into UAE Dirhams, as a result of currency movements.

The Group is exposed to currency risk on its trade accounts payable denominated in foreign currencies, mainly in Euros, Swiss Francs and 
Pound Sterling.

Significant foreign currency payable balances included in the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:

EUR 
CHF 

2013
US$ ’000
1,611 
612 

2012
US$ ’000
 4,198 
 730 

The table below indicates the Group’s foreign currency exposure at 31 December, as a result of its monetary liabilities. As the US Dollar is 
pegged to the UAE Dirham, balances in US Dollars are not considered to represent significant currency risk. The analysis calculates the 
effect of a reasonable possible movement of the US$ currency rate against the foreign currencies, with all other variables held constant, on 
the statement of comprehensive income (due to the fair value of currency sensitive monetary liabilities).

Assumed change from year end  
exchange rates 
31 December 2013 (US$ ’000) 
31 December 2012 (US$ ’000) 
Assumed change from year end  
exchange rates 
31 December 2013 (US$ ’000) 
31 December 2012 (US$ ’000) 

Euros Swiss Francs British Pound

Kuwait Dinar

Australian 
Dollar

Effect on profit 
and equity

+5%
 (81) 
 (210) 

-5%
81 
 210 

+5%
 (31) 
 (37) 

-5%
31 
 37 

+5%
 (14) 
 (15) 

-5%
14 
 15 

+5%

 (3) 
 (1) 

-5%
3 
 1 

+5%
 – 
 – 

-5%
 – 
 – 

 (129) 
 (263) 

129 
 263 

104

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements29  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES continued
Capital management
The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that it maintains healthy capital ratios in order to support its business 
and maximize shareholders’ value.

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in business conditions. Capital comprises share 
capital, share premium, group restructuring reserve and retained earnings and is measured at US$386,236,000 as at 31 December 2013 
(2012: US$ 329,669,000). In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to 
shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. Certain banking facilities may also impose 
covenant requirements on the Group with respect to capital management.

The Group monitors capital using a gearing ratio, which is net debt divided by capital plus net debt. The Group includes within net debt, 
interest bearing loans and borrowings, accounts payable and accruals and other payables less bank deposits and bank balances and 
cash.

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Accounts payable and accruals 
Less: bank deposits, bank balances and cash 
Net debt 
Capital 
Capital and net debt 
Gearing ratio 

2013
US$ ’000
332,438 
76,495 
(268,695) 
140,238 
386,236 
526,474
27% 

2012
US$ ’000
 303,636
 69,838 
 (257,450) 
 116,024 
 329,669 
 445,693 
26%

30  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Group had contingent liabilities in respect of bank and other guarantees and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business 
from which it is anticipated that no material liabilities will arise at 31 December 2013 of US$ 7,067,000 (2012: US$7,282,000).

105

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Overview

Group Strategic Report

Governance

Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Continued

31  COMMITMENTS
Capital commitments
The Group had future capital commitments of US$76,402,000 at 31 December 2013 (2012: US$103,106,000) principally relating to the 
completion of ongoing capital projects.

Other commitments

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases 
  Within one year 
  After one year but not more than five years 
  More than five years 

32  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group has entered into the following interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate exposure:

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

10,491 
43,984 
102,782 
157,257 

 10,233 
 43,258 
 113,999 
 167,490

At 31 December 2013 

Interest rate swap US$ 

At 31 December 2012 

Interest rate swap US$ 

Negative fair 
value
US$ ’000

Notional  
amount
US$ ’000

Maturity  
profile

(179) 

24,503 

Feb-14 

 (881) 

 24,503 

Feb-14 

The interest rate swaps were contracted to hedge the interest cash flows on term loans. As these swaps do not qualify for hedge 
accounting in accordance with IAS 39, the movement in fair value gain of US$ 702,000 for the year ended 31 December 2013 (2012: gain of 
US$ 329,000) has been charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

The notional amounts indicate the volume of transactions outstanding at year end and are neither indicative of the market risk nor credit risk.

The negative fair value of interest rate swaps is included within accounts payable and accruals as “other payables”.

33  FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The fair values of the Group’s financial instruments are not materially different from their carrying values at the statement of financial position 
date.

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or 
indirectly.

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

For financial instruments that are recognized at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred 
between Levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (bases on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

106

 
 
NMC Health — Annual Report 2013

33  FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS continued
Liabilities measured at fair value:

31 December 2013

Interest rate swaps 

31 December 2012
Interest rate swaps

Level 1
US$ ’000

Level 2
US$ ’000

Level 3
US$ ’000

Total fair value
US$ ’000

– 

– 

(179) 

 (881) 

– 

– 

(179) 

 (881) 

During the year 31 December 2013, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, and no transfers into or 
out of Level 3 fair value measurements.

