A first-of-its-kind multidisciplinary programme brings global standards of lymphatic care to India, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to prevention for women at risk of cancer-related lymphedemaNew Delhi, 07 August 2026: Apollo Athenaa, Asia's first dedicated women cancer centre by Apollo Hospitals, today announced the launch of India's first one stop comprehensive Lymphedema Clinic, accredited by the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) an internationally recognised non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing education, research and advocacy for lymphatic diseases—setting a new benchmark in the management of cancer-related lymphedema. Designed around internationally recognised standards of care, the clinic brings together specialised surgeons, lymphedema therapists, nurses, dermatologists and rehabilitation experts under a single multidisciplinary programme, offering comprehensive care spanning prevention, early diagnosis, advanced microsurgery, rehabilitation and lifelong follow-up. The Apollo Athenaa Lymphedema Clinic is distinguished by its integrated model of care, combining multidisciplinary clinical expertise, advanced imaging and supermicrosurgical capabilities, specialised rehabilitation, and internationally benchmarked protocols to deliver personalised care with superior clinical outcomes and an enhanced quality of life for patients. Patients have access to dedicated lymphedema assessment, manual lymphatic drainage, complete decongestive therapy, compression therapy, stage-specific rehabilitation, lymphovenous bypass surgery, vascularised lymph node transfer and liposuction for selected advanced cases. The programme is further strengthened by ultra high-frequency ultrasound technology, enabling surgeons to accurately identify lymphatic vessels and veins for performing lymphatic bypass procedures with greater precision.India is estimated to have over one million people living with lymphedema. Of these, an estimated 400,000–600,000 are living with cancer-related lymphedema, with 30,000–50,000 new cases developing annually. As cancersurvival rates continue to improve, this burden is expected to rise, underscoring the urgent need for dedicated multidisciplinary lymphedema services.Women undergoing breast and gynaecological cancer treatment remain among the most vulnerable, as lymph node removal and radiation therapy can permanently disrupt lymphatic drainage, resulting in chronic swelling, recurrent infections, reduced mobility and a significant impact on long-term quality of life. Up to 20% to 42% of women develop arm lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, and roughly 31% to 37% of survivors of gynecological cancers experience lower-limb lymphedema. Despite this growing burden, access to specialised multidisciplinary lymphedema care remains limited in India, with patients often navigating fragmented treatment pathways that delay intervention and compromise long-term outcomes.Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, "At Apollo, we have always believed that advancing healthcare means continually raising standards across every stage of the patient journey. As cancer outcomes continue to improve, our focus must also extend to helping patients live healthier, fuller lives beyond treatment. Apollo Athenaa, Asia's first dedicated cancer centre for women, was created with this vision of delivering comprehensive, women-centric cancer care. The launch of India's first LE&RN-accredited Lymphedema Clinic is a natural extension of that commitment. By bringing together specialised expertise, advanced technology and internationally recognised standards of care within a multidisciplinary programme, we are addressing an important aspect of survivorship that has often been overlooked, while ensuring women receive the highest quality of care throughout their recovery."Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Consultant Plastic & Breast Reconstruction Surgeon, Apollo Athenaa, said, "Traditionally, lymphedema surgery has largely been considered only after the condition develops, when irreversible tissue changes may have already occurred. At Apollo Athenaa, we are changing this paradigm by introducing a preventive approach through Prophylactic Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB) for eligible patients undergoing cancer surgery who are at high risk of developing lymphedema. Performed at the time of axillary lymph node dissection, this super microsurgical procedure restores lymphatic drainageduring cancer surgery itself, helping reduce the future risk of arm lymphedema rather than waiting for the condition to manifest. This shift from reactive treatment to preventive lymphatic surgery has the potential to significantly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for women undergoing breast cancer treatment."Dr. Samarth Gupta, Senior Consultant Plastic & Breast Reconstruction Surgeon, Apollo Athenaa, said, "Lymphedema care cannot be delivered in isolation. It requires timely diagnosis, specialised rehabilitation, precision surgery and long-term follow-up working together as one coordinated programme. At Apollo Athenaa, we have brought together every aspect of lymphedema care—from dedicated assessment and specialised physiotherapy to advanced imaging, microsurgical reconstruction and survivorship support—under one roof. By combining evidence-based protocols with technologies such as