Apollo Knowledge City is an integrated knowledge campus with modern teaching facilities is a Learning and innovation hub committed to clinical and academic excellence with facilities for education, training and research. Apollo Knowledge City comprises of Medical College, Nursing College, Colleges of Physiotherapy, Dental, Pharmacy, Health Care Management Institute, Allied courses (MSW, Masters in Public Health, MSc Health Informatics, M. Sc Clinical Psychology), K-12 School, Skill Development Centre etc. and will house more than 7000 students in the campus. Key Highlights: It is the First Public Private Partnership (PPP) model between the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation (AHERF). This partnership further gave an opportunity to upgrade the District Headquarters Government Hospital for providing world-class and affordable healthcare facilities to the people of Andhra Pradesh. District Government Hospital and The Medical College will provide holistic healthcare to the individuals of all age groups, in Chittoor district and the state of Andhra Pradesh. The District Government Hospital has been upgraded in the following manner: Added 117 Doctors and 108 Nurses & Technicians IPD Volume increased by 35% and OPD volume increased by 62% Added ICU Units: RICU, CICU, SICU, PICU Upgraded to State of the Art Operation Theatres Upgraded and renovated Central Laboratory & Blood Bank Set up of Dialysis Unit, Modern Autopsy Block, Radiology Department (CT Scan, 500 MA & 800 MA Static X ray, Ultra Sound with Colour Doppler etc) The construction of New In-Patient block with 350 beds capacity with modern Operation Theatres is under progress Apollo Hospitals has spent approx. Rs. 26.6 crores towards the upgradation of the District Hospital so far and plans to incur another 60 crores to make the District Hospital to MCI compliant P.G level Teaching Hospital. Post-establishment of Chittoor campus, plans are being made to set up an Institute specializing in AYUSH Specialties (Complementary Medicine) in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.   This unique PPP model will make huge difference not only in the state of Andhra Pradesh, but also will be a model for the rest of the nation.

Apollo Hospitals, Aragonda had successfully performed 50 Knee Replacement surgeries (44 unilateral & 3 Bilateral), 1 Shoulder Arthroscopy and 1 ACL Left Knee construction. Apollo Hospitals is the first hospital in India to perform Knee Replacement Surgeries (Unilateral & Bilateral) in a remote village. Dr. Madan Mohan Reddy, Dr. Vijay Kishore Reddy, Dr. Kunal Patel, Dr. Sridhar, Dr. Sreenivasan along with hospital staff made it possible, at an affordable cost. Apollo Hospitals, Aragonda is situated in Aragonda village, 20 km from Chittoor and is fully equipped with Telemedicine facilities. State-of-art technology and Tender Loving Care (TLC), have always played a vital role in delivering quality healthcare, making it accessible by every individual; thus making this an ideal modern rural hospital.

