Following the pledge of 9000 Doctors from Apollo Hospitals to dedicate one day a month to provide healthcare services to urban, semi urban and rural areas of the India, the first set of free medical camps were conducted across various locations on 9th June 2016. These camps would be conducted on the 9th of every month, specifically for pregnant women where they would be visited by Clinicians, Nurses and Support Staff from Apollo Hospitals. Locations covered through the first camp are Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkatta, Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Karaikudi, Ahmedabad, Vizag, Bilaspur, Mysore & Assam. Through this initiative, Apollo Hospitals has reached out and touched the lives of 3000 Patients in a single day. Camp at Ahmedabad Camp at Assam Camp at Bangalore Camp at Bhubaneswar Camp at Bilaspur Camp at Chennai Camp at Hyderabad Camp at Indore Camp at Kakinada Camp at Karimnagar Camp at Karur Camp at Kolkata Camp at Madurai Camp at Mysore Camp at Nellore Camp at Trichy Camp at Vishakhapatnam  

The event featured presentations by leading specialists about the latest advancements in the treatment of pituitary and brain tumours, and was followed by an announcement of a successful surgery undertaken by the team of hospital’s team of surgeons. The patient, a 59 year old man, reported with a history of frequent falls about three months ago. A known patient of diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism, detailed clinical examination revealed that he was suffering from visual field defect on one half of both his eyes. An MRI of his brain showed a large tumour (pituitary macroadenoma) in the Sellar region of the skull, with Suprasellar extensions. While his hormonal profile was normal, a surgical removal of the tumour was necessary as it was quite large, and exerting significant pressure on the centre of the optic nerves, resulting in the vision defects. The team of surgeons, led by Dr S.N. Singh, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the hospital, excised the tumour through the patient’s nose using an endoscope and microscope. A subsequent biopsy of the tumour, classified as a WHO GRADE I tumour, confirmed the radiological diagnosis. The patient’s field of vision is improving, and he is well on the path of recovery. Dr. Singh observed, “A tumour in the brain, or on the pituitary gland, given the sensitive nature of these key structures, poses a major risk to our overall wellbeing, irrespective of whether it is cancerous or not. A time bound, multidisciplinary intervention, utilizing the latest treatment options covering surgery, and subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy (if required), can help us maintain the patient’s quality of life and ensure best outcomes.” Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rupali Basu, President and CEO ER, Apollo Hospitals Group, India, said, “On one hand, while research continues on the identification of the causative factors that can lead to a tumour of the brain or the pituitary gland, we see significant advancements being made in the area of available treatments. As a result, today we have access to the most advanced facilities, which allow us to deliver state-of-the-art excellence, and save precious lives. Patients can now look to a life beyond brain tumour – a life that is healthy and productive.” Popular singers Emon and Surojit were present on the occasion.  

Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Hyderabad and CURE Foundation organized ‘Celebration of Life’ on the eve of Cancer Survivors’ Day on June 4, 2016, at Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills. Chief Guest Ms. Regina Cassandra, Film Actress & Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy, Director, Apollo Cancer Hospital, joined Cancer Survivors and patients to appreciate their courage and to boost the morale of cancer patients undergoing treatment. Survivors shared their experience, responded to questions from patients, and celebrated the occasion by singing and dancing. On this occasion, Ms. Regina Cassandra unveiled ‘Symbol of Resilience’ symbolizing life, enduring strength and resilient will to survive. Citing the example of one of the cancer survivors present at the program, 85 year old Appalachari, who translated Bhagavad-Gita into Urdu and is attempting to compile a Telugu to Urdu dictionary after successfully combating cancer, Ms. Regina Cassandra said, “He is a true inspiration for all cancer patients with a strong message that cancer is curable and one can lead a normal life post that. In the past, cancer was dreaded by everyone, but in the recent years cancer care has made rapid strides with new treatments and techniques to treat cancer. However the key to cancer treatment is early diagnosis, which makes cancer treatment easy. Today 65% of adult cancers being curable is a significant progress and has been possible because of early diagnosis”. Stage 2, 3 or 4 cancers are difficult to treat, she said and advised regular annual check-ups after 40 years of age. She also pointed out that amongst juvenile cancers the survival rate is as good as 85%. Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy said, “Cancer was always perceived as a death sentence, but not anymore. With latest advancements in technology and treatments made available, the zeal in the patient to fight cancer has made an enormous difference in the treatment of cancer patients. The cancer survivors who have successfully combated and conquered the dreaded disease are the real heroes. These heroes speaking and presenting their real life experiences is much more convincing to the other cancer patients and they too see a ray of hope. This builds the confidence of the patients to fight their battle against cancer”, he said. Dr. Reddy said that there has been tremendous development in cancer treatment in the recent past. Minimal invasive surgery, targeted therapy, new chemotherapy drugs and high precision radiotherapy are some of the latest and highly effective arsenals in combating this disease. Unlike in the past, today we are able to cure almost 75% of the cancer patients. The remaining 25% is because of late detection. (L-R) Ms. Sangita Reddy, Ms. Regina Cassandra & Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy interacting with Patients (L-R) Ms. Sangita Reddy, Ms. Regina Cassandra, Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy & Dr. Hariprasad interacting with Patients Ms. Sangita Reddy addressing the gathering  