high-frequency ultrasound, we are able to deliver highly personalised care while helping patients regain function, confidence and quality of life."With the launch of the LE&RN-accredited comprehensive Lymphedema Clinic, Apollo Athenaa continues to strengthen its women-centric oncology ecosystem by advancing survivorship care through integrated prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. By bringing globally benchmarked standards of lymphatic care to India, the centre aims not only to improve long-term functional recovery and quality of life for women living with or at risk of cancer-related lymphedema, but also to enable them to return to their everyday lives with greater confidence, dignity and well-being- reflecting Athenaa's commitment to care beyond cure.ABOUT APOLLO ATHENAAApollo Athenaa, a unit of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, is Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, rooted in empathy and powered by science. It is not just a facility—it’s a mission. Apollo Athenaa is envisioned as a safe, specialised space exclusively for women, combining cutting-edge oncology expertise with compassion, dignity, and privacy. Women are the cornerstones of families and communities, and their health directly impacts the strength of the nation. Recognising the need for timely, specialised, and compassionate care, Apollo hastaken a pioneering step forward. Apollo Athenaa provides comprehensive women-focused cancer care, from preventive screenings and advanced diagnostics to surgical oncology, breast oncoplasty, fertility preservation, and reconstructive care. Supported by multidisciplinary expertise and precision oncology, the centre also offers nutrition, physiotherapy, onco-psychology, and palliative care, ensuring a continuum of services that place women’s health, dignity, and well-being at the forefront.Log on to: https://www.apollohospitals.com/hospitals/apollo-athenaa-womens-cancer-centre

India's pioneering paediatric robotic surgery programme, started in 2012, becomes South India's first dedicated Centre of Excellence in the fieldNearly half the 400 children treated were under five, with the youngest patient just 50 days old Chennai, 8 July 2026: Apollo Children's Hospitals announced the launch of its Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Robotic Urology, marking the successful completion of more than 400 paediatric robotic procedures. Established in 2012 under the leadership of Dr. V. Sripathi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, the programme has grown into one of India's pioneering and South India's first dedicated paediatric robotic urology initiatives, setting new benchmarks in clinical excellence, innovation, and patient outcomes. Over the past fourteen years, the programme has become a leading referral centre for complex paediatric robotic urological procedures, providing advanced minimally invasive surgical care to children from across India and neighbouring countries. This sustained track record of clinical excellence, innovation, and patient outcomes now underpins its formal recognition as a Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Robotic Urology, reaffirming Apollo Children's Hospitals' commitment to advancing specialised paediatric surgical care. Since its inception, the programme has successfully treated children across all age groups. Approximately 50 percent of patients were under five years of age, while 10 percent were infants under one year. Demonstrating the precision and safety of robotic-assisted surgery even in the youngest patients, the smallest child successfully treated was just 50 days old and weighed only 3.5 kilograms. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. V. Sripathi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Children's Hospitals, Chennai, said: "Completing more than 400 paediatric robotic surgeries is a significant milestone that reflects both clinical excellence and the trust families place in us. Robotic surgery enables us to perform complex procedures with greater precision, less pain, and faster recovery. At Apollo Children's Hospitals, patient safety is our highest priority, with our paediatric urology team, anaesthetists, nurses, operation theatre staff, and biomedical engineers working together to ensure the safest possible care for every child. Through this Centre of Excellence, we will continue to advance paediatric robotic surgery and expand access to world-class care." Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery provides surgeons with a high-definition, three-dimensional magnified view and wristed instruments that replicate the movement of the human hand with remarkable precision. This enables meticulous dissection and reconstruction while preserving healthy surrounding tissues, making it particularly valuable for delicate paediatric urological procedures. During complex kidney reconstruction, surgeons can operate without disturbing the intestines, significantly reducing surgical trauma. Compared with conventional open surgery, robotic-assisted procedures offer several advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and superior cosmetic outcomes with minimal scarring. Babies are often able to begin feeding within just two hours after a renal procedure, while most patients are discharged within 24 to 48 hours, enabling children to recover sooner and families to return home more quickly. Commenting on the launch, Ms