Liver transplantation continues to be a challenge for many Filipino families. The average medical cost of liver-related illness is beyond the means of many Filipino families. Given the rising cost of medical and health services in the country as compared to other Asian countries like lndia, Taiwan, and Thailand, many Filipino families seek medical attention abroad. Many Filipinos has found Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi as a go to centre for liver transplantation. India is perceived as economically viable when it comes to intricate treatments like liver transplants and with Apollo Hospitals’ proven expertise, international patients now look towards India for their treatment. Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals Group and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals stated that Apollo Hospitals is considered as a preferred destination for transplant cases. “The Apollo Transplant Program is the busiest solid organ transplant programs in the world since 2012. In 2017, it not only catered to domestic needs, but also to patients from 44 other countries.” India stands out as a destination for successful transplants as manifested in the real life story of Sanjay, the first child in India to have been successfully transplanted at the age of 18 months in 1998. Sanjay is now a medical student leading a normal life. The first successful liver transplant in India was performed at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi in 1998. Since then, more than 3,100 liver transplants have been performed at Apollo, of which 298 were performed on children.   Successful Stories for Filipino Babies In the last 15 months, the hospital has undertaken 21 pediatric liver transplant cases from Philippines. Baby Emma Scarlet Mendoza, Baby Nathaniel Almazar, Baby Genesis Louis De Guzman, Baby Jermaine Briseis J Belista, Baby Kalem Asher Lizada and Baby Fortune are among the Filipino babies who were successfully treated at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. “Our transplantation success rates are comparable to the best published outcomes in the world, which is truly a credit to the excellent team at Apollo Hospital that adheres to the highest standards of clinical care. We value the trust our patients put in us with regard to the most complicated of liver transplants (e.g., in babies weighing as less as 4 kilograms), combined liver–kidney transplants and multi-organ transplants,” Dr. Sibal said. Dr. Neerav Goyal, Senior Consultant – Liver Transplant Department, Apollo Hospitals, Delhi stated, “Liver transplantation in small babies are more complex than a regular liver transplant. We are now able to perform transplants in high risk cases, very small babies, patients with difficult anatomy and patients with multi organ dysfunction. We have also performed liver transplants in patients who do not have blood compatible donors. It is this expertise that gives hope and happiness to patients from world over, who come to Apollo Hospitals to seek respite from their ailments.” Stressing upon the progress achieved in liver transplants, especially in children, Dr. Sibal further added, “An answer to the treatment of liver diseases is the early diagnosis. Like other diseases many Liver Diseases are curable, if diagnosed and treated timely,” Baby Jermaine from Philippines underwent successful liver transplants at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals last year. “My baby displayed yellow discoloration of eyes and skin, which deepened with time. He was diagnosed with chronic liver disease with Caroli disease, which is a rare congenital disorder of the intrahepatic bile ducts and underwent living related liver transplant. His operation was successful and he was discharged after 3 weeks. We are thankful to PAR, Hope and Apollo Hospitals for their quick support and speedy recovery of my child,” Jonalyna, mother of the baby, quipped. Baby Genesis Louis De Guzman, a one-year-old toddler, was diagnosed with chronic liver disease with biliary atresia. Immediately upon birth he developed pneumonia and during his hospitalisation, he developed jaundice which was managed conservatively. “From there his condition worsened as he developed progressive abdominal distension. With the help of PAR and Hope Foundation, I admitted my baby at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital for liver transplantation, which went smoothly. My family and I are grateful to the Hospital for the successful treatment and the care they provided us during our stay,” the mother of Baby Genesis said. Adding to the sentiments of Baby Genesis’ parents, father of Baby Fortune never stop himself in praising Apollo Hospitals. “Fortune is our first kid and when we found the complications, we were very tensed and didn’t know where to go. PAR and Hope Foundation came to us to help and in the next few days, we were at Apollo Hospitals for treatment. The Doctors here are very experienced and they shared with us full detail of the problem. After regular medication and a surgery, my boy responded positively and recovered from the complicated disease. I am thankful to the Doctors and the Hospital for giving my son a new life.”   Partnerships with Filipino Organizations Pinoy Aspiring Runners (PAR), a charitable organisation that supports Biliary Atresia patients in Philippines, identifies liver transplant operation (LITRO) babies, along with Hope Foundation Germany, which provides financial support to patients for the treatment in Indian hospitals. Parents of the children credit the talented team at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals for not only providing effective treatment but also constant guidance at every step.  

Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai has launched Mazor Robotic Spine Surgery Systems for patients who require spine surgery. Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai is the first hospital in Western India to offer this advanced minimally invasive robotic system for the benefit of patients. The Robotic Spine Surgery Systems, facilitates more accuracy in minimally invasive spine surgery through 3D mapping of the area which needs to be operated. This enables surgeons to perform surgeries such as spinal fusion surgery, complex deformity correction and revision spine surgeries in conditions like degenerative disc diseases causing back pain, spinal stenosis, fractures and tumours, with more precision as compared to traditional open surgery. Patients are also benefited by the increased accuracy as it reduces radiation exposure, less post-operative pain and speedy recovery. Expanding on the robotics system, Dr. Ram Chaddha, Senior Consultant – Spine Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai said, “The Robotic Spine Surgery Systems technology is internationally acclaimed for being the safest, most accurate minimally-invasive technology for spinal surgical procedures. It has been successfully used by hundreds of surgeons in over 27,000 patient procedures as well as for placing over 190,000 implants precisely. It has many advantages over traditional spine surgery with improved accuracy, greater consistency in screw placement, lesser chance of complications, early recovery, etc. all of which leads to more benefits for the patient in terms of long term success of the procedure.” Dr. Agnivesh Tikoo, Consultant – Spine Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai said, “Spine surgery is traditionally done as “open surgery,” with a long incision that allows visualisation and access to the area being operated. Technological advances like the Mazor robotic system enable a minimally invasive approach without many incisions. Besides being safer due to less exposure to radiation during the surgery, the recovery time is also less as there is less trauma to the spinal muscles during the operation. Blood loss is significantly less. The small incisions also give a better cosmetic effect. All considered, the technology offers major benefits to the patient.” Dr. Narendra Trivedi, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai said, “This is a landmark for the Navi Mumbai hospital and is in line with our aim to equip our doctors with the latest in advanced medical technology to deliver the best of medical and surgical care to our patients. Across Apollo Hospitals, the patient is at the centre of all our initiatives, as we work towards providing the best of world-class treatment at an affordable cost, and the introduction of the Robotic Spine Surgery Systems, is in furtherance of this objective.”

