Apollo Hospitals’ Clinical Leaders Receive Padma Awards for Advancing Indian Healthcare

As India marked its 77th Republic Day, the Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026 – recognising medical leaders whose life-long service has significantly advanced patient care, medical science, and public health.

Among this year’s distinguished honourees were three Apollo Hospitals’ clinicians whose work exemplifies deep clinical expertise and compassionate care:

Dr. KR Palaniswamy, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, was conferred the Padma Bhushan for his decades-long contributions to digestive and liver disease management, therapeutic endoscopy, and medical education. His leadership in training generations of specialists has helped elevate gastroenterology practice across India. In 2007, he was honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution in the field. In 2019, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology.
 

Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, an Indian-American radiation oncologist at Apollo Hospitals and with global acclaim, also received the Padma Bhushan for pioneering advances in high-dose-rate brachytherapy – improving precision in cancer treatment while safeguarding healthy tissue. In 2015, he was conferred with the Padma Shri for his contributions to the field of medicine. In 2014, he was honoured with the Ellis Island Medal of Honour, one of the United States’ most prestigious civilian awards.
 

Dr. P Vijay Anand Reddy, Director and Senior Consultant at Apollo Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for his impactful contributions to oncology and cancer care. He led India’s first perioperative brain interstitial implant and advanced the adoption of hypofractionated and short-course radiotherapy protocols, helping deliver effective cancer care to a broader patient population.
 

These prestigious national awards highlight Apollo Hospitals’ dedication to clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care. They align with the group’s long-standing tradition of improving healthcare outcomes both in India and globally, while building confidence in the nation’s healthcare system and motivating future generations of medical professionals.