The fair value of the interest rate swap is determined by reference to market values for similar instruments. It is measured using the Forward 
Price Method; under this method a forward rate or value is determined based on the current market price or value of the interest rate and an 
appropriate rate curve and assuming that the forward price, rate or value will be realized in future periods.

34  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Subsequent to year end, the lease for the land on which Khalifa City Specialty Hospital is being constructed (which as at 31 December 
2013 was an annually renewable lease) has been renewed so that it is now a 27 year lease expiring in the year 2040.

107

 
 
Overview

Group Strategic Report

Governance

Financial Statements

NMC Health plc
Financial  
Statements

Year ended  
31 December 2013

108

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members  
of NMC Health plc

We have audited the parent company 
financial statements of NMC Health plc for 
the year ended 31 December 2013 which 
comprise the Statement of Financial 
Position, the Statement of Changes in 
Equity and the Statement of Cash Flows, 
and the related notes 1 to 14. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied 
in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union 
and as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

This report is made solely to the company’s 
members, as a body, in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken 
so that we might state to the company’s 
members those matters we are required to 
state to them in an auditor’s report and for 
no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than 
the company and the company’s members 
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, 
or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of 
directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ 
Responsibilities Statement set out on page 
42, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the parent company financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 
to audit and express an opinion on the 
parent company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland). Those standards require us to 
comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s 
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial 
statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about 
the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are 
free from material misstatement, whether 
caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the parent 
company’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately 
disclosed; the reasonableness of significant 
accounting estimates made by the 
directors; and the overall presentation of the 
financial statements. In addition, we read all 
the financial and non-financial information in 
the Annual Report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial 
statements and to identify any information 
that is apparently materially incorrect based 
on, or materially inconsistent with, the 
knowledge acquired by us in the course of 
performing the audit. If we become aware of 
any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications 
for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the parent company financial 
statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the 
company’s affairs as at 31 December 
2013;

• have been properly prepared in 

accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union and as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006; and

• have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006.

Opinion on other matters 
prescribed by the Companies Act 
2006
In our opinion:

• the part of the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report to be audited has been properly 
prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006; and

• the information given in the Strategic 

Report and the Directors’ Report for the 
financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with 
the parent company financial statements.

Matters on which we are required 
to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the 
following matters where the Companies Act 
2006 requires us to report to you if, in our 
opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not 
been kept by the parent company, or 
returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not visited 
by us; or

• the parent company financial statements 

and the part of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report to be audited are 
not in agreement with the accounting 
records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of directors’ 

remuneration specified by law are not 
made; or

• we have not received all the information 

and explanations we require for our audit.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the group 
financial statements of NMC Health plc for 
the year ended 31 December 2013.

Cameron Cartmell (Senior statutory auditor) 
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, 
Statutory Auditor 
London 
24 February 2014

109

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 December 2013

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Investment in subsidiary 

Current assets 
Other receivables and prepayments 
Amounts due from a related party 
Bank balances and cash 

TOTAL ASSETS 
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 
Equity 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Accumulated losses 
Total equity 
Current liabilities 
Other payables and accruals 
Total liabilities 
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 

Notes

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

4 

5 
6

7 
7 
9 

8 

204,127
204,127 

50 
2,875 
234 
3,159
207,286

29,566 
179,152 
(2,904) 
205,814 

1,472 
1,472 
207,286 

37,227 
37,227 

– 
166,923 
381 
167,304 
204,531 

 29,566 
179,152 
(5,938) 
 202,780 

1,751 
1,751 
204,531

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the board of directors on 24 February 2014 and were signed on its behalf by

Mr. H J Mark Tompkins 
Chairman  

Mr. Prasanth Manghat 
Chief Financial Officer

The attached notes 1 to 14 form part of the financial statements.

110

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements 
Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2013

Balance at incorporation
Total (other) comprehensive loss for 
the period (note 9) 
Issue of share capital (note 7) 
Issue of share capital – IPO (note 7) 
Share issue costs (note 7) 
Balance as at 31 December 2012 
Total (other) comprehensive income for 
for the year (note 9) 
Dividends paid (note 13)
Balance as at 31 December 2013

The attached notes 1 to 14 form part of the financial statements.