Apollo Hospitals and Medics Super Speciality Hospital came together to form ApolloMedics – a 330 beds quaternary care hospital which is a major boost to healthcare infrastructure in the state of Uttar Pradesh. ApolloMedics will provide world class healthcare delivery services for people of all socio-economic strata in the region. The hospital is designed to make the patient and work flow systems as per international treatment methodologies and best in class patient care experience. All the doctors have rich clinical experience and are the leading professionals in their respective field. Medics has been promoted by Dr. Sushil Gattani, a leading Cardiologist in Uttar Pradesh. Other leading doctors such as Dr. Mayank Somani, a highly accomplished Senior Physician and Critical Care Medicine expert; Dr. Kavita Somani, a leading histopathologist & Mr. J. P. Dhoot are part of the medical team. ApolloMedics will not only provide world class technologies, leading healthcare experts and follow benchmarking practices, but also provide an unparalleled high quality patient-centric experience. Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group commented, “The state of Uttar Pradesh is the heart of India. The partnership with Medics Life Sciences is indeed a very special one for us as we look at enhancing our presence in this region. I’m privileged and humbled to have such eminent medical experts like Dr. Sushil Gattani, Dr. Mayank Somani, Dr Kavita Somani and their team as part of this journey. I’m confident that Apollo Hospitals will gain immensely from their experiences and our proven global practices will augment cutting edge innovations in healthcare. I wish the team innumerable successes.” Dr. Sushil Gattani, Founder & Co-Chairman, Medics Super Speciality Hospital termed the association as a monumental step in the healthcare ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh. The institution aims to deliver world class treatment to all people, and not just citizens of metropolitan cities in the country . In addition, there is potential to develop Lucknow as a cost effective Medical Value Travel destination, with direct flights to Middle East and South Asia every day. Ms Sangeeta Reddy, Joint MD, Apollo Hospitals Group stated “We are delighted to have Medics Life Sciences as our partners in the state of Uttar Pradesh to deliver high quality healthcare to the people of Uttar Pradesh. As India’s foremost integrated healthcare providers, we look forward to bringing our global treatment methodologies, futuristic technologies and holistic patient care to this region. We are confident that this partnership will enhance the quality of healthcare in the state significantly and set new benchmarks of excellence.” Apollo Medics is a 330 bedded hospital with 110 beds exclusively dedicated for critical care. A combination of future-ready technologies is integrated into world class equipment, viz: MRI, Pet-scan, Tru-beam LINAC, 128 slice CT scan, cardiac and neurocath lab with state of the art laboratories and emergency facilities. The Hospital will provide 24*7 round-the-clock super specialty treatments with specialist doctors available at night also. Super speciality work viz. cardiac care, cancer care, trauma care, orthopedics, gastrosciences, kidney, critical care along with all other affiliated specialities and sub specialities will be the hallmark of Apollomedics.  

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group has been conferred with the prestigious Lions Humanitarian Award for his unparalleled efforts in making international standards of healthcare accessible and affordable to millions across India and around the world. At a special function in New Delhi, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy was presented with the prestigious Lions Humanitarian Award by Honorable Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri. Ashwini Kumar Choubey. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy is the fifth Indian and the second medical doctor to be conferred with this exalted honour. The Lions Humanitarian Award is the highest honour of the Lions Club International Foundation which is given to an individual or an organization for rendering exemplary humanitarian efforts. Since its inception in 1973, the award has been conferred on a diverse group of individuals whose work has made the world a better place through substantial humanitarian accomplishments. Earlier recipients of this honour includes, Mother Teresa in 1986, Wangari Maathai in 2010, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1996 and his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in 1999, as well as performers, actor Danny Kaye in 1974 for his dedicated work with the UNICEF and Soprano Barbara Hendricks in 2001 for her efforts in supporting refugees and international peace. While acknowledging the award, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy said, “It is an honour to receive the Lions Humanitarian Award in recognition of my efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to all in need. It is my vision that India should become the global healthcare destination, recognized for its contribution to heal the world. The work done by Apollo Hospitals and other great health institutions has made Indian healthcare a force to reckon with. While new challenges like Non-Communicable Disease (NCDs) continue to present risks, we must all unite to create a health system that stands as a beacon of excellence for the world.” Also, coinciding with this momentous occasion, Apollo Hospitals and the Lions Club International Foundation together launched the “Lions Apollo Healthcare Partnership Programme (LAHPP)” that will strive to bring quality healthcare to the underprivileged in India. The Apollo Family has always cherished its responsibilities and welcomed opportunities to re-commit itself to serving patients and contributing to the collective well-being of our nation.

