Over 600 heart and lung transplants and 1,000 ECMO cases mark a major national milestone in advanced critical careConsistent, high-survival outcomes position Apollo Hospitals, Chennai as India’s leader in advanced heart and lung failure management  Chennai, 22 January 2026: Apollo Hospitals, Chennai continues to set national benchmarks in the treatment of advanced heart and lung disease, driven by one of India’s most comprehensive heart, lung, and ECMO-supported transplant programs. The transplant team, with significant national and international experience, have performed 600+ heart and lung transplants, managed over 2,000 transplant patients, 1,000+ Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) cases, along with 250+ Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) procedures and 250+ Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) interventions. The multidisciplinary heart-lung transplant and MCS program at Apollo expertly manages patients with end-stage heart and or lung failure, offering personalised solutions for those who no longer respond to maximal medical therapy. Be it a stabilising, bridging or definitive treatment with transplanting   hearts and lungs, or implanting durable mechanical cardiac pumps for failing hearts, our patients are supported through a continuum of focused and evidence-based care. The team also offers comprehensive solutions for even the most complex cardiopulmonary conditions, such as the gold standard treatment of Pulmonary Endarterectomy (PEA) for appropriate patients with CTEPH, where the chronic blood clots in the lung arteries are removed surgically. The press conference held to mark this milestone featured patients from different age groups and levels of illness severity, who shared how their lives were transformed by the program. Among them were Mr. Raja Sivagurunathan (59), who survived a critical phase on ECMO support for 48 days before undergoing an emergency double-lung transplant; Mr. B. Saravanan (45), who developed sudden and severe lung failure and was supported on life-saving machines for two weeks until a successful lung transplant; and Mr. Radhae Shyam Raghuvanshi (72), whose condition worsened abruptly and who was airlifted to Chennai before receiving a double-lung transplant after advanced support.   Commenting about ECMO and Transplantation, Dr. Srinivas Rajagopala, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead - Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine and Lung Transplant, Apollo Hospitals Chennai said, “These outcomes demonstrate how early and appropriate use of ECMO can fundamentally alter the course of severe lung failure. It provides a vital bridge allowing time for stabilisation, informed decision-making, and preparation for lung transplantation. Success lies in constant vigilance, multidisciplinary teamwork, and highly personalized care. Our goal is always meaningful recovery, not merely short-term survival.” Dr. R Ravi Kumar, the Clinical Lead for Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals Chennai, described how Apollo Hospitals was achieving superior outcomes for the sickest patients with end-stage heart failure. “The team at Apollo Hospitals, with its evolving national program, is already delivering a unique clinical service that is succeeding in reducing both time to transplant and mortality on the waitlist.  We hope to repeat this at other Apollo Hospitals facilities beyond Chennai and Bangalore”. Dr. Kumud Kumar Dhital, Head of Heart and Lung Transplantation at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, emphasized “Patients suffering from advancing heart and lung failure, with escalating medical therapy and declining quality of life, deserve to be informed of the transplant options at a far earlier stage.  Outcomes improve significantly when patients are referred early and managed with strong, protocol-driven hospital care. Age itself is not a limitation - what matters is careful evaluation, optimization, meticulous surgery, expert after-care in the ICU, and life-long post-discharge continuity of care so as to maximize chances of long-term survivorship.” Dr. IIankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO – Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals also participated in the press conference. As India’s burden of advanced heart and lung disease continues to rise, Apollo Hospitals remains at the forefront of comprehensive cardiothoracic transplantation, combining innovation, expertise, and compassionate care- proving that even the most critical organ failure can be transformed into a second chance at life. Apollo Hospitals delivers 360-degree care through an integrated, multidisciplinary model involving cardiology, pulmonology, cardiothoracic surgery, anaesthesia, critical care, transplant coordination, rehabilitation, and seamlessly coordinates this with post-discharge and long-term follow-up. The program’s focus extends beyond survival to restoring functional independence and quality of life for patients while fully informing and supporting their families. ECMO serves as a vital life-support technology within this ecosystem. This mechanical support temporarily takes over the function of the heart and/or lungs when conventional therapies fail. By oxygenating blood outside the body, ECMO allows failing organs to rest and recover or acts as a crucial bridge to recovery or transplantation. The program integrates VV-ECMO for lung support, VA-ECMO for cardiac and combined heart-lung failure. LVADs in the form of implantable and mechanical heart pumps are offered to suitable candidates as durable alternatives or bridge to heart transplantation.

Apollo Hospitals, Chennai has been recognised with 4 Gold and 2 Silver honours at the PRSI State Awards 2025 for outstanding achievements in strategic communication and public engagement. These accolades reflect the hospital’s commitment to clear, credible, and purpose-led storytelling in healthcare — an effort that strengthens public understanding and trust.  The Gold awards were presented for the Best Integrated Campaign, Best Annual Report, Best Viral PR Campaign, and Best Influencer Marketing, while the silver awards were received for Best Digital Video and Best Integrated PR Strategy. These categories highlight Apollo Hospitals, Chennai’s excellence in engaging diverse audiences through thoughtful, impactful communication.    Host to nearly 115 recognitions across the state, the PRSI State Awards celebrate organisations and professionals whose communication efforts have driven positive change. The event brings together leaders from public and private sectors, celebrating innovation and professionalism in storytelling and public relations.  In a healthcare landscape where trust and transparency are essential, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai’s achievements demonstrate its ongoing work to connect with patients, caregivers, and the broader community with empathy, clarity, and credibility. These honours not only celebrate creative excellence but also reinforce the hospital’s role as a trusted source of health information and care.

Apollo Children’s Hospitals, Chennai, continues to demonstrate compassionate leadership by ensuring world-class healthcare reaches children in underserved regions through strategic public–private partnerships. Through the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) — a Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services Programme to provide comprehensive care to all the children in the community — and collaborations with the National Health Mission, the hospital’s paediatric cardiac team is travelling across the Northeast, Central, and Eastern India to screen children, begin early medical care, and facilitate timely intervention for complex heart defects. Young patients identified through these outreach efforts are referred seamlessly to Apollo’s specialised cardiac centre in Chennai for advanced treatment and surgery, supporting equitable access to life-saving care.   This initiative reflects Apollo Chennai’s commitment not only to clinical excellence but also to social accountability in healthcare delivery, especially for communities with limited access to specialised services. By integrating preventive screening with structured referral pathways, the hospital underscores that leadership in healthcare is rooted in extending expert care beyond institutional walls to the last mile.   For educators and healthcare professionals, this programme offers valuable insights into how integrated care models and partnerships can strengthen paediatric cardiac services nationwide. Apollo’s effort serves as a reminder that quality healthcare must be both excellent and accessible to truly make an impact on population health.  

Apollo Hospitals Guwahati has marked a significant milestone in gastrointestinal care by successfully performing Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). It is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to treat Achalasia Cardia, a chronic swallowing disorder. This is the first reported instance of POEM being performed in Northeast India, bringing world-class treatment closer to patients in the region.  The procedure was performed at Apollo Hospital Guwahati by the gastroenterology team led by Dr Roshan Agarwala and Dr Kamal Chetri. Since its introduction, the team has successfully performed 18 POEM procedures, with patients showing marked improvement in swallowing and relief from associated symptoms like regurgitation, vomiting, and weight loss. Achalasia Cardia occurs due to abnormal tightening of the oesophageal muscles, preventing food from passing smoothly into the stomach. POEM addresses this by using an endoscope to precisely cut the inner muscle layer of the oesophagus, relieving the obstruction without external incisions. Compared to conventional surgery, the procedure is associated with reduced post-procedure discomfort and shorter hospital stays. Until recently, patients from Assam and other northeastern states had to travel to metropolitan cities of other regions for this specialised treatment. The availability of POEM in Guwahati significantly reduces that burden. Speaking on the achievement, Dr Roshan Agarwala said that the introduction of POEM underscores Apollo Hospitals Guwahati’s commitment to broadening access to advanced gastrointestinal care in the region. He emphasised that the hospital aims not only to treat disease, but also to ensure that patients across Assam and northeastern states benefit from the most advanced, safe, and minimally invasive treatment options available globally. 

Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai continues to lead in clinical innovation and patient-focused cardiac care with the successful implantation of a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (S-ICD) — a cutting-edge device that offers life-saving protection from sudden cardiac arrest without placing leads inside the heart. Performed by Dr. A. M. Karthigesan, Senior Consultant Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist, and his team, the procedure represents a significant advancement in rhythm-management therapy and underscores Apollo’s commitment to evidence-based, outcomes-driven care. Unlike conventional ICDs that rely on transvenous leads placed within the heart, the subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) delivers effective protection from life-threatening arrhythmias without entering the heart or blood vessels. Positioned entirely beneath the skin, it preserves cardiac and vascular anatomy, simplifies the implantation approach, and significantly reduces long-term complications associated with transvenous leads, including infection and lead failure. This strategy is aligned with global electrophysiology best practices, enhancing patient safety while ensuring reliable defibrillation therapy. This advancement is part of Apollo Chennai’s broader leadership in cardiac care, which includes pioneering minimally invasive therapies, electrophysiology innovations, and comprehensive heart rhythm management. By integrating world-class technology with compassionate care, Apollo Hospitals reinforces its mission to improve cardiovascular outcomes and quality of life for patients at risk of sudden cardiac events. Apollo’s S-ICD milestone exemplifies how evidence-based innovation can translate into safer, more effective care — strengthening confidence for patients and clinicians alike.