“Dheergadharisi” the Tamil version of the biography of Dr. Prathap Chandra Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, was launched by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Founder of Isha Foundation at a special event today. The biography “Healer: Dr Prathap C Reddy and the Transformation of India” authored by Pranay Gupte was translated into Tamil by well-known author Smt Sivasankari, who in the past four decades has carved a niche for herself in the Tamil literary world. The book launch saw a gathering of noted luminaries from different walks of life. Guests of Honour Dr. Smt. Meena Muthiah, Kumara Rani of Chettinad, and Dr. MK Mani, Chief Nephrologist, Apollo Hospitals were also present to grace the occasion. The book launch was followed by a session on “Conversation with the Mystic” with Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev that enlightened the evening with soulful conversations. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prathap C Reddy said, “Almost 30 years ago, I lost a 38 year old patient to a heart disease as he was not able to travel abroad for better treatment. This particular incident triggered the doctor in me to conceptualize and establish a world class healthcare organization designed to suit the needs of our people right here in our country. Apollo Hospitals was born with a mission to bring healthcare of international medical standards to patients in India. My belief that India has the acumen and talent to provide better quality medical facilities has kept me driven ever since and I am confident that we will continue to use the best of technology and skills to serve millions more.” The book “Dheergadharisi” follows the extraordinary career and legacy of Dr Prathap Reddy, a Padma Bhushan awardee, who has revolutionized the private health care landscape in India with his various initiatives. From a 150-bed hospital in Chennai in 1983, Apollo Hospitals has today grown to a 9,215-bed hospital chain with 2,200 pharmacies across the country, under his powerful and innovative leadership. The engaging biography traces his improbable journey from being born in a small provincial town of Aragonda in Andhra Pradesh to his ongoing status as the Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, providing the group with its ideological guidance across its wide range of socially conscious initiatives. The book launch also included reading of passages by Smt Sivasankari and Sadhguru from the book, highlighting the growth of The Indian Healthcare System through the incredible life journey of Dr. Reddy. Priced at Rs 899, Dheergadharisi is available at all leading bookstores, shopping portals and online bookstores.    

Accentuating the importance of sports and games in ensuring good health, Apollo Hospitals acquired a franchisee “Apollo Eagles” in the inaugural edition of the Dart Premier League (DPL), scheduled between June 5 –11, 2016. The eight member team consists of five men and three women players. The team members are: Arnab Raha (Captain), Chirag Kapoor, Kaushik Padhi, Rahul Shaw, Dipak Choudhary, Nivedita Sarkar, Vidisha Parekh, Surabhi Borar Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rupali Basu, President and CEO ER, Apollo Hospitals Group, India, said, “Games are a great way to de-stress at the end of a long day, and play a major role in ensuring our overall health and wellbeing. As healthcare leaders and pioneers of cutting-edge medical facilities in Eastern India, we feel that our association with the sport of darts is a step in the right direction, and will help promote an overall culture of health and wellness.” The team, which answers to the call ‘Targeted Therapy’ commenced their campaign with a visit to the Apollo Gleneagles Cancer Hospital, renowned as the premier destination for 360 degree cancer care under one roof in this part of the country. Here, the members were shown the advanced treatment facilities and cure options at the disposal of the hospital, including the powerful Novalis Tx machine the latest in cancer care and management. The Novalis Tx machine, which delivers pin point accuracy, has transformed the treatment options for cancer. Dr Basu observed, “Our targeted cancer therapy regimen delivers pinpoint treatment accuracy leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Novalis Tx system. Like the tip of a dart hitting the bulls eye, it strikes accurately at the tumour and the diseased cells, and helps ensure the best results for our patients.”  