Sindoori Reddy, Director- Strategy, Apollo Hospitals, said: "The launch of this Centre of Excellence marks the next phase in Apollo's journey to advance paediatric robotic urology. By bringing together clinical care, innovation, research, and specialist training under one roof, we aim to accelerate the adoption of advanced minimally invasive surgery, expand access to world-class care, and help shape the future of paediatric urological care across India and beyond." The Centre of Excellence was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region, and Dr. Sushila Narayanasamy, Unit Head, Apollo Women's & Children's Hospitals, Chennai. This launch reinforces Apollo Children's Hospitals' commitment to advancing children's healthcare through innovation, research, education, and clinical excellence. Building on more than a decade of pioneering expertise, the Centre will continue to expand access to advanced minimally invasive surgery while delivering safer procedures, faster recovery, and better outcomes for children and their families.

- The national campaign aims to make preventive health the new priority for young India -Apollo Hospitals announced that celebrated music composer and playback singer Mr. Anirudh Ravichander has been chosen as the brand ambassador for ProHealth by Apollo Hospitals, an AI-powered, personalised, predictive, and preventive health program. With this partnership, Apollo Hospitals is launching a national campaign designed to connect with younger audiences and encourage a preventive care mindset: don’t wait for health issues to show up - stay ahead of them.  For millions of young Indians balancing demanding jobs, unpredictable routines, poor sleep, stress, and always-on lifestyles, health often slips to the bottom of the priority list. But Apollo’s latest Health of the Nation 2026 Report shows that these everyday habits are already leading to rising lifestyle risks, including obesity, prehypertension, and early diabetes markers, especially among young corporate professionals.The new integrated ProHealth campaign taps directly into this reality. By combining cinematic storytelling, cultural relevance, and Anirudh’s strong connection with youth, Apollo aims to make preventive healthcare feel less like a medical task and more like a smart, empowering lifestyle choice. The focus is on helping young people see health not as something to react to later, but something to actively manage now.“Anirudh’s energy and cultural currency make him the definitive voice to lead this behavioural shift,” said Ms. Sindoori Reddy, Director - Strategy, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. “With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rising sharply among young people, early intervention is critical. ProHealth reflects our brand's evolution: shifting the consumer mindset from reactive illness management to proactive lifestyle ownership by putting predictive AI directly in their hands.”Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Anirudh Ravichander said, “Health is something we often take for granted until it demands our attention. ProHealth makes it easy to understand your health and stay ahead of risks. I am proud to partner with Apollo Hospitals to help more people choose preventive care and invest in their long-term well-being.”More than a celebrity-led association, the integrated ProHealth campaign is designed to spark a wider conversation around preventive healthcare among younger audiences who often delay or overlook regular health checks. Through relatable storytelling, engaging public-facing content, and a culturally resonant campaign voice, Apollo wants to make preventive health part of everyday thinking for a generation that is constantly on the move.The campaign also breaks away from traditional healthcare communication by avoiding fear-led messaging and medical jargon. Instead, it uses humour, familiarity, and everyday moments to reframe preventive care as something modern, empowering, and relevant. The campaign brings together Mr. Gautham Vasudev Menon’s signature observational storytelling and Mr. Anirudh Ravichander’s youth appeal to create a narrative that feels fresh, contemporary, and easy to connect with.ProHealth goes beyond a conventional health check-up by combining advanced diagnostics, AI-powered risk prediction, expert doctor guidance, and continuous digital health support to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health. Integrated with the Apollo 24|7 app, it offers personalised health insights, ongoing digital nudges, progress tracking, and specialised evaluations of lifestyle, metabolic, and chronic disease markers. Built on insights from over 28 million health checks and Apollo’s four decades of clinical expertise, ProHealth is designed to help individuals identify health risks earlier, stay ahead of potential concerns, and take informed action before conditions progress.The program has already demonstrated measurable outcomes among enrolled individuals, including:34% of individuals with diabetes showed improved HbA1c levels56% of individuals with hypertension showed improved blood pressure levels26% of individuals with obesity achieved measurable weight reduction and healthier outcomesThe campaign will roll out nationally across the press, digital, television, FM, social media, outdoor, in-theatre and Apollo’s healthcare ecosystem, with a strong focus on youth and young working professionals.

A seven year old boy with rare ‘Wilson’s Disease’ and fighting for life, was transplanted with liver at Apollo Hospitals!Hyderabad, February, 2017: Transplant Team at Apollo Hospitals performed liver transplant on a kid fighting for his life due to a genetic disorder – Wilson’s Disease and acute Liver failure, needing immediate medical intervention. The surgery was performed against all odds, using a slice from his mother’s liver.  Seven year old, Master T. Siddhartha Reddy, from Jeedimetla, was fighting for his life when he was first seen by Pediatric Hepatologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Dr Ramesh Srinivasan. Investigations revealed that he was suffering from a rare ailment called Wilson’s disease and Acute Liver Failure. Wilson’s disease is a genetic disorder in which copper builds up abnormally in the liver, eyes and brain. This overload of copper in the liver results in Liver failure. Often an otherwise apparently normal child can suffer with life threatening acute liver failure in this setting, warranting urgent liver transplantation, says Dr Ramesh Srinivasan. Majority of the people with the Wilson’s gene will be carriers of the gene and will not manifest the disease.It all began in the last week of December when Siddhartha Reddy was found to have jaundice. A spell on fever on the New Year day made his condition worse and the already diseased liver gave up entirely. His blood clotting parameters became abnormal and the INR – a measure of the blood’s ability to form clots; climbed up to 6.7, the normal value should be 1. When the liver is diseased this value increases and such patients are at a very high risk of bleeding at multiple sites in the body, including the brain. The alarming parameters prompted Dr Srinivasan to involve the liver transplant team at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.“When we saw the patient, he had very high bilirubin levels and his clotting parameters were so abnormal, we had to give him Fresh Frozen Plasma to keep his INR in the safe limit”, says Dr Manish Varma, Chief Liver Transplant Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills.Siddhartha was immediately listed in the super-urgent category with Jeevandan. However, the team of doctors knew that they could not wait indefinitely and the patient was fast running out of time. Thankfully, the boy’s mother, a homemaker, had a matching blood group and the liver was found to be fit for donation. The next challenge to overcome was thelong weekend to follow starting with Sankranti holiday, necessitating completion of all the tests and the medico-legal paperwork within a day. The entire team including the Social work department worked overtime to make this happen and the medical tests for the donor, the legal paperwork were done within the day and the hospital authorization committee was requested to give an expedited clearance for the operation.The liver transplant took place in the early hours on 14th January, 2017 and was performed by a team led by Dr Manish C. Varma. However, for the transplant team challenges were far from over. The part of the liver that the mother donated, came with two very small blood vessels. The size of the vessels was 1 mm and 1.5 mm. “It is technically very challenging to join blood vessels that are small and the chances of they clotting again in the post-operative period was also very high, explained Dr. Manish Varma. Further the boy had to be given blood thinning medicines immediately after the transplant, which increases the risk of post-operative bleeding. How the highly experience Transplant team at Apollo Hospitals, weathering all the challenges and triumphantly completed the surgery. The boy has since recovered and has been discharged.