Share  

Capital
US$ ’000
– 

Share  

premium
US$ ’000 
– 

Accumulated 
losses
US$ ’000 
– 

– 
20,696 
8,870
–
29,566 

– 
– 
29,566 

– 
16,531 
177,394
(14,773)
179,152 

– 
– 
179,152 

Total
US$ ’000
– 

(5,938) 
37,227 
186,264
(14,773)
202,780

(5,938) 
– 
–
–

(5,938) 

14,632 
(11,598) 
(2,904) 

14,632
(11,598)
205,814

111

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 December 2013

OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
Profit/(Loss) for the year before tax 
Adjustments for: 
  Finance costs 
  Flotation costs 

Working capital changes: 
  Amounts due from a related party 
  Other receivables and prepayments
  Other payables and accruals 
Net cash from/(used in) operation 

  Flotation costs paid 
Net cash from/(used in) operations 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Proceeds from share issue – IPO 
Flotation costs paid 
Finance costs paid 
Dividend paid to shareholders 
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities 
(DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 31 DECEMBER 

The attached notes 1 to 14 form part of the financial statements.

Notes

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

7 

7 
7 

13

14,632 

(5,938) 

3 
– 
14,635 

(2,852) 
(50) 
(279) 
11,454 

10 
3,402 
(2,526) 

(166,923) 
– 
1,106 
(168,343) 

– 
11,454

(3,402) 
(171,745) 

– 
– 
(3) 
(11,598) 
(11,601) 
(147) 
381 
234 

186,264 
(14,128) 
(10) 
– 
172,126 
381 
– 
381

112

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements
At 31 December 2013

1  CORPORATE INFORMATION
NMC Health plc (the “Company” or 
“Parent’’) is a Company which was 
incorporated in England and Wales on 20 
July 2011. The Company is a public limited 
company. The address of the registered 
office of the Company is 23 Hanover 
Square, London, W1S 1JB. The registered 
number of the Company is 7712220. There 
is no ultimate controlling party.

The Company completed its Premium 
Listing on the London Stock Exchange on 
5 April 2012.

The Parent and its subsidiaries (collectively 
the “Group”) are engaged in providing 
professional medical services, wholesale of 
pharmaceutical goods, medical equipment, 
cosmetics, food and IT products and 
services in the United Arab Emirates.

The financial statements of the Company for 
the year ended 31 December 2013 were 
authorised for issue by the board of 
directors on 24 February 2014 and the 
statement of financial position was signed 
on the Board’s behalf by Dr B.R. Shetty and 
Mr Khalifa Bin Butti.

2.1  BASIS OF PREPARATION
The financial statements have been 
prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted 
by the European Union as they apply to the 
financial statements of the Company for the 
year ended 31 December 2013 and applied 
in accordance with the Companies Act 
2006.

The financial statements are prepared under 
the historical cost convention. The principal 
accounting policies adopted in the 
preparation of these financial statements are 
set out below.

No profit and loss account is presented by 
the Company as permitted by Section 408 
of the Companies Act 2006.

Functional currency
The UAE Dirham is determined to be the 
functional currency of the Company. The 
reporting currency of the Company is 
United States of America Dollar (US$) as 
this is a more globally recognised currency. 
The UAE Dirham is pegged against the US 
Dollar at a rate of 3.673 per US Dollar.

All values are rounded to the nearest 
thousand dollars ($000) except when 
otherwise indicated.

Going concern
These financial statements have been 
prepared on a going concern basis. The 
Company has made a profit of 
US$14,632,000 (2012: Loss of 
US$5,938,000) and has equity of 
US$206,214,000 (2012: US$202,780,000).

The Company is the parent of NMC Health 
plc group and is solely a holding company 
with no business activities of its own. The 
Company earned a dividend and reported a 
net profit during the year. The Group’s 
business activities, together with the factors 
likely to affect its future development, 
performance and position are set out in the 
Strategic Review on pages 5 to 33. The 
financial position of the Group, its cash 
flows, liquidity position and borrowing 
facilities are described in the Financial 
Review on pages 22-23.

The Group has considerable financial 
resources including bank facilities. As a 
consequence, the directors believe that the 
Group is well placed to manage its business 
risks successfully. The directors expect that 
the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. Thus they continue to 
adopt the going concern basis in preparing 
the financial statements.

Comparative information
Reclassification
The Company has made the following 
reclassification in respect of the 
comparatives to conform to the current 
period presentation. This reclassification 
has been made to correct the presentation 
of the financial statements.

An amount of U$ 3,402,000 in respect of 
flotation costs has been reclassified from 
financing activities to operating activities in 
the statement of cash flows.

This reclassification has no impact on 
previously reported equity or profit of the 
Company.

2.2  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The key assumptions concerning the future, 
key sources of estimation uncertainty and 
critical judgements at the statement of 
financial position date, that have a significant 
risk of causing a material adjustment to the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
within the next financial year are discussed 
below:

Significant judgements
Functional currency
The UAE Dirham is determined to be the 
functional currency of the Company.