Reconstructive Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi by Dr. Shahin Nooreyezdan, Consultant – Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery made it possible for a Uzbekistan patient to sit down after 32 years. Gulnora Rapikhova, is a 37 year old patient from Uzbekistan whose life changed after she was operated by Dr. Shahin Nooreyezdan, to heal her chronic burn wounds at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi. Rapikhova travelled all the way from Tashkent to New Delhi while standing or lying down in the flight. Rapikhova was 5 years old when her dress caught fire at home. By the time she was rushed to hospital she developed severe burns on her lower back to her thighs. She was hospitalized for 18 months; first at a local hospital, later at Tashkent. Rapikhiova was unable to sit and she spent almost 32 years either standing or lying down. She underwent major surgeries to heal her wound but in vain. Taping a clean towel over her chronic wounds or taking painkillers when the pain was unbearable was the only thing she can do, said Rapikhova. Her first step towards ending her suffering was when she decided to visit the free medical camp in Sirdarya organized by Apollo Hospitals. On examination, the patient was found to have chronic raw and infected wounds down her back, buttocks and thighs and a severe tissue wounds. The surgery was not very complicated and skin graft from lower legs were used to cover the wounds but to rule-out the risk of wounds turning into cancer (Marjolin ulcer) after 10 to 15 years, several biopsies were done, added Dr. Shahin Nooreyezdan. Gulnora Rapikhova was operated on May 31, 2018 and recovered well. She was able to sit down after three decades. She had to wear pressure garments for six months. Gulnora Rapikhova is a great fan of Bollywood films and she expressed her experience by saying “It’s a lot like in the films, people are nice” Apollo Hospitals was yet again successful in bringing back the smile on the face of a patient!   Read More

In a milestone achievement, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, successfully performed a liver transplant on a 4-month old infant from Tanzania, the youngest ever recipient in Western India. The life-saving procedure marks a breakthrough in Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai’s Liver Transplant program, which has to date seen over 30 liver transplants being performed successfully, since its launch. The infant was suffering from a congenital condition of the liver, ‘Biliary Atresia’ which had blocked the bile flow from the liver causing irreversible damage and scarring of the liver cells. The living-donor transplant came from the infant’s father who donated a portion of his healthy liver to his child. Dr. Darius F. Mirza, Head, HPB & Multi-Organ Transplant Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai said, “A rare condition, Biliary Atresia can be surgically corrected with 40% success if diagnosed early. However, in this case the problem was only noticed by the family when the infant’s grandmother who is a nurse came to see him and noticed the hard liver and white stools. Till then, he was being treated for jaundice by the local doctors. He was referred to Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai where after a complete evaluation, the condition was diagnosed. The delay in detection of the condition led to extensive damage to the infant’s liver with the development of life threatening liver failure. It was too late for surgical correction of the biliary atresia, hence we decided to go in for a life-saving liver transplant.” The infant was found medically fit for the liver transplant procedure and the process to identify a donor was started. Though a match, the infant’s mother was found not physically fit to donate. Fortunately, the infant’s father was found to be a suitable donor. The parents were counselled on the transplant procedure and the medication and management that would be required post the transplant surgery. A multi-specialty team that consisted of Transplant Surgeons, Pediatricians and Dieticians charted out a detailed plan to prepare the infant for the transplant. The life-saving transplant was performed on June 30, 2018 by the Liver Transplant team headed by Dr. Darius F. Mirza, Dr.VikramRaut, Dr.Swapnil Sharma, supported DrAabhaNagral, Hepatologist’s and team of specialists. A portion of the father’s liver was removed and transplanted into the infant. The infant has shown a good recovery without any complications. He was kept under observation in the ICU for two weeks post the surgery and later transferred to a patient room. He is scheduled to be discharged in a month. The father made an uneventful recovery. As the human liver regenerates and returns to its normal size shortly after surgical removal of part of the organ, the father will regain normal size of the liver and function in a short time. According to Dr.AnupamSibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals Group and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals Delhi, “The Apollo Liver Transplant program performed India’s first successful liver transplant in 1998. Since then, more than 3000 liver transplants have been performed of which more than 270 have been in children. We are privileged to have earned the trust of not just patients from different parts of India but more than 20 countries,” he added. Dr. Narendra Trivedi, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, said, “At Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, we have performed 11 pediatric liver transplants since we began the transplant program. We are proud to be the first and one of the few hospitals in Western India and surrounding areas to offer this life saving procedure for very small children. Today, we are serving not just patients from different parts of India but from across the globe.” The patient’s parents conveyed their thanks and the father, Elirabi E. Lyimo said, “We are glad that our baby’s condition was treated successfully by the specialized team of doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. We appreciate their dedication in working towards the complete recovery of our son. The transplant has given him the chance to lead a normal life.”