Delivering his message on World Anti-Tobacco Day, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd said, “We have seen a steep surge in the number of young boys and girls who are drawn towards smoking and an equal number of them who are battling with this addiction. While no one is unaware of the effects tobacco has on our body, this generation needs to understand the gravity of the situation wherein tobacco-related illness today is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Approximately one person dies from a tobacco-related disease every six seconds, which is almost six million people a year. I sincerely urge our future generation to understand that this life that they have is priceless and instead of fighting addictions, this is the time for them to fight for their passions. I thereby hope we entrust due respect to our heart and body, prevent it from foreseeable damage, and lead a heart-healthy life”    

Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi’s clarion call to doctors in the country, the entire medical fraternity of Apollo Hospitals was encouraged to pledge their support to devote a day every month for service across urban, semi-urban and rural geographies with guidance from the State Governments. The announcement made by the Prime Minister to raise the retirement age to 65 including appeal to doctors to attend to poor pregnant women on the ninth of every month comes at a time when the country is grappling with limited manpower and infrastructure to tackle the rising incidences of NCD’s. Making the announcement, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals said,” The Hon’ble Prime Minister made a clarion call to the medical fraternity and as a responsible healthcare provider, Apollo Hospitals will conduct camps on the 9th of every month with guidance from the State Governments. Personally, I will participate in this national service endeavour and will also urge all my clinicians to devote a day each month for this laudable programme, which translates to over a million man hours of clinical talent a year. This initiative, I believe, will soon transform the healthcare status of India. “ With guidance from the State Governments, on the 9th of every month, Apollo Hospitals will provide consultations to patients. Teams comprising of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, Paediatricians, Internal Medicine experts and General Surgeons will provide expertise through these camps across the country through its 64 hospitals. According to reports from WHO, India has one doctor for every 1,600 persons, while the recommendation is one per 1000 at the very least. Dr Reddy also added,” India has close to 65 million diabetics, twice the number of pre-diabetics, over a million new cases of cancer are detected each year and coronary heart disease is on the rise with poor lifestyles. We are witnessing the growth in lifestyle diseases across urban and rural India and I believe that the medical camps with guidance from the State Governments will help the nation wage war against this disease burden. “  

Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call to doctors in the country, the entire medical fraternity of Apollo Hospitals was encouraged to pledge their support to devote a day every month for service across urban, semi-urban and rural geographies with guidance from the State Governments. Making the announcement, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals said,“The Hon’ble Prime Minister made a clarion call to the medical fraternity and as a responsible healthcare provider, Apollo Hospitals will conduct camps on the 9th of every month with guidance from the State Governments. Personally, I will participate in this national service endeavour and will also urge all my clinicians to devote a day each month for this laudable programme, which translates to over a million man hours of clinical talent a year. This initiative, I believe, will soon transform the healthcare status of India.” With guidance from the State Governments, on the 9th of every month, Apollo Hospitals will provide consultations to patients. Teams comprising of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, Paediatricians, Internal Medicine experts and General Surgeons will provide expertise through these camps across the country through its 64 hospitals. According to reports from WHO, India has one doctor for every 1,600 persons, while the recommendation is one per 1000 at the very least. Dr. Reddy also added, “India has close to 65 million diabetics, twice the number of pre-diabetics, over a million new cases of cancer are detected each year and coronary heart disease is on the rise with poor lifestyles. We are witnessing the growth in lifestyle diseases across urban and rural India and I believe that the medical camps with guidance from the State Governments will help the nation wage war against this disease burden.”  

Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar launched GPS enabled ambulance services at its premises. Dr. Sandeep. Chatrath, Regional CEO (AP, Telangana & Odisha) explained that the ambulances were actually full-fledged ICU on wheels. Apollo Hospitals is a pioneer of modern day emergency care in India. It set up the ‘National Network of Emergency Services’ which is operational across 9 cities in the country (Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ballarpur, Kakinada and Bengaluru). The system comprises 22 emergency rooms, 60 ambulances and over 500 personnel to provide emergency care of uniform quality standards across the country. It’s 24-hour emergency and trauma care is geared to meet all medical and surgical emergencies, including polytrauma.  

