When one vendor quotes ₹12 lakh and another quotes ₹6 lakh for a "same modular operation theatre," the cheaper quote is almost never the same OT. The price drops because something is smaller, thinner, left out or cheaper. Usually you only find out after handover.
This guide shows where a low quote saves money, so you can check it before you sign. If you are planning a modular operation theatre in Delhi NCR or anywhere in India, read this first, along with our modular OT cost guide for 2026.
Why "same OT" rarely means same OT:
Two quotes can look identical on the first page: same room size, same words ("seamless," "antibacterial," "NABH ready"). The real difference sits in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ). That is where the panel type, core, coating, joints, flooring and service terms are listed. A 50% lower price has to come from somewhere in that list.
8 places where a low quote cuts cost:
1. Cheaper wall panel material. The wall panel is the biggest line item. Swapping stainless steel for PPGI, or HPL for plain painted sheet, can cut the price a lot. It also changes how the OT looks and performs in year 3 and year 5. (See the comparison table below.)
2. Low-density panel core. A good panel uses PUF foam of about 40 kg/m³. Cheaper quotes often use thermocol (EPS) or thin foam. The result is panels that flex, seals that crack and pressure that is hard to hold.
3. Thin coating on the panel. Medical-grade panels need a proper epoxy polyester powder coating of about 60 to 80 microns. Thin liquid paint wears off under daily cleaning chemicals, and rust and swab test failures follow.
4. Weak joints and coving. An OT is only as clean as its joints. Cheap quotes use ordinary bathroom silicone and plastic covings. Hospital-grade anti-fungal silicone and aluminium covings cost more, but they last.
5. Flooring shortcuts. Anti-static flooring needs a copper grid, proper adhesive and welded seams. This is often skipped or done badly in low quotes, and the floor bubbles or fails the conductivity test.
6. Basic door and hardware. A manual door instead of a touchless sliding one saves money. Check the door seal and motor brand too.
7. Items left out of the quote. This is the biggest trap. HVAC and AHU, laminar flow, MGPS, surgeon control panel, pendants, OT lights and scrub stations may all be "extra." The OT looks cheap on paper, but it cannot run.
8. Thin warranty and expensive AMC. A low price today can come with a heavy AMC/CAMC bill from year 2, or slow service when something fails.
Wall panel types compared: stainless steel, Corian, PPGI and HPL:
| PPGIHPLStainless Steel (SS 304)Corian / Solid Surface | ||||
| What it is | Pre-painted galvanised steel with PUF core | High-pressure laminate sheet on a steel/PUF panel | Stainless steel skin on PUF core | Solid mineral surface bonded to a backing panel |
| Look and finish | Smooth painted finish | Good colour range, modern look | Metallic, premium | Seamless, stone-like |
| Cleaning and hygiene | Good if coating is thick and joints are sealed | Good, but sealant quality at joints matters | Very good, handles harsh cleaning well | Very good, non-porous, few visible joints |
| Best for | General and day-care OTs, tight budgets | Hospitals wanting a modern look at mid-range cost | High-use OTs, long-term value | Premium, high-end OTs |
| Typical cost position | Entry level | Mid | High | Highest |
Neither is "best" for everyone. PPGI is a sensible starting point for many hospitals when the coating and core are right. Stainless steel suits busy theatres that want the longest life. HPL and Corian suit hospitals that want a premium, seamless look. The problem is not choosing PPGI. The problem is paying for stainless steel and getting PPGI.
How to compare two OT quotes:
Ask both vendors to write down these points:
- Panel type, skin thickness and core density
- Coating type and thickness in microns
- Joint sealant brand and covings material
- Flooring system and grounding method
- Door type, size and seal
- What is included and what is excluded (HVAC, MGPS, pendants, lights, scrub sinks, civil work)
- Warranty period and AMC cost from year 2
- Delivery time and who handles site coordination
Put both answers side by side. The half-price quote usually becomes much clearer, and often more expensive once the missing items are added back.
The NABH angle:
If you plan to apply for NABH accreditation, cost cutting has a hard floor. Auditors check for seamless, easy-to-clean surfaces, air changes, pressure and temperature control. A cheap OT that fails these checks costs you time and delays your return on investment. Read our guide on Class 100 airflow for NABH-compliant OTs and the NABH standards.
What a fair price looks like:
A base modular OT structure (wall and ceiling panels, door, flooring, covings) starts around ₹7 lakh for a standard-size room. A complete turnkey OT with HVAC, MGPS, pendants and lights costs more, depending on room size, panel material and airflow class. Your final number depends on your specialty, size and timeline.
Get a clear, itemised OT quote from MedGenz:
MedGenz is an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016 and CE certified manufacturer with 150+ projects across Delhi NCR, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and Nepal. We give itemised quotes so you can see exactly what you are paying for, from OT design and panels to MGPS, nurse call and after-sales service. Visit our projects page or request a quote.