Apollo Hospitals has further strengthened access to essential renal care with the inauguration of Apollo Dialysis Clinics at Kolathur and Kondithope in North Chennai. The centres were inaugurated by Thiru M.K. Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, highlighting the importance of public–private collaboration in building resilient healthcare infrastructure. Developed in partnership with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), these facilities reflect a shared commitment to bringing quality care closer to communities. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a growing public health challenge, particularly in urban settings where diabetes and hypertension are increasingly prevalent. For patients with advanced kidney disease, dialysis is a long-term, life-sustaining therapy that requires consistent access and clinical reliability. Establishing dialysis services closer to neighbourhoods plays a vital role in reducing travel burden, improving treatment adherence, and supporting better long-term outcomes. The Kolathur and Kondithope clinics together offer a total of 15 dialysis beds, along with specialist consultations, dialysis treatment, and rehabilitation support, ensuring continuity of care in a safe and patient-friendly environment. Commenting on the initiative in North Chennai, Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said, “This clinic in North Chennai is a positive step in that direction. I am hopeful that initiatives like this continue to expand, and that together we keep finding ways to make essential healthcare more accessible to all.” Through sustained investments in community-based renal care, Apollo Hospitals continues to reinforce its patient-first mission — delivering evidence-based, accessible healthcare where it is needed most.

Apollo Hospitals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Diagnostics India to integrate artificial intelligence into clinical decision-making. It was formalized at THIT 2026 (the annual Transforming Healthcare with IT event organised by Apollo Hospitals) in the presence of Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group and Mr. Rishubh Gupta, Managing Director, Roche Diagnostics India & Neighbouring Markets. At the core of this partnership is Roche's Navify Algorithm Suite — a sophisticated, cloud-based clinical decision support platform. It integrates with Apollo's clinical systems to deliver tailored patient insights, enable earlier detection of complex diseases, and enhance workflow efficiency by connecting electronic medical records (EMR), laboratory information systems (LIS), and hospital information systems (HIS). By merging Apollo's clinical expertise with Roche's digital tools, the initiative supports real-world AI validation at Apollo's research centres, ensuring reliable performance across diverse settings. Dr. Sangita Reddy emphasized the focus on digital transformation: "We aim to accelerate early diagnosis, streamline workflows, and enhance quality of life for patients." Mr. Rishubh Gupta highlighted transforming data into actionable intelligence for scalable, precise decisions. This alliance underscores Apollo's commitment to evidence-based innovation, benefiting millions through its network of over 74 hospitals, 6,600+ pharmacies, 264 clinics, 2,182 diagnostic centres, and 800+ telemedicine centres. Patients gain from faster, more accurate care, while clinicians benefit from efficient tools — advancing a patient-first healthcare ecosystem.

Spreading joy and safety! Apollo Hospital Noida, in collaboration with Jalvayu Vihar Laughter Club, hosted a laughter show and CPR training for Club 26 and laughter club members. Laughter and lifesaving skills – a perfect blend for a healthier community!

Celebrating the magical journey of motherhood! Apollo Hospital, Noida, recently hosted a special antenatal session for expectant mothers. It was a day filled with joy, learning, and shared experiences, embracing the beautiful journey of pregnancy. Here’s to cherishing these precious moments and empowering mothers-to-be with knowledge and support!

Apollo Hospitals Noida joined forces with Bureau Veritas to empower their employees with life-saving CPR training. Together, we’re not just building a healthier workplace, but a community ready to respond in times of need.

Promoting Employee Well-being: Apollo Hospitals Noida, in collaboration with Acidaes Solution Pvt Ltd, recently hosted a health check-up camp exclusively for Acidaes Solution Pvt Ltd employees. A total of 95 employees participated in this initiative to prioritize their health and well-being.

Healthcare professionals and learners came together to learn essential first aid and resuscitation techniques, ensuring they’re prepared for emergencies.