Apollo Hospitals Group, India in collaboration with Mediterranean Conferences Organizing (MCO) conducted “The Recent Advances in Surgical Management” Conference at Abu Dhabi, UAE. Apollo Hospitals Group, India has been listed among one of India’s largest, most prestigious, medical and educational centers, accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). Renowned experts from Departments of Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, GI Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery presented their experiences of extending medical care to international patients. The conference was aimed at providing opportunities to understand the advancement in the respective fields of specialization, gain knowledge, developing new strategies and networking with the experts in the field of medicine.  

Renowned Heart Surgeon and Chief Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon of Apollo Health City , Hyderabad, Dr. Vijay Dikshit, was felicitated by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group and eminent citizens and doctors from the city, for accomplishing a rare distinction of performing over 20,000 cardiac surgeries. Dr Dikshit, who performed his first cardiac surgery way back in 1991, reached the milestone in March, 2016. This is the largest experience of Open Heart Surgery that any surgeon has had in India. Dr. Vijay Dikshit, who originally hails from Lucknow and has since made Hyderabad his home – in his illustrious career of over twenty five years, most of which has been at Apollo Hospitals, has accomplished several landmarks. He holds the unique record of performing 362 consecutive Coronary Bypass Surgeries without any mortality or serious complication, between 1991 to 1993, which illustrated the potential he had in him to become one of the most dexterous heart surgeons in this part of the world and globally. Dr. Dikshit performed a delicate and complex heart surgery successfully on a two day old baby born with congenital heart disease, in his initial years in the profession, a rare accomplishment in those days and even today. Only a handful of cardiac surgeons have tread this distance in the annals of cardiothoracic surgery, world over, therefore this accomplishment of Dr. Vijay Dikshit is highly commendable, said, Dr. Prathap C Reddy. Dr. Dikshit was instrumental in pioneering several advanced techniques of Coronary Bypass surgery in India, like routine use of Internal Mammary Artery Graft, Coronary Endarterectomies, Bypass Surgery on beating hearts, Minimal Invasive Coronary Bypass Surgeries and use of Radial Artery for bypass graft and other arterial conduits for Bypass surgeries. He operated on many infants for complex congenital defects using the technique of Profound Hypothermia with Circulatory Arrest. Dr. Dikshit is one among the first Cardiac Surgeons to have started doing Redo Coronary Bypass Surgeries (Repeat Bypass surgery) in India, which was considered to be complicated, requiring treatment abroad. Dr. Dikshit’s spree of successful work continued with him performing the first operation of Thoracoscopic Closure of Patient Ductus Arteriosus, on a six year old male child in 1996. He was one of the first to use and now has the largest experience in using Stentless Bioprosthetic Valve Replacement Surgery for Aortic Valve disease in India, a state of the art Tissue Heart Valve not yet commonly used in India. Dr. Dikshit performed the first Heart Transplant in November 2013 under Jeevandan Scheme of Government of Andhra Pradesh. He has the experience of the highest number of Mitral Valve Replacement Operation with Complete Chordal Preservation & Artificial Chordal Reconstruction, one of the latest techniques of Mitral Valve surgery. Dr. Dikshit has performed over 8,500 CABGs with Beating Heart Technique. He is a recipient of the prestigious FIE National Award in 1994 from Dr. Manmohan Singh, the then Union Finance Minister, for excellence in Medical Sciences. Rama Krishna Mission recognized and honored him for dedicated service to humanity. Medtronic Inc., USA felicitated him for performing 5000 Open Heart Surgeries in the year 2000. But Dr. Vijay Dikshit, who is extremely down to earth and humble says, “the love and bonding I get from my patients is overwhelming, and nothing can beat that. The cheer I see in their faces is what keeps me going”. Dr. Dikshit worked and trained in several top notch and globally reputed institutions like Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesotta; The Kaiser Permanente Hospital , Los Angeles; Abbots North Western Hospital, Minneapolis Heart Institute, Minneapolis ; Dr. Dudley Johnson’s Unit at Milwaukee; Royal Children Hospital, Melbourne, Australia with Dr. Roger B Mee, a renowned authority on Paediatric Cardiac Surgery. He got hands on training in Mitral Valve Repair Surgery from Dr. Alen Carpentier – an authority for Mitral Valve Repair Surgery, at Florida, USA. Megastar Chiranjivi felicitating renowned Heart Surgeon and Chief Cardio- Thoracic Surgeon of Apollo Hospitals, hyderabad, Dr Vijay Dikshit, on he accomplishing a rare feat of performing over 20,000 cardiac surgeries, as Dr Pratap Reddy looks on, on Saturday. (L-R) Ms Sangita Reddy, Jt. MD, Apollo Hospitals; Ms Preeta Reddy, Vice-Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals with their mother Mrs Sucharita Reddy at the program organised to felicitate renowned Heart Surgeon and Chief Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon of Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, Dr Vijay Dikshit, on he accomplishing a rare feat of performing over 20,000 cardiac surgeries. Renowned Heart Surgeon Dr Vijay Dikshit, flanked by his daughter Shivani and wife Rita, at the program organised to felicitate him on accomplishing the rare feat of performing over 20,000 cardiac surgeries, on Sunday. Mayor B. Rammohan sharing notes with Ms Sangita Reddy, Jt. MD, Apollo Hospitals; at the program organised to felicitate renowned Heart Surgeon and Chief Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon of Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, Dr Vijay Dikshit, on he accomplishing a rare feat of performing over 20,000 cardiac surgeries. Mayor B. Rammohan felicitating renowned Heart Surgeon and Chief Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon of Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, Dr Vijay Dikshit, on he accomplishing a rare feat of performing over 20,000 cardiac surgeries, as Ms Sangita Reddy, Jt. MD, Apollo Hospitals; looks on, on Saturday.  