Judgement has been used to determine the 
functional currency of the Company that 
most appropriately represents the economic 
effects of the Company’s transactions, 
events and conditions. As part of this 
assessment, the following information has 
been taken into account:

The primary economic environment 
influencing the Company’s income 
(dividends) is the UAE and the effect of the 
local environment is limited to expenses 
incurred within the UK. The ability of the 
Company to meet its obligations and pay 
dividends to its shareholders is dependent 
on the economy of, and the operation of its 
subsidiaries in, the UAE.

Fair value of intercompany receivable 
from NMC Healthcare LLC
Judgement has been used to determine the 
fair value of the intercompany loan due to 
the Company from NMC Healthcare LLC 
which has been capitalized by the Company 
as an investment in NMC Healthcare LLC. 
The market value of the intercompany loan 
was determined to be equal to its face and 
book value. The value of the shares in NMC 
Healthcare LLC issued to the Company was 
determined to be equal to the market value 
of the loan balance immediately prior to 
capitalisation.

2.3  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES
The accounting policies adopted are 
consistent with those of the previous 
financial period.

The Company applies IFRS (as adopted in 
the European Union), the European Union 
endorsement states that IFRS 10, IFRS 11 
and IFRS 12 must be applied at the latest 

113

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued

2.3  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES continued
with an effective date of 1 January 2014 
although earlier adoption is permitted. 
Accordingly, the Company has early 
adopted IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 with 
effect from 1 January 2013.

The amendments to IFRS, which are 
effective as of 1 January 2013 and are 
described in more detail below, have no 
impact on the Company.

New and amended standards and 
interpretations
The following amendments to IFRS are 
effective as of 1 January 2013:

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial 
Statements and IAS 27 Separate 
Financial Statements
IFRS 10 establishes a single control model 
that applies to all entities including special 
purpose entities. IFRS 10 replaces the parts 
of previously existing IAS 27 Consolidated 
and Separate Financial Statements that 
dealt with consolidated financial statements 
and SIC-12 Consolidation – Special 
Purpose Entities. IFRS 10 changes the 
definition of control such that an investor 
controls an investee when it is exposed, or 
has rights, to variable returns from its 
involvement with the investee and has the 
ability to affect those returns through its 
power over the investee. IFRS 10 had no 
impact on the consolidation of investments 
held by the Company

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements and 
IAS 28 Investment in Associates 
and Joint Ventures
IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint 
Ventures and SIC-13 Jointly-controlled 
Entities — Non-monetary Contributions by 
Ventures. IFRS 11 removes the option to 
account for jointly controlled entities (JCEs) 
using proportionate consolidation. Instead, 
JCEs that meet the definition of a joint 
venture under IFRS 11 must be accounted 
for using the equity method.

IFRS 11 had no impact on the financial 
position or performance of the Company as 
it does not have any JCEs.

114

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in 
Other Entities
IFRS 12 sets out the requirements for 
disclosures relating to an entity’s interests in 
subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates 
and structured entities. The requirements in 
IFRS 12 are more comprehensive than the 
previously existing disclosure requirements 
for subsidiaries. For example, when a 
subsidiary is controlled with less than the 
majority of voting rights. None of these 
disclosure requirements are applicable for 
financial statements. Accordingly, the 
Company has not made such disclosures.

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
IFRS 13 establishes a single source of 
guidance under IFRS for all fair value 
measurements. IFRS 13 does not change 
when an entity is required to use fair value, 
but rather provides guidance on how to 
measure fair value under IFRS when fair 
value is required or permitted. The 
application of IFRS 13 has not materially 
impacted the fair value measurements 
carried out by the Company.

IAS 1 Presentation of items of 
Other Comprehensive Income – 
Amendments to IAS 1
The amendments to IAS 1 introduce a 
grouping of items presented in Other 
Comprehensive Income. Items that will be 
reclassified (‘recycled’) to profit or loss at a 
future point in time (e.g. Net loss or gain on 
available for sale financial assets) have to be 
presented separately from items that will not 
be reclassified (e.g., revaluation of land and 
buildings). The amendments affect 
presentation only and have no impact on 
the Company’s financial position or 
performance.

IAS 1 Clarification of the 
requirement for comparative 
information (Amendment)
The amendments specify that a third 
statement of financial position is required 
when a) an entity applies an accounting 
policy retrospectively, or makes a 
retrospective restatement or reclassification 
of items in its financial statements, and b) 
the retrospective application, restatement or 
reclassification has a material effect on the 
information in the third statement of financial 
position. The amendments specify that 
related notes are not required to 
accompany the third statement of financial 

position. The amendments affect 
presentation only and have no impact on 
the company’s financial position or 
performance.

IAS 19 Employee Benefits 
(Revised 2011)
IAS 19 (revised 2011) changes the 
accounting for defined benefit plans and 
termination benefits. The most significant 
change relates to the accounting for 
changes in defined benefits obligation and 
plan assets, The amendments require the 
recognition of changes in defined benefit 
obligation and in the fair value of the plan 
assets when they occur, and hence 
eliminate the ‘corridor approach’ permitted 
under the previous version of IAS 19 and 
accelerate the recognition of past service 
costs. All actuarial gain and losses are 
recognized immediately through other 
comprehensive income in order for the net 
provision asset or liability recognized in the 
statement of financial position to reflect the 
full value of the plan deficit or surplus. 
Furthermore, the interest cost and the 
expected return on plan assets used in the 
previous version of IAS 19 are replaced with 
a ‘net interest’ amount under IAS19 (as 
revised in 2011), which is calculated by 
applying the discount rate to the net defined 
benefit liability or asset. These changes 
have had no impact on the financial position 
or performance of the Company as it does 
not have any defined benefit obligations and 
plan assets.

2.4  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Investment in subsidiary
Subsidiaries are entities over which the 
Company controls the operating and 
financial policies, generally by owning more 
than 50% of voting rights. Investments in 
subsidiaries are recognised at acquisition 
cost less any provision for impairment.

When the Company incurs increases in or 
return of share capital, to/from its 
subsidiaries, such movements are 
recognised within the cost of investment in 
subsidiaries.

At each reporting date, an assessment is 
made to determine whether there are any 
indicators of impairment. Where an indicator 
of impairment exists, a formal estimate of 
the recoverable amount of the investment in 
subsidiary is made, which is considered to 

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements2.4  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
be the higher of the fair value less costs to 
sell and the value in use. Fair value is 
determined as the amount that would be 
obtained from the sale of the investment in 
an arm’s length transaction between 
knowledgeable and willing parties. When 
this information is not available the fair value 
is determined based on the net present 
value of the future cash flows related to its 
subsidiaries, using a discount rate that 
reflects current market assessments of the 
time value of money and the risks specific to 
the asset. If the carrying amount of an 
investment exceeds the recoverable 
amount, a provision is recorded in the 
income statement to reflect the investment 
at the recoverable amount.

Where an impairment charge has previously 
been recognised, an assessment is made at 
the end of each reporting period as to 
whether there is any indication that the 
impairment loss may no longer exist or may 
have decreased. If any such indication 
exists, an estimate of the recoverable 
amount is made. An impairment loss is 
reversed to the income statement to the 
extent that the increased carrying value of 
the investment in subsidiary does not 
exceed the carrying value that would have 
been determined had no impairment loss 
been recognised for the asset in prior years.

Acquisition of subsidiary under 
common control
When the Company acquires a subsidiary 
under common control, the cost of the 
investment is deemed to be the Company’s 
share of the net assets of the subsidiary at 
the date of acquisition.

Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of the statement of cash 
flows, cash and cash equivalents consists of 
cash in hand and bank balances

Equity
The Company has issued ordinary shares 
that are classified as equity. The difference 
between the issue price and the par value of 
ordinary share capital is allocated to share 
premium. The transaction costs incurred for 
the share issue are accounted for as a 
deduction from share premium, net of any 
related income tax benefit, to the extent they 
are incremental costs directly attributable to 

the share issue that would otherwise have 
been avoided.

date. All differences are taken to the 
statement of comprehensive income.

Listing transaction costs
Transaction costs of the IPO are accounted 
for as a deduction from equity, net of any 
related income tax benefit. Transaction 
costs arising on the issue of equity 
instruments, however, do not include 
indirect costs, such as the costs of 
management time and administrative 
overheads, or allocations of internal costs 
that would have been incurred had the 
shares not been issued. Marketing costs for 
the IPO do not meet the definition of directly 
attributable expenses and are therefore 
expensed through the statement of 
comprehensive income, together with the 
indirect costs related to the IPO.

Accounts payable and accruals
Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be 
paid in the future for goods and services 
received whether billed by the supplier or 
not. Accounts payable are classified as 
current liabilities if payment is due within one 
year or less (or in the normal operating cycle 
of the business if longer). If not, they are 
presented as non-current liabilities. 
Accounts payable are recognised initially at 
fair value and subsequently measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest 
method.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the 
Company has an obligation (legal or 
constructive) arising from a past event, and 
the costs to settle the obligation are both 
probable and able to be reliably measured.