On the event of achieving 1500 Bone Marrow Transplants, Dr. Abdullah Al Shukaili, Health Attache, Oman Consulate congratulated Apollo Hospitals for the accomplishment and service to mankind. Patients have been treated from all over India including Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kozhikode, Gujarat, Bengal and from foreign countries like Oman, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Dubai, UAE and Mauritius. The 1500 Bone Marrow Transplant endorses the success of these high-end procedures for both Children and adults with survival rates comparable to western countries. Bone Marrow Transplantation saves the lives of patients with blood cancer and serious blood disorders like thalassemia major, aplastic anemia and primary immune deficiency.

Having completed 1500 Bone Marrow Transplants, Dr Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka congratulated Apollo Hospitals for this rare achievement which benefits not only patients from India but also thousands suffering in various parts of the world. Patients have been treated at Apollo Hospitals from all over India including Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kozhikode, Gujarat, Bengal and from foreign countries like Oman, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Dubai, UAE and Mauritius. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai was the first hospital to conduct India’s first cord blood transplant and unrelated transplant.

1500 patients have been treated at Apollo Bone Marrow Transplant units from all over India including Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kozhikode, Gujarat, Bengal as well as from foreign countries like Oman, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Tanzania, Dubai, UAE, and Mauritius. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai was the first hospital to conduct India’s first cord blood transplant and unrelated transplant, and the 1500 BMT landmark endorses the success of these high-end procedures for both children and adults with survival rates comparable to western centres. Bone marrow transplantation saves the lives of patients with blood cancer and serious blood disorders like thalassemia major, aplastic anemia and primary immune deficiency. Commenting on this milestone, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Executive Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group said, “We are proud of the commitment and drive shown by our team in this life saving achievement. I am glad that our team has helped over 1500 patients from across India as well as abroad to celebrate life and win over life threatening conditions through a Bone Marrow Transplant. For us, this number is just one milestone on our journey of healing. Though we have come a long way from the first successful BMT at Apollo in 1995, there are many more patients who are in need of BMT. It is extremely important that people come forward for bone marrow donation and help save more lives.” Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Ramesh Nimmagadda, Director, Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Institute said, “Our patients come to us with a sense of hope and it is with joy and a sense of fulfilment that we are celebrating over 1500 lives on this occasion. It is not just a milestone that our team has achieved here, but more than that it is an occasion to celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of the patients whose age ranges from 6 weeks to 68 years! Innovation, technology, teamwork and dedication at the hospital has enabled us to take the lead in BMT.” Equipped with highly qualified team, and stringent infection control norms which are critical for BMT patients, BMT treatment is available across the Apollo Hospitals chain at Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. Apollo Hospitals was the first private hospital in India to perform the procedure in 1995. Today, the BMT procedure performed at Apollo for over 40 different conditions have resulted in over 1500 people celebrating life. Apollo Hospitals group now marks a milestone with the first private hospital in India to cross 1500 BMT procedures.

Apollo Hospitals treats 22 under privileged infants free-of-cost for cardiac ailments Includes 11 open heart surgeries Programme will be extended to 44 more infants Mumbai, 15th May, 2018: When Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai launched its first tertiary care Multi-speciality hospital in Navi Mumbai, it committed to treat around 66 pediatric cardiac patients from underprivileged families at no cost. Today, the hospital has completed 22 such procedures of which 11 infants underwent open heart surgeries and remaining 11 treated with interventional procedures. Apollo Hospitals is shortlisