Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) has marked a definitive step ahead by making the world’s most advanced radiation therapy more accessible to cancer patients from across the globe. APCC has shown remarkable expertise in Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) and has showcased excellent clinical outcomes. Over 1,000 patients have been treated with proton beam therapy at APCC. In line with our vision to drive positive change across the world, we announce an exclusive partnership with Ion Beam Applications SA (IBA), a leading manufacturer of innovative advanced Proton Therapy System. This collaboration, which will be effective from July 15, 2023, marks a significant milestone in the field of oncology as it brings together two prominent names to provide specialized Proton Beam Therapy training to oncologists from across the globe. Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited said, “We are pleased to announce our exclusive partnership with IBA for Proton Beam Therapy training at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide world-class cancer care and foster global advancements in the field of oncology. By joining forces with IBA, a leader in proton therapy solutions, we aim to not only train oncologists from across the world but also contribute to the wider adoption of Proton Beam Therapy as a highly effective treatment option. We believe that this partnership will help shape the future of cancer care and enable us to make a positive impact on the lives of patients worldwide.” Read more about Apollo Proton Cancer Centre partners with IBA

Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospital, Lucknow has launched Artificial Intelligence powered Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery services. It is a world-class next-gen technology that will transform the future of Knee Replacement Surgery, being the first in the region. Dr. Mayank Somani, MD & CEO of Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospital, Lucknow, told the media, “Our hospital is committed to provide our patients with the latest and most advanced medical technologies. Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospital is proud to be the first hospital in the region to offer this advanced technology. The Artificial Intelligence powered Robotic Knee Replacement uses world-class next-gen technology, which elevates the precision and accuracy to a whole new level. This cutting-edge technology is used only at a few selected centers in India and globally to perform Knee replacement surgeries including countries like US and UK. If we talk about the cost difference between Conventional & Robotic Surgery, in countries like US or UK a patient has to pay 26% higher for a Robotic Knee Surgery (approx. $50000 in US while approx. £12100 in UK). It is 20 times more of what a patient has to pay while undergoing same surgery in India. Our center offers this advanced technology at a very affordable rate. The AI-powered robotic knee replacement surgery is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. We are confident that this technology will revolutionize the way knee replacement surgeries are performed in Uttar Pradesh. The AI Guided Robotic Orthopedic Surgery Services will be led by Dr Sanjai K Srivastava, Chairman of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospital. Dr Sanjai has an experience of over 3 decades with 20000+ orthopedic surgeries. Addressing the media, Dr Sanjai told “We are excited to offer this advanced technology to our patients. The Artificial Intelligence powered robotic knee replacement surgery is a game-changer, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation. The AI-powered robotic knee replacement surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robotic arm to assist the surgeon in performing the surgery giving submillimeter accuracy incisions. This is way more advanced technique as compared to traditional Knee Replacement surgery. In a conventional Knee Replacement, the outcome depends solely on surgeon’s skills and results in 80% to 85% accuracy of surgeon’s planning. With the help of Robotic Surgery, the rate of accuracy achieved increases to 95% to 99% resulting into a superior post-surgery outcome. The Robotic technology introduces personalized planning & predictive results by a 3D model of the post-surgery knee outcome beforehand which gives patients much-needed peace of mind. This also ensures that the surgery is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy allowing for greater precision and accuracy during the procedure, resulting in a faster recovery and superior outcomes. This unique blend of surgeon’s skills & precision of AI results in a safer surgery, pinpoint accuracy, faster recovery, early discharge and a more personalized experience which helps patient resume normal life in lesser time” Dr Ajaya Kumar (Director – Medical Services), Col (Dr) Narinder Kumar (Senior Consultant – Orthopedics & Joint Replacement), Dr Saurabh Jain (Consultant – Orthopedics & Sports Injury) and Dr Kamal Kishor Gupta (Consultant – Orthopedics & Joint Replacement) from Apollo Hospitals Lucknow were also present.

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre has launched the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), which furtherreinforces its commitment to providing the highest quality of care to its patients. The unit wasinaugurated by Hon'ble Minister for Social Welfare & Women Empowerment Government of TamilNadu, Tmt. P. Geetha Jeevan in the presence of Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director, Group Oncology &International Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd; Dr. Ramya Uppuluri, Consultant, Hemato Oncology;Dr. Shruthi Kakarala, Consultant Intensivist; Dr. Srinivas Chilukuri, Senior Consultant, RadiationOncology (Paediatric) and Dr. Arvind Sukumaran, Senior Consultant Neurosurgery.The launch of the PICU represents a significant milestone for APCC, as it aims to providecomprehensive and exceptional paediatric cancer care. The Unit will be led by a dedicated team ofclinicians and specialists from various fields, all of whom possess extensive knowledge and expertisein their respective areas. The PICU is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including a Level 3Paediatric ICU with Multipara monitors that are designed to provide several information on onescreen. It also announced commencement of in-house Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)training program for nurses and paramedics. The programme will benefit nurses, in-houseparamedics, and those working at the neighborhood clinics, and will prepare them to handle anypaediatric emergencies.Tmt P Geetha Jeevan, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare & Women Empowerment, Government ofTamil Nadu, praised APCC's commitment to bring advanced paediatric cancer care, and said, "It is my pleasure to be a part of the grand opening of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre. It is another prime example of Tamil Nadu's longstanding leadership in India'smedical infrastructure and healthcare delivery. With the launch of the new unit, APCC is taking animportant step towards excelling in its efforts to enhance the quality of life of young cancer winners.I applaud them for their commitment in delivering the finest in proton and photon therapies, and for investing in the latest and most advanced technologies to have a complete paediatric care unit."Emphasising the importance of establishing the PICU, Dr. Shruthi Kakarala, Consultant, Intensivist,Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, "At APCC, we take great pride in bringing cutting-edgetechnology, treatments and care for paediatric oncology. The PICU will have advanced life-supporttechnology, monitoring equipment, and will be staffed 24X7 by a team of specialised healthcareprofessionals from different departments. This unit is a game-changer against the fight for cancerand other medical concerns in children and we are very pleased to be able to provide this to ourpatients. With the PICU, we can set ourselves apart from other proton establishments while offeringour patients with the very best childcare support.” Speaking during the inauguration Dr. Ramya Uppuluri, Consultant Hemato Oncology, Apollo ProtonCancer Centre, said, "PICUs play a crucial role in providing specialized care to critically ill children.The new unit is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who are specifically trained to address the unique needs of pediatricpatients. In a PICU, medical professionals have access to specialized equipment and monitoringdevices tailored for pediatric patients. Additionally, the presence of a multidisciplinary teamcomprising pediatric intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists ensurescomprehensive care for children with complex medical conditions."Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director, Group Oncology & International Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd, said,"We, at the APCC, are dedicated to offering patients the most exceptional care possible. Treatingcancer in children is a very intricate and sensitive procedure and opening a dedicated intensive carefacility for not just cancer care but paediatric care helps us in delivering better patient outcomes.Our goal at Apollo is to deliver the finest cancer care possible for our patients by bringing the mostcutting-edge infrastructure and technologies to India and the rest of the world. We look forward tocollaborating with the top paediatric speciality team and other medical experts to provide the mostcomprehensive paediatric care.”The new PICU unit has an exquisite artwork created by students from Stella Maris College, Chennai.The students gave life to an awe-inspiring artwork under the theme ‘Heroes of Hope’ ideated by Dr.Lakshmi Priya Daniel, Head, Department of Fine Arts, Stella Maris College. The artwork was unveiledby the Hon'ble Minister Tmt. P. Geetha Jeevan, during the launch.Dr. Lakshmi Priya Daniel, Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Stella Maris College, emphasisedthe relevance of artwork in the PICU unit. She said, “It’s an exciting opportunity for our students tocreate artwork at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre. Art has a remarkable ability to comfort andprovide much-needed positivity and hope to patients, especially in a paediatric unit. By introducingart into the paediatric unit, we can create an environment that nurtures the emotional well-being ofpatients, instils a sense of positivity, and enhances their overall healing process."The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre has broadened its scope by incorporating this state-of-the-artfacility for paediatric intensive care for cancer treatment.

Building on its success, Apollo, the world’s largest vertically integrated healthcare provider, expands its dedicated Robotic Colorectal Surgery Programme across 6 cities – Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam. With highly skilled colorectal surgeons, organ-specific super specialties, and colorectal cancer treatment options, Apollo continues to lead the way in colorectal robotic surgeries offering unmatched precision and accuracy. Apollo’s collective robotic colorectal surgery experience has now surpassed over 1000 procedures, maximum till date in the country. The use of this technology and technique, particularly for colorectal cancer surgery procedures has led to significant changes by helping surgeons to have a very precise dissection in areas such as a narrow pelvis, which ultimately leads to a drop in readmission rates to 1.9% and having no signs of cancer post-surgery (cancer clearance rates:4.6%), reduced wound infection rates (1.4%) and reduced post-surgery complications (0.9%) when compared to the global market. Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “Since inception, we have been determined to keep raising the bar in clinical excellence and deliver the global best in terms of standard of care to our patients. In keeping with this ethos, we have continuously championed advancements in the field of colorectal robotic surgeries through focused research and training programs. At large, Apollo’s highly skilled robotic colorectal surgeons have been pivotal in shaping a new realm of robotic colorectal surgery in the region. A dedicated program built on a foundation of in-depth understanding patient profiles, a steadfast commitment to enhance clinical outcomes while lowering costs of care, the unprecedented success achieved at Apollo Hospitals, it underlines the versatility and standardization of our robotic techniques, team and clinical services.” The high volume of robotic colorectal surgeries allows cost efficiency, with the cost of robotic colorectal surgery almost at par with standard keyhole surgery. Such minimally invasive techniques have several short-term and long-term benefits for patients– from having less blood loss and quicker recovery. The Apollo Hospital’s Colorectal Robotics Program represents a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology and the expertise of skilled surgeons. By harnessing the power of robotics, Apollo Hospitals has transformed the way colorectal surgeries are performed, ensuring the highest level of precision and efficiency. Dr Venkatesh Munikrishnan – Consultant Colorectal & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals who has performed over 600 robotic colorectal surgeries said, “We are seeing more and more younger adults getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer because of sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits. There is a need to create awareness about the disease and take the right preventive steps to diagnose the disease at an early stage. People with family history of cancer should screen themselves every year as a preventive step to increase their chances of survival. Having said that, our robotic colorectal cancer surgery outcomes have been extremely satisfying. In fact, we have patients coming from across the subcontinent with 40% of our patients coming in from South Asia. This truly reflects the quality of surgery and care delivered at Apollo.” Robotic surgery has emerged as a game-changer in the medical field. It offers numerous advantages over traditional surgical techniques, including enhanced visualization, superior dexterity, and increased accuracy. These attributes are particularly crucial when dealing with complex colorectal procedures that demand utmost precision. Apollo’s colorectal robotic surgery programme offers cutting-edge minimally invasive robotic surgical techniques and technology in the treatment of patients with colorectal diseases, since 2016. An average of 150 robotic assisted surgeries for colorectal cancer are performed every year. Currently, Apollo is the only hospital in the world to use both Robots – Da Vinci Intuitive Robot and Hugo Medtronic Robot for colorectal cancer surgery procedures. By combining the expertise of surgeons with the technological advancements of robotic systems, colorectal surgeries are poised to achieve better outcomes, ensuring improved patient recovery, reduced post-operative pain, and an elevated overall quality of life.

For the first time in India, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata brings the comprehensively connected 5G Ambulance that would transform access to healthcare and save lives in emergency situations. The custom-designed, state-of-the-art 5G-connected Ambulance is equipped with the latest medical equipment, patient monitoring applications, and telemetry devices that transmit the patient’s health data to the hospital with low latency. In addition, it is also equipped with onboard cameras connected to the ultra-fast and low-latency 5G network. The integrated connected care technology solution is provided by HealthNet Global Limited, who are world leaders in providing different health tech solutions. It is an affiliate of Apollo Hospitals. When a critical patient is enroute to the hospital and every second makes a difference, the 5G-connected Ambulance acts as an extension of the emergency room and enables the following: Always connected to the hospital: The high-speed, low-latency 5G network relays the geo-location of the ambulance to the hospital’s command centre to ensure the nearest ambulance reaches the critical patient to save the Golden Hour time. Also, the ambulance transmits the patient’s complete telemetry data, including vitals, in near real-time to doctors and experts at the hospital. This allows the doctors at ER to make quicker decisions and advise paramedics in the ambulance to administer required aid while on the move. It also prepares the hospital staff to better manage the patient on arrival and save precious time. Transports ER Specialist doctors virtually to the ambulance: With near real-time camera feed available, the doctors and paramedics in the ambulance can use the cameras to collaborate with the ER specialist doctors at the hospital who are equipped with advanced technologies to undertake basic procedures, if necessary. The doctors can virtually guide the paramedic to carry out the procedure and save precious lives. Present at the occasion, Dr K Hari Prasad, President-Hospitals Division, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, said, “Apollo Hospitals has always strived to provide access to the community. The 5G-connected ambulances use advances in technology to provide immediate access to the seriously ill and injured. It enables advanced care from the spot where the patient is through the journey to the hospital and in the Emergency room. This is truly a path breaking initiative and will be an important tool in saving precious lives.” On this note, Mr. Rana Dasgupta, CEO-Eastern Region, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Keeping up with our tradition to always offer modern healthcare, we bring the 5G-connected ambulance to save the lives of critical patients and utilize the Golden Hour to the benefit of patients. The ambulance will provide real-time images and data due to super-fast streaming and the image clarity would also be very high due to the 5G technology. Treatment will now begin when the patient is on the way to the hospital.” Also present at the occasion, Dr Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director Medical Service, Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, said, “The criticality of the ‘Golden Hour’ is well known and it can mean the difference between life and death for seriously ill or trauma patients in an emergency. The Golden Hour is impacted by the facilities in an ambulance and the distance from the hospital. Studies show that longer journey to the hospital is associated with an increased risk of mortality, with a 10‐km increase in straight‐line distance associated with around a 1% absolute increase in mortality. Instead of pre-hospital management, we may say that with the 5G-connected ambulance, it is the hospital on wheels that reaches the patient to start early management. These insights propelled us to bring the 5G-connected ambulance to utilize the disruption-free, lag-free connectivity it provides.” Dr Arijit Bose, Senior Consultant & Head Department of Emergency Medicine, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, added, “The super-fast streaming and the image clarity of the 5G-connected ambulance would help us to save many lives as timely treatment can be started even in the transit phase in the ambulance itself. Along with medication, if needed, interventions and intubations can also be done in the ambulance itself.”