Provisions are measured at the present 
value of the expenditures expected to be 
required to settle the obligation using a 
pre-tax rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money 
and risks specific to the obligation. 
Increases in provisions due to the passage 
of time are recognised in the consolidated 
income statement.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are 
recorded in UAE Dirhams at the exchange 
rate ruling at the date of the transaction. 
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated 
in foreign currencies are retranslated at the 
rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet 

Financial instruments
Financial instruments comprise amounts 
due from a related party, cash and bank 
balances and other payables. The fair value 
of these financial instruments are based on 
estimated fair values calculated using 
methods such as the quoted market prices 
and net present value of future cash flows. 
The fair value of interest bearing items is 
estimated based on discounted cash flows 
using interest rates for items with similar 
terms and characteristics. The fair value of 
investments traded in organised markets is 
determined by reference to quoted market 
bid prices.

Impairment of financial assets
An assessment is made at each statement 
of financial position date to determine 
whether there is objective evidence that a 
specific financial asset may be impaired. If 
such evidence exists, any impairment loss is 
recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income. Impairment is 
determined as the difference between 
carrying value and the present value of 
future cash flows discounted at the current 
market rate of return for a similar financial 
asset.

3  ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND 
INTERPRETATIONS ISSUED BUT 
NOT EFFECTIVE
The standards and interpretations that are 
issued, but not yet effective, up to the date 
of issuance of the Company’s financial 
statements are disclosed below. The 
company intends to adopt these standards, 
if applicable, when they become effective.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 9, as issued, reflects the first phase of 
the IASB’s work on the replacement of IAS 
39 and applies to classification and 
measurement of financial assets and 
financial liabilities as defined in IAS 39. The 
standard was initially effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2013, but amendments to IFRS 9 
Mandatory Effective Date of IFRS 9 and 
Transition disclosures, issued in December 
2011, moved the mandatory effective date 
to 1 January 2015. In subsequent phases, 
the IASB is addressing hedge accounting 
and impairment of financial assets. The 

115

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued

3  ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS ISSUED BUT NOT EFFECTIVE continued
adoption of the first phase of IFRS 9 will not have an impact on classification and measurement of the Company’s financial assets and 
financial liabilities.

Investment Entities (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)
These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014 provide an exception to the consolidation 
requirement for entities that meet the definition of an investment entity under IFRS 10. The exception to consolidation requires investment 
entities to account for subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss. It is not expected that this amendment would be relevant to the 
Company, since none of the Company’s subsidiaries would qualify to be an investment entity under IFRS 10.

IAS 32 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Amendments to IAS 32
These amendments clarify the meaning of ‘currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off’ and the criteria for non-simultaneous 
settlement mechanisms of clearing houses to qualify for offsetting. These are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2014. These amendments are not expected to be relevant to the Company.

IFRIC Interpretation 21 Levies (IFRIC 21)
IFRIC 21 clarifies that an entity recognises a liability for a levy when the activity that triggers payment, as identified by the relevant legislation, 
occurs. For a levy that is triggered upon reaching a minimum threshold, the interpretation clarifies that no liability should be anticipated 
before the specified minimum threshold is reached. IFRIC 21 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. The 
Company does not expect that IFRIC 21 will have any material financial impact in future financial statements.

IAS 39 Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting-Amendments to IAS 39
These amendments provide relief from discounting hedge accounting when novation of a derivative designated as a hedge instrument 
meets certain criteria. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. The amendments have no 
impact on the Company.

4  INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY

As at 1 January
Addition
Transfer of amount due from a related party (note 6)
As at 31 December 

2013
US$ ’000
37,227 
–
166,900
204,127

2012
US$ ’000
–
37,227
–
37,227

This represents the cost of investment in NMC Healthcare LLC (previous parent company), a wholly owned subsidiary held through the 
holding company subsidiaries NMC Health Holdco Limited and NMC Holding Co LLC. As part of the restructuring of NMC Healthcare LLC 
group, on 28 March 2012, NMC Health plc issued shares to the existing shareholders of NMC Healthcare LLC in exchange for shares 
already held in NMC Healthcare LLC. The cost of investment represents the Company’s share of the net assets of NMC Healthcare LLC | 
at the date of the group restructuring.

During the year NMC Healthcare LLC issued a promissory note to the Company in respect of the amount that it owed to the Company. 
Subsequently, during the year, agreement was reached between the Company and NMC Healthcare LLC, that the obligations which NMC 
Healthcare LLC had under the terms of the promissory note would be released and discharged by the Company in return for the Company 
receiving shares in NMC Healthcare LLC. Accordingly, NMC Healthcare LLC issued 14,568 shares to the Company. The market value of 
the shares issued was equal to the market value of the inter-company debt as at the date of the loan capitalisation of US$166,900,000.

