Healthcare is a fundamental part of our lives, shaping our well-being and future. In a world where quality healthcare can seem out of reach, Apollo Hospitals has been serving since 1983. From its modest beginnings, Apollo has grown into a global leader, touching millions of lives across 150 countries.
It all began with one man’s dream—Dr. Prathap C. Reddy. He wanted to bring world-class healthcare to India. And he did just that. Today, his four daughters help him run the company. Each of them plays an important role.
Preetha Reddy, the eldest, is an Executive Vice Chairperson. So is Shobana Kamineni, the third daughter. Suneeta Reddy, the second, is the Managing Director. And the youngest, Sangita Reddy, is the Joint Managing Director.
Let us explore the rich history of Apollo hospitals that are transforming healthcare for the better.
History of Apollo Hospitals: Pioneering Milestones in Healthcare Since 1983
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the Founder-Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, has transformed Indian healthcare. Since 1983, his dedication to high-quality care has set a new standard.
Today, Apollo Hospitals stands at the first position among the top 10 healthcare companies in India. It is making world-class healthcare affordable for millions across 150 countries.
Such huge numbers must make you curious about the minds behind Apollo Hospitals and their milestone achievements!
Join us as we take you down memory lane to explore the rich growth history of Apollo Hospitals!
1983 marked the beginning of a healthcare revolution in India with the inauguration of Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. It was graced by Shri Giani Zail Singh, the first President of India.
By 1985, the Cardiac Surgery Programme hit a big milestone. They completed 100 surgeries with a 98% success rate. Apollo quickly became a leader in cardiac care.
In 1986, Apollo Hospitals introduced a groundbreaking Medical Insurance scheme with United India Insurance Company Limited.
Explore the top 10 insurance companies in India!
By 1987, Apollo had performed over 700 open-heart surgeries. Then, in 1989, Apollo made medical history with its IVF Unit, helping a baby enter the world through the ‘GIFT’ procedure.
The 1990s kicked off with a major orthopaedic breakthrough using the Ilizarov procedure.
Between 1991 and 2000, Apollo rapidly grew, opening new hospitals in Delhi, Madurai, and Vishakhapatnam. Dr Prathap C. Reddy and Dr M. K. Mani were honoured with the Padma Bhushan Award in 1991.
In 1992, Apollo introduced Coronary Artery Stenting to India and launched the country’s first Masters in Hospital Administration course. 1993 saw the launch of a 24-hour ambulance service with wireless facilities.
In 1995, Apollo performed its first bone marrow transplantation and the country’s first multi-organ transplant. It also celebrated its 10,000th open-heart surgery with Harvard Business School.
1998 was a year of firsts, with the first successful Cord Blood Transplant and pediatric liver transplant in India.
As the millennium approached, in 2000, Apollo Aragonda opened, featuring the first telemedicine facility in India.
It was inaugurated by President Bill Clinton.
Transitioning into 2002, Apollo launched a nationwide single emergency number, 1066.
Apollo’s global footprint expanded in Sri Lanka, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Ghana.
As 2004 rolled in, Apollo was recognised as a Super Brand of India in the healthcare sector. In 2005, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals became the first hospital in India to receive accreditation from JCI, USA.
Between 2006 and 2008, Apollo Hospitals continued its expansion with the inauguration of its Bangalore facility and the launch of ACE@25. I
In 2008, Apollo Hospitals was featured in the world’s top 50 local dynamos list, according to a study by Boston Consulting Group.
In 2009, the Government of India honoured Apollo Hospitals by releasing a commemorative stamp. This year also marked the beginning of GAPIO—Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.
The year concluded with Oscar award-winner A. R. Rahman inaugurating the first Apollo Children’s Hospital in Chennai.
2010 was another year of accolades and innovations for Apollo Hospitals. It was named India’s Most Preferred Hospital at the India Healthcare Awards. The Billion Hearts Beating Campaign won the Best Marketing Campaign of the Year Award at the World Brand Congress 2010.
Dr. Prathap C Reddy was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
Apollo Hospitals continued its groundbreaking journey, establishing itself as the World’s Second Busiest Solid Organ Transplant Centre. By now, they had performed over 130,000 cardiac surgeries.
The year 2011 began with a prestigious inauguration by Dr Manmohan Singh, who opened The Apollo Reach Hospitals at Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu.
This initiative took quality healthcare right to the heart of India.
Apollo’s innovative spirit shone brightly with the launch of the Apollo Day Surgery model.
Transitioning into 2012, Apollo Hospitals Group launched India’s first-of-its-kind Dental Wellness Center.
2013 marked a significant year for Apollo Hospitals with numerous achievements. Apollo Health City, Hyderabad, was recognised as the Best Medical Tourism Hospital in India. The year also saw the launch of Apollo’s first Cosmetic Clinic in North India.
Apollo Hospitals Group became the busiest solid organ transplant program globally, performing an astounding 1,456 transplants.
Fast forward to 2019, Apollo Hospitals continued to innovate and expand.
Apollo Hospitals embarked on a significant journey by joining the national COVID-19 vaccination drive. By the end of the year, they expanded this drive to children aged 15 years and above, contributing greatly to the nationwide effort.
During this pivotal year, Apollo Hospitals made groundbreaking advances in medical technology.
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre made history with India’s first multimodal management of bone metastasis. Eastern India saw its first interstitial laser therapy and blood transfusion inside the womb, both performed by Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, Kolkata.
In 2022, Apollo Hospitals continued its legacy of pioneering healthcare. A major highlight of the year was the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in Jammu through a MoU with the J&K government.
In an impressive feat, India’s first robot-assisted cardiac surgery was conducted on a 93-year-old patient at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
As the world adjusted to a new normal, Apollo Hospitals continued to innovate by 2023. They partnered with IIT Kanpur to advance research in cutting-edge medical technology. Placement Surgery was introduced at Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospital, Lucknow. By reaching 100 successful solid organ transplants, Apollomedics set a landmark achievement. Furthermore, the Apollo Transplant Program has surpassed 23,000 solid organ transplants since its inception.
The journey of innovation continues into 2024 with some spectacular milestones.
Apollo Hospitals Group received its seventh consecutive accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI) for its flagship hospital, Apollo Greams Road.
As of the recent reports, the Apollo Hospitals revenue experienced an 83% rise in net profit during the first quarter of FY 2024-25, reaching ₹305 crore. In August 2024, Apollo Prostate Institute launched South India’s First Water Vapour Thermotherapy for Enlarged Prostate.
And the list is ongoing.
While Apollo’s history speaks of medical milestones, its commitment to giving back is equally impressive.
Apollo Hospitals: Revolutionizing Healthcare, Touching a Billion Lives
Apollo Hospitals leads modern healthcare in India. It was the first corporate hospital in the country, marking a new era in private medical care. Apollo’s mission is clear: make world-class healthcare available to everyone.
It is the largest hospital chain in India. Its pharmacy network is the biggest offline chain in the country. As the third-largest private health insurer, it reached break-even faster than any competitor.
Today, Apollo is Asia’s top integrated healthcare provider. It operates hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic centres, and more. It also offers telemedicine services worldwide health insurance, and supports medical education and research.
Apollo’s success is built on high-quality care, affordable services, and the latest technology. It was among the first to use advanced medical equipment and put technology at the heart of healthcare. Its patient-first approach, centred on Tender Loving Care (TLC), has earned the trust of over 150 million people worldwide.
- Apollo Hospitals Revenue (Q4FY24): ₹25,626 Million
- Apollo Hospitals Owner: 1983 by Dr Prathap C. Reddy
- Apollo Products: Medical Technology, Pharmacy Products, Healthcare Services and Personal Care Products
Apollo provides medical care across various specialities, including gynaecology, dermatology, ophthalmology, paediatrics, and more. They offer advanced treatment in fields such as endocrinology, urology, nephrology, and neurosurgery.
- Dr. Prathap Reddy/ Apollo Hospital Net Worth: $3.3B, as of 29h August 2024.
- Global Reach: Impacting over 200 million lives from 150+ countries
- Hospitals: 73+ (Largest private network in India)
- Clinics: 700+ (Largest private network in India)
- Diagnostic Centres: 2,300+
- Pharmacies: 6,000+
- Pin Codes Served: 10,000+
- Doctors: 11,000+
- Beds: 10,000+
- Telemedicine Units: 200+
Apollo is also committed to social responsibility. It tackles major health issues like heart disease through initiatives like the “Billion Hearts Beating Foundation.”
The Government of India has recognised Apollo’s impact by issuing commemorative stamps. This includes one for its 15th anniversary of performing India’s first successful liver transplant. Dr. Reddy has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, for his contributions.
Apollo Hospitals’ Heartfelt CSR Efforts: A Journey of Compassion and Impact
Apollo Hospitals’ impact extends far beyond the walls of its hospitals. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the visionary behind Apollo Hospitals, believes in the power of faith, persistence, and patience. These values are deeply reflected in Apollo Hospitals’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Total Health is a shining example of this philosophy in action. Through this initiative, Apollo Foundation extends its reach to people in both urban and rural areas. It covers a wide range of needs, including preventive and curative health, nutrition, education, and skill development.
Billion Hearts Beating is another cornerstone of Apollo’s CSR efforts.
Its three key projects—Aushad, Prashikshan, and Suraksha—provide medical assistance to the elderly, offer workshops on life-saving techniques, and equip healthcare workers with essential tools.
SACHi (Saving A Child’s Health Initiative) is dedicated to ensuring every child has access to quality healthcare. This initiative provides life-saving heart care at no cost to children in need, with Apollo’s specialists volunteering their expertise.
Through these initiatives, Apollo Hospitals not only enhances healthcare but also builds a legacy of hope and support.
FAQs| Apollo Hospitals
Apollo Hospitals is well-known for being a first-class service provider in private healthcare in India. It offers a wide range of services, from routine wellness and preventive care to advanced life-saving treatments and diagnostic services.
The current CEO of Apollo Hospitals is Dr. Suneeta Reddy.
Apollo Hospitals operates as a private, for-profit healthcare network.
Apollo Hospitals is ranked 1st among the top healthcare companies in India, with a market cap of ₹98,661.41 crore as of August 29th, 2024.
Apollo Hospitals is a private healthcare provider known for its advanced technology and broad range of services. In contrast, AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) is a government-funded institution recognised for its medical research, education, and high-quality patient care.
Apollo Hospitals was founded by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, who is also the Chairman of the group.
Apollo Hospitals is a multinational healthcare group headquartered in Chennai, India.
Yes, Apollo Hospitals is an Indian multinational corporation (MNC) with a presence in over 150 countries.
Source: Screener, BusinessStandard, Forbes
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