Commemorating World Thalassemia Month, Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, in association with the Tamil Nadu Government, celebrated the milestone of successfully treating the highest number of Thalassemia affected children under the Tamil Nadu CM’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. The landmark event was graced by Shri M Govinda Rao IAS – Project Director, Tamil Nadu Health System Project, Dr Ravi Babu, Joint Director – Director of Medical Services – CMCHIS Tamil Nadu Government, District Revenue Officer Mr. Mohan Chandran and Dr Preetha Reddy – Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, Clinical team and the beneficiaries under TNCMCHIS. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited said, “It is heartening that the TNCMCHIS initiative has given new hope to so many underprivileged children requiring BMT for the treatment of Thalassemia. It has been Apollo Cancer Centre’s privilege to have successfully treated over 400 children suffering from Thalassemia of whom around 40 per cent were treated under the aegis of the TNCMCHIS. We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Health, Government of Tamil Nadu for their continued support to us, in Apollo’s mission to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual.” Read more about children’s treated under TNCMCHI scheme at Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai

Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai has performed 40 successful Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT) with good outcomes in both adult and paediatric patients over the last four years. Bone marrow transplantation replaces the existing diseased or dysfunctional bone marrow when it does not produce enough healthy blood cells. BMT is a life-saving procedure carried out in patients suffering from haematological disorders such as leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and certain genetic conditions like thalassemia. The accomplishment of 40 BMTs includes 10 haploidentical (partially matched) BMTs which showcases the high calibre of the hospital’s bone marrow transplant program. The BMT procedure involves replacing the patient’s diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells from a donor. There are two main types of BMTs: Autologous, where the patient’s own stem cells are used, and Allogeneic, where stem cells are obtained from a donor. Haploidentical BMTs, which accounted for 10 of the 40 transplants performed at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, involve a partially matched donor. These transplants have become increasingly important as they widen the pool of potential donors, particularly for patients without a fully matched sibling or unrelated donor. Dr. Anil D’Cruz, Director Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, said, “At Apollo Cancer Centres, we continually strive for excellence in providing comprehensive care for cancer patients. Our state-of-the-art facilities encompass cutting-edge technologies and a team of highly skilled experts specializing in different cancers. We remain steadfast in our mission to combat blood disorders and cancers and are proud to have carried out 40 BMTs. Our understanding of the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment has enabled us to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients.” Dr. Punit Jain, Lead & Consultant BMT Program, Consultant Haematologist & Hemato-Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai expressed his pride in the hospital’s achievement, saying, “It is a proud moment for Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai to achieve the milestone of 40 BMTs with success rates of 65-70% that are comparable to global facilities offering BMT. Our dedicated team of specialists has worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. We are proud that our program continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic with strict infection control measures that ensured the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. The BMT team at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai successfully navigated these challenges, showcasing our resilience and adaptability.” “Our transplant team closely monitors the patient’s progress to stay on alert for early signs of complications as the side effects can range from mild to dangerous. One of the patients, a 20-year-old female diagnosed with aplastic anaemia or severe bone marrow failure underwent BMT four years ago. She developed GvHD and viral infections over the next four months requiring several further hospitalisations. But the extensive care provided to her ensured that all her medicines were stopped after six months of the transplant. As part of the protocol, she later underwent multiple vaccinations to boost her immune system. Four years post-transplant, she regularly visits the hospital for follow-ups, has a robust immune system, healthy blood cell counts, and is happily married,” added Dr. Punit Jain. After an allogeneic BMT, a patient can develop secondary complications called Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD). GvHD occurs when the graft’s immune cells recognize the host cells as foreign bodies and attack the recipient’s body cells. To prevent and treat GvHD, a combination of immunosuppressive drugs is administered to the patients, and the patient has to be under the observation of critical care specialists. Dr. Vipin Khandelwal, Consultant – Haemato-Oncology, Paediatric BMT Physician, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai, said, “At Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, we have a dedicated paediatric BMT unit and ICU with a multidisciplinary team including paediatric oncologists, cardiologists, and nurses. Before undertaking a paediatric BMT, we examine the child’s heart, kidneys, lungs, ears, and teeth to identify any health issues and make sure that the child is in the best possible health. Due to the intense conditioning required prior to BMT and slow post-transplant immune recovery, the patients are also prone to develop infections and other serious complications. But the early detection of infectious diseases through blood culture or multiplex PCR as well as well-trained staff enable us to deliver the best possible treatment outcomes.” Dr. Purvi Kutty, Paediatric Haematology & Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai, said “One of the paediatric patients, a 7-year-old girl from Mauritius had a history of repeated blood transfusions after being diagnosed with a life-threatening inherited bone marrow failure syndrome. She was referred to Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai where genetic screening confirmed that she had Fanconi anaemia, a rare genetic disorder and the most common cause of inherited bone marrow failure. Upon bone marrow matching examination, her elder brother was found to be a perfect match with 12/12 HLA match and became the stem cell donor. Post-BMT, she required multiple blood transfusions but due to the untiring efforts of the BMT team and blood bank support at the hospital, the girl sailed through to a stable state. She returned home 6 months later and celebrated her birthday with her loved ones.” Mr. Santosh Marathe, Regional CEO – Western Region, Apollo Hospitals, also expressed his satisfaction with the hospital’s accomplishment, “Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai remains at the forefront of advanced patient care. Bone marrow transplantation offers hope and improved quality of life to patients suffering from haematological disorders. The success of our BMT program is a testament to the skill, dedication, and determination of our expert team of healthcare specialists. We are committed to providing world-class care to our patients and will continue to strive for even better outcomes in the future. The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert staff, and commitment to patient care and safety ensure it remains a leading healthcare provider in the region.”

In line with the mission to provide the most comprehensive and advanced cancer care in India, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) has once again set a new standard with the introduction of the latest suite of cutting-edge cancer-fighting technology called Tomotherapy. As the first centre in South Asia and the Middle East to offer proton therapy, APCC is renowned for its commitment to providing the finest in proton and photon therapies, and the addition of Tomotherapy is a step towards offering advanced cancer care. Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament-Lok Sabha, Govt. of India, inaugurated Tamil Nadu’s first RadiXactX9 Tomotherapy and India’s first High Precession TMI/TMLI programme in the presence of Ms. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, Mr Karan Puri, Chief Executive Officer, APCC, Dr Rakesh Jalali, Medical Director & HOD- Radiation Oncology, APCC, Dr Sapna Nangia, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Dr Srinivas Chilukuri, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncology, APCC and Mr. Manish Jaiswal, Regional Vice President, Accuray Medical Equipment India Pvt. Ltd. APCC is now the first in Tamil Nadu to offer RadiXactX9 Tomotherapy and India’s first High Precession TMI/TMLI programme, thanks to its Helical Tomotherapy technology, which provides greater precision and control over radiation therapy delivery while minimising damage to healthy tissues. The daily imaging capability makes it possible for clinicians to identify and correct any variations in patient positioning, changes in the tumour, or other factors, such as weight gain or loss. As the Tomotherapy System’s precision reduces radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, patients experience fewer side effects than those receiving conventional forms of radiation therapy. Read more about the launch of Helical Tomotherapy at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre

In an effort to offer hope to patients with Parkinson’s disease and stay true to its cutting-edge spirit, Apollo Hospitals is offering treatment at a first-of-its-kind Advanced Deep Brain Stimulation Centre in Chennai. The Centre, which is equipped with the latest technology in Parkinson’s disease treatment, has enabled doctors to provide personalized treatment to patients, resulting in better clinical outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. The Centre has, so far, treated the highest number of patients in Tamil Nadu with these advanced technologies. Dr. Vijay Shankar, Senior Consultant, Neurologist, Movement Disorders, and Deep Brain Stimulation Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing treatment for Parkinson’s disease. With the adoption of this technology, we have helped patients make significant progress and report improvements in their quality of life. Our patients have reported improved limb movement and other functional outcomes. This technology not just marks a giant leap in the treatment of movement disorders but will also help patients connect better within their communities and lead happier lives.” Dr. Arvind Sukumaran, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Epilepsy & Functional Neurosurgery /DBS specialist, said, “The Percept PC technology adopted at this Centre allows for listening and recording tiny electrical fluctuations called beta band, in the target area. SenSight is an advanced electrode that allows doctors to listen to the beta band signals in the brain and gain crucial information about disease activity. This allows us to identify the direction of maximum beta band activity, and direct the electricity in that direction, while assessing the clinical benefits.” This approach results in the delivery of precise electrical current with limited adverse effects, resulting in targeted treatment of the disease. Read more about advanced Deep Brain Stimulation technology at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Apollo Hospitals Group has released its annual Health of the Nation report that deep dives into the prevalence and growth of NCDs and highlights the importance of the right preventive healthcare measures to ensure India stays healthy. Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Founder & Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, stated that “Preventive healthcare needs to become a national priority. Over the past 3 decades, non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death and suffering, contributing to 65% of deaths in India. NCDs affect not just health, but also productivity and economic growth. The estimated economic burden on India is expected be about $4.8 trillion by 2030. As the youngest and fastest growing major economy in the world, the health of our nation is a critical indicator of our future, and the health of our people will determine how effectively we live up to our full potential. What we need is a proactive and highly defined strategy to minimize the impact of NCDs. And the best solution lies in prevention.” The increasing trend for NCDs and a significant rise in early risk factors The rise in preventive screenings has also led to an increase in the diagnosis of early risk factors like Obesity and Dyslipidemia (cholesterol irregularities) among Indians across age groups. These are indication of the potential onset of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension and a wake-up call for individuals to make early shifts in their lifestyle behavior’s. There is a 50% increase in the prevalence of Obesity among Indians between 2019 and 2022. Obesity has seen an uptick in diagnosis in those less than 45 years of age by 43% and by 60% in people over the age of 45. Dyslipidemia or Cholesterol irregularities has seen an 18% increase in prevalence among Indians between 2019 and 2022. This is also fuelled by a significant increase in its prevalence among those over 45 years of age by more than 35% Along with these early risk factors, we also see a rise in the prevalence of conditions like Diabetes and Hypertension. Diabetes and Hypertension diagnosis have seen an 8% and 11% increase respectively between 2019-22 There is also an increasing risk of Hypertension amongst Indians over 45 years, its prevalence in diagnosis having increased from 14% to 16% in the last 3 years. Chronic stress and anxiety increase the risk of incidence of hypertension by 1.5X and diabetes by up to 2X. Men with chronic stress have double the risk of incidence of diabetes than women. We administered the PHQ9 Depression Questionnaire for about 2000 people with Type 2 Diabetes at Apollo Hospitals to understand their Mind Health status. Our analysis showed that with every one unit increase in age and BMI, PHQ9 the depression score also increases. About 50% had some form depression and Diabetes along with any weight related comorbidity , an indicator to screen for depression. The report also puts the spotlight on the importance of getting more frequent or extended health tests for conditions that are prevalent in families The report finds that Diabetes is prevalent in 1 in 3 people with a history of the condition in their family. Healthy sleep is an important indicator of overall health. In one study with 20,000 people, 47% have sleep problems and 52% have impairments in their mind health state, and 1 in 3 have both issues. 2 out of 3 individuals do not have an optimal gap between dinner and bedtime, which is critical for good quality sleep. It is either less than 1 hour or more than 2 hours, both scenarios leading to sub optimal sleep quality. Impaired metabolism is also closely linked with digestive irregularities, such as gas/bloating, heaviness post-meal, burning sensation, belch/burp. The analysis found that 64% of people had digestive irregularities, going up to 81% amongst diabetics. Many ‘Indias’ in one India Our diversity in lifestyle has led to the emergence of different NCD trends across regions, likely impacted by our regional diet preferences. While liver diseases saw maximum prevalence in East (at 50%), its lowest impact relatively is in the South (28%) West has seen the least relatively the lowest prevalence of diabetes (15%) while South has the highest (27%) Obesity trends have been similar across regions, ranging between 22-24% Dyslipidemia (cholesterol) has the highest prevalence across all regions, with North seeing the most (48%), followed by West (41%), East (39%) and then South (37%). Power of prevention The silent epidemic of NCDs is behind 40% of all hospital stays. While there is an increase in Indians taking preventive screenings, these are still largely symptom led. Regular and comprehensive health checks, starting at a young age, can significantly reduce mortality rates, disease incidence as well as the frequency of hospital visits through our lifespan. There is also a need to reimagine preventive health assessments and design them to be more suitable to the Indian population. For instance: The median age of breast cancer diagnosis from mammograms done at Apollo in the last year was 54-57 years; lower than that seen in mature markets (where the median age of detection is 62-65 years). This suggests an earlier onset of disease in Indian women, warranting annual screening for women from 40 years onwards. According to clinically published sources, early diagnosis through preventive checks of breast cancer can reduce mortality rates by up to 30%. Undetected sleep disorders often lead to chronic health conditions due to late diagnosis and oversight by the healthcare systems Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is known to increase the risk of heart problems, and is often screened only in the obese (BMI > 30) and with neck circumference > 40cm Apollo’s study of people with Type 2 Diabetes suggests that intermediate to high risk of OSA occurs even at a lower BMI (26) in the population screened, with a majority (91%) having a neck circumference < 40cm, thus highlighting the need to screen for OSA rigorously, irrespective of the BMI, especially for high-risk cohorts like patients with Diabetes. Enhanced ‘ProHealth’ by Apollo In a bid to strengthen the preventive healthcare ecosystem, Apollo has launched an enhanced ProHealth, India’s most individualized preventive health program that brings together the power of AI to help individuals stay ahead of potential NCDs. Combined with Apollo’s pioneering experience of 40 years, the healthcare group has developed new technologies based on AI and ML for predicting risk scores and developing structured lifestyle programs with new models of care that lead to improved clinical outcomes. What differentiates ProHealth: ProHealth is a 100% doctor designed health program It creates a first-of-its-kind health profile that determines the areas of concerns and custom designs a unique health check for every individual It integrates predictive health metrics through a sophisticated AI engine to determine potential areas of prevention In addition to the results, every individual also has access to health mentors to transform their lifestyle and make the program truly preventive in every sense Technology is transforming the approach for dealing with health risks and enabling early detection, and therefore must be integrated in preventive screenings. With a firm belief that AI and big data will play a key role in predicting risks and delivering personalised health solutions, Apollo’s ProHealth today is India’s most individualized preventive health program. Apollo also strongly believes that a laundry list of tests is not an effective solution to get to the root of the problem. For instance, there is a clear data-driven correlation between diabetes-obstructive sleep apnea-heart problems OR weight related comorbidities & depression, however generic health checks are unable to deduce these. The need of the hour is true personalization and prediction, which forms the foundation of Apollo ProHealth. Additionally, by offering convenient access to health mentors as a part of ProHealth, every individual is empowered to take charge of their own health and create a long-term and permanent impact in the battle over NCDs. Apollo ProHealth is backed by a predictive algorithm that captures one’s health status, predicts potential health risks and individualizes every health check. A personal health risk assessment is digitally available to every individual, post which they can visit the nearest Apollo facility to undergo the set of customized tests recommended for them. About Health of the Nation Report The Health of the Nation by Apollo gives insights into the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs, emphasizing hotspots, that is, areas of elevated disease burden across the country. The report derives from data based on people Apollo has engaged with through its system. The objective of the report is to put in place approaches to improve disease prevention, increase the accuracy of diagnoses and to create a more personalized and patient-centric treatment approach. Over 500,000 health checks have been studied over the past 3 years to arrive at the findings. Majority of the data shared through the Health of the Nation is based completely on Apollo’s de-identified hospital information systems and EMR, AyurVAID and other studies as part of the Apollo Group.

Apollo Hospitals has been at the forefront of patient care in India and has led the organ transplant revolution in healthcare. Apollo Hospitals Group has successfully completed 500 pediatric liver transplants. The Apollo Transplant program is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive transplant programs, offering a host of state-of-the-art services which include Management of Liver Disease, Management of Kidney Disease, Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Heart and Lung Transplantation, Intestinal, Pancreas and GI Transplant Surgeries and Pediatric Transplant Services. With 90% success rates, The Apollo Liver Transplant program is a beacon of quality and hope for patients from across the world. Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, New Delhi, said, “India is emerging as a world leader in organ transplantation. Organ transplantation is a true act of human kindness and an extraordinary medical achievement. At Apollo Hospitals, we are proud to have established one of the world’s leading transplant programs, with world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology and the finest medical expertise. We remain committed to providing the best possible care and outcomes for our patients, and to advancing the frontiers of medical science in the field of transplantation. This milestone further reflects our commitment to advancing pediatric liver transplantation and providing the best possible care to our patients. I am immensely heartened at what this program has been able to achieve in a span of two decades. From a time when children with end stage liver disease didn’t have any care possibilities, to where we are today – marking 500 transplants in children whose lives have been transformed.” Apollo Hospitals receives liver transplant patients from over 50 countries. Patients from several countries including Philippines, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Pakistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, CIS, Myanmar and many other have found transformational and affordable solutions in India through Apollo. A patient can undergo liver transplant surgery in India at an affordable cost with excellent outcomes. Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “We are proud to have reached this important milestone and are honoured to have been able to help so many children and families in need. Over the years several challenges have been overcome – transplants in small babies weighing as little as 4 kgs, transplants in babies and children with serious medical conditions other than liver failure, ABO incompatible transplants when the family does not have a blood group compatible donor. We are so happy that our 500th patient is a baby girl and nearly 45% of our patients are now girls. Our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and support staff have worked tirelessly to provide the highest level of care and support to our patients and their families. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have made it possible for us to reach this milestone. From the time we performed the first successful liver transplant in India in 1998, the Apollo Transplant Program has performed more than 4100 liver transplants in children and adults.” Pediatric liver transplants are complex and challenging procedures that require high level of skill and expertise. The medical team at Apollo Hospitals Group has some of the most experienced surgeons, nurses, and support staff in the field working together. Dr. Neerav Goyal, Senior Consultant, Liver Transplant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, said “We have unmatched technical skills of our highly specialized surgeons and physicians, an infrastructure that is comparable with the best in the world and above all the faith of our patients that we have nurtured over time. We are now able to perform the most complex of liver transplants in babies where the size of the blood vessels is as small as 3-4 mm. Pediatric liver transplantation requires a multidisciplinary team and success requires harmonization between all the team members. The Apollo Liver Transplant Program is now consistently performing close to 50 pediatric liver transplants a year, a number only a handful of centres in the world have achieved”. Apollo Transplant program is well-founded with high-end equipment and state-of-the-art infrastructure that is delivered with the highest possible quality by an eminent pool of globally renowned Transplant Surgeons, Nephrologists, Gastroenterologists, Pediatric Gastroenterologists, Pediatric Surgeons, Anesthetists, Intensivists and Physicians. Over the past decade, the program has built a reputation of trust and reliance with the highest quality of care delivered and outcomes unmatched the world over. Apollo’s 500th Pediatric Liver Patient Story – Baby Prisha In the heartland of Bihar, in a small town Jahanabad, a young middle-class couple joyously and reverently named their first-born daughter “Prisha”, literally meaning God’s gift. A teacher husband and homemaker wife, they made a simplistic, humble, undemanding couple looking forward to their journey as parents. The first few weeks were blissful but then they realized Prisha contracted jaundice. An arduous trail from one doctor to another led to complete despair and anguish when they were told she had a disease that was a death sentence, biliary atresia that would cause her liver to fail. They weren’t ready to give up and stepped beyond their humble reach to contact top specialists till they realized that a liver transplant would be lifesaving, and brought her to Apollo at about 6 months of age. Family and friends had tried to discourage them. The challenges were indeed multiple but were overcome by the family’s resolve and treating team’s commitment. A feeding tube was put in through her nose to supplement feeds and achieve nutritional rehabilitation for the transplant, while preparations were being made. Her mother donated a part of her liver and Baby Prisha recovered beautifully after a successful liver transplant. Baby Prisha weighed only 4.6 kgs at the time of the transplant

A 35-year-old female patient came to Apollo Hospitals, Nashik complaining of abdominal pain, difficulty in urinating and diarrhoea. Dr Praveen Goverdhane , Consultant Urologist examined the patient and conducted diagnostic tests. The reports revealed that patient was having many tumors in his abdomen. These tumours were attached to the amniotic sac, stomach and large intestine. On further evaluation, it was found that these tumours were cancerous. The albumin factor was decreasing and the patient needed cytoreductive surgery on an urgent basis. This very difficult and complicated surgery lasted for about 17 hours and the doctors managed to save the patient. Dr Govardhane said, “This was a very difficult and complex surgery and an experienced team of surgeons were required for the same. Before every such surgery, the patient’s fitness is tested. During this surgery, the patient’s blood was reserved during the operation. At the beginning of the surgery, a telescope was placed in the stomach with the help of which the various tumours were located and then removed.” Onco-Surgeon Dr Ajay Jadhav said, that during this operation, the patient had to be given four bags of blood. Post-surgery, the patient was managed in the ICU under the care of Dr Praveen Tajne, Pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, Nashik for his lung issues. Patient was discharged home after 25 days. Dr. Jadhav added that the entire operation took 17 hours and doctors were able to successfully remove all the tumours. If the cancer tumor is diagnosed early, then cancer can be cured. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajit Jha, Unit Head of Apollo Hospitals, Nashik said, “Apollo Hospitals, Nashik has state-of-the-art facilities, team of experienced doctors, trained nursing staff and physiotherapy team, all available at on place. Dr. Praveen Govardhane, Cancer Surgeon Dr. Ajay Jadhav, Dr Ambarish Chatterjee, Anesthesiologists Dr Bhupesh Parate and Dr Chetan Bhadare were highly appreciated for successfully performing a very difficult and complicated surgery with great patience and skill, thus proving that patients from North Maharashtra need not travel to other big cities for state of art medical treatment.