116

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial Statements4  INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY continued
The subsidiaries held by NMC Heath plc are as follows:

Direct subsidiaries: 
  NMC Holding Co LLC 
  NMC Health Holdco Limited 
Indirect subsidiaries: 
  NMC Healthcare LLC 
  New Pharmacy Company Limited 
  New Medical Centre Hospital LLC-Dubai 
  NMC Specialty Hospital LLC-Abu Dhabi 
  NMC Specialty Hospital LLC- Dubai 
  New Medical Centre Trading LLC 
  Bait Al Shifaa Pharmacy LLC-Dubai 
  New Medical Centre LLC-Sharjah 
  New Medical Centre Specialty Hospital LLC-Al Ain 
  Reliance Information Technology LLC 
  BR Medical Suites FZ LLC 
  Brightpoint Hospital LLC 
  NMC Day Surgery Centre LLC 
  NMC Dubai Investment Park LLC 

Percentage of holdings

31 December
2013

31 December
2012

100% 
100% 

100% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99%
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
100%
99%
99%
99%

100% 
100% 

100% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99%
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
99% 
100%
99%
99%
99%

All the above subsidiaries are incorporated in the UAE except for NMC Health Holdco Limited, which is incorporated in England and Wales.

5  ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PREPAYMENTS

Other receivables 
Prepayments 

2013
US$ ’000
33 
17 
50 

2012
US$ ’000
– 
– 
– 

6  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
These represent transactions with related parties, i.e. major shareholders and senior management of the Company, and entities controlled, 
jointly controlled or significantly influenced by such parties. Pricing policies and terms of all transactions are approved by the management 
of the Company.

The Company’s immediate and ultimate controlling party is a group of three individuals (H.E. Saeed Bin Butti, Dr BR Shetty and Mr Khalifa 
Bin Butti) who are all shareholders and directors of the Company and who together have the ability to control the company. As the 
immediate and ultimate controlling party is a group of individuals, it does not produce consolidated financial statements.

Included in amounts due from a related party as at 31 December 2012, as disclosed in the statement of financial position, are funds raised 
from the Company’s premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and provided to NMC Healthcare LLC. This amount was interest free 
and had no fixed repayment terms and hence was payable on demand.

117

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued

6  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS continued
As referred to in note 4, during the year the inter-company amount owed to the Company by NMC Healthcare LLC was capitalised into 
share capital in NMC Healthcare LLC.

Amounts due from Subsidiary
Amounts due from a related party

Compensation of key management personnel

Short term benefits 

Key management personnel include all the Non-Executives Directors and two senior management personnel.

2013
US$ ’000

2012
US$ ’000

2,875 

166,923

2013
US$ ’000
1,586 

2012
US$ ’000
638

7  SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARE PREMIUM
As at 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012:

Share capital

Issued and fully paid 
(nominal value 10 pence sterling each) 

Number of 
shares 
(thousands)

Ordinary  
shares  

US$ ’000

Total 
US$ ’000

 185,714 

 29,566 

 29,566

On incorporation the share capital of the Company was £100 divided into 100 Ordinary shares of £1 each. On 28 March 2012, as 
authorised by resolutions of the Company:

• each of the Ordinary shares were sub-divided into 10 Ordinary shares of 10 pence each; and the share capital of the Company was 

increased to £13,000,000 by the issue of 129,999,000 Ordinary shares of 10 pence each.

118

OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsIssued share capital and share premium movement

At the date of Incorporation
Share split 
Issue of new shares 
Issue of new shares – IPO 
Share issue costs 
At 31 December 2012 
At 31 December 2013 

Share  

Ordinary  
shares
US$ 
155 
– 

premium
US$ 
– 
– 

Number of 
shares
100 
900 

Total
US$
155 
– 
129,999,000  20,696,000  16,531,000  37,227,000 
8,870,000  177,394,000  186,264,000 
(14,773,000)
(14,773,000)
185,714,286  29,566,155  179,152,000  208,718,155 
185,714,286  29,566,155  179,152,000  208,718,155 

55,714,286 
–

–

On 5 April 2012, NMC Health plc completed its Premium Listing on the London Stock Exchange and raised US$186,264,000 from the 
issue of 55,714,286 new ordinary shares, thereby diluting existing shareholders equity interest to 66.95% at the time of listing.

During the period ended 31 December 2012 costs of US$18,175,000 were incurred in relation to completion of the Company’s Premium 
Listing on the London Stock Exchange. Of these costs, US$ 14,773,000 has been deducted from the share premium account and 
US$3,402,000 has been charged to the statement of comprehensive income in accordance with the requirements of IAS 32 – Financial 
Instruments: Presentation. Out of the total costs of US$18,175,000 an amount of US$ nil remains payable as at 31 December 2013 (2012: 
US$ 645,000) and was included in other payables.