Apollo Hospitals and William Osler Health System (Osler) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing a unique partnership between the two organizations. The agreement, signed in Delhi recently by Dr. Anupam Sibal, Senior Consultant and Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals and Dr. Naveed Mohammad, VP Medical Affairs, William Osler Health System and Lead Physician of Osler’s Global Health Program, brings together two leading health care organizations in efforts to improve health outcomes across the world. Ms. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited and Apollo Hospitals Senior Leadership team members across India were present via video conference as well. The partnership focuses on two unique areas including research and continuity of patient care. Through the research collaboration, scientists at the two organizations will begin by identifying areas of cooperation, collaboration and innovation, particularly around the range of diseases like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer, which are highly prevalent among the population in regions served by both Osler and Apollo Hospitals. A recent assessment report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that the diabetic population in India is rising constantly and is projected to reach 101.2 million in the next 15 years. “Every year, nearly 36 million lives are lost to lifestyle diseases and more than 60 per cent of the population in India bears the brunt of chronic diseases. It is estimated that the incidence of chronic disease will cost India $6.2 trillion (USD) by the year 2030, adding to the already-existing financial burden, calling out for a paradigm shift in disease management”, said Mr. Rahul Reddy, SVP Strategic Relationships & New Initiatives, Apollo Hospitals Group. The organizations will also initiate a pilot project to enhance the continuity of care for patients with complex needs traveling between India and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada for extended periods of time. As part of the pilot, Apollo and Osler physicians will identify patients and provide them with an option of going to Apollo and Osler hospitals when in the other country for chronic, acute or emergency care. In consultation with identified patients, medical records – including physician notes, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging tests and medication records – will be securely shared to ensure medical information is available to clinicians delivering care. In addition, consults including virtual grand rounds will be arranged between hospital clinical teams to enhance patient care. “We share a vision of improving life for the communities we serve and by promoting management of an individual’s health and wellness, said Dr. Mohammad“. The two organizations also share a common interest in providing coordinated, high-quality health care for their patients, whether they are residents or visitors. This pilot gives us an unprecedented opportunity to better understand how we can coordinate the continuity of care for these patients and dramatically improve their health outcomes – contributing significantly to their increased health and wellness and making a positive difference to the health system as a whole.” This agreement between Osler and Apollo Hospitals is viewed to be significantly beneficial in view of the rising burden of chronic disease in both countries, and will enable transparent and seamless health care delivery in both countries. (L-R) Dr. Anupam Sibal, Senior Consultant and Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals and Dr. Naveed Mohammad, VP Medical Affairs, William Osler Health System and Lead Physician of Osler’s Global Health Program Apollo Hospitals and William Osler teams at the event