8  OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUALS

Other payables 
Accrued expenses 

2013
US$ ’000
238 
1234 
1,472 

2012
US$ ’000
737 
1,014 
1,751

9  PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY
The Profit for the year in the financial statements of the Company is US$14,632,000 (2012: loss for Company for the period from 20 July 
2011 to 31 December 2012 was US$5,938,000).

10  AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION
The Company paid US$615,000 to its auditor in respect of the audit of the Company’s annual accounts for the year ended 31 December 
2013 (2012: US$500,000), which includes a portion in respect of the audit of the financial statements of the Company.

Included in the fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts in the current year is an amount of 
US$100,000 which was under-accrued in respect of the prior year audit of the Company’s annual accounts.

Fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP and its associates for non-audit services to the Company itself are not disclosed in the individual accounts 
of NMC Health plc because group financial statements are prepared which are required to disclose such fees on a consolidated basis.

11  DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Directors’ remuneration 

2013
US$ ’000
944 

2012
US$ ’000
557

There are no other employee benefits such as long-term benefits, post-employment benefits or share options paid or payable to the 
directors. Further information in respect of this compensation paid to directors is disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

12  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company’s principal financial liabilities are other payables, arising in the normal course of business. The Company’s financial assets 
include an amount due from a related party and bank balances. The company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: interest rate 
risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency risk.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest 
rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its bank balances only, as the balance due from a related party is interest free, and 
therefore the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk is limited.

119

NMC Health — Annual Report 2013Notes to the Financial Statements
Continued

12  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that counterparty will not meet its obligations under a financial instrument, leading to a financial loss. The Company’s 
credit risk arises from amounts due from a related party and bank balances.

The directors assess the credit quality of the related party by taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. 
Management does not expect any losses from non-performance by this counterparty, which is a subsidiary of the Company.

The Company limits its credit risk with regard to bank balances by only dealing with reputable banks. The credit rating of the bank at which 
the cash at bank is held is AA+.

Liquidity risk
The Company’s objective is to maintain sufficient funding to meet its obligations as they fall due.

The table below analyses the Company’s undiscounted financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the contractual 
payment dates.

Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant

At 31 December 2013 
Other payables 
TOTAL 

At 31 December 2012 
Other payables 
Total 

On demand
US$ ’000

Less than 3 
months
US$ ’000

3 to 12 
months
US$ ’000

1 to 5 years
US$ ’000

Total
US$ ’000

– 
– 

– 
– 

238 
238 

737 
737 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

238 
238 

737 
737 

Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in a currency that is 
not the entity’s functional currency.

The Company is exposed to currency risk on its other payables denominated in Pound Sterling. Foreign currency payable balances 
included in the statement of financial position denominated in Pound Sterling are US$571,000 (2012: US$1,251,000).

A +/- 5% movement of the US Dollar currency rate against Pound Sterling, with all other variables held constant, results in an decrease/
increase on the profit for the year of US$29,000 (2012: loss of US$63,000).

Fair value estimation
The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are not materially different from their carrying values at the statement of financial 
position date.

Financial guarantees:
The company is a guarantor along with other fellow subsidiary undertakings for US$225,000,000 (2012: nil) of syndicated loans from 
JP Morgan raised by its subsidiary NMC Healthcare LLC.

13  DIVIDENDS
In the AGM on 27 June 2013 the shareholders approved a dividend of 4.1 pence per share, amounting to GBP 7,614,286 (US$11,598,326) 
paid to shareholders on the Company’s share register on 31 May 2013. The dividend was paid on 4 July 2013. No interim dividend was 
declared during the year. Subject to shareholder’s approval, a final dividend of 4.4 pence per share, GBP 8,212,700 (US$13,633,000) will be 
paid to shareholders on the Company’s share register on 31 May 2014

14  TAX
The Group operates solely in the United Arab Emirates and as there is no corporation tax in the United Arab Emirates, no taxes are 
recognised or payable on the operations in the UAE. It is the opinion of management that there are sufficient losses in the Company to 
offset any potential taxable income arising in the UK and accordingly any tax liability that could arise would be immaterial.

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OverviewGroup Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsNMC Health — Annual Report 2013

Established in 1975, NMC Health plc is now the 
leading private sector healthcare operator in the 
United Arab Emirates, with a nationwide 
network of hospitals and operations in the 
country. The group also operates a UAE wide 
distribution and wholesale business.

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NMC Health plc 
23 Hanover Square
London, W1S 1JB 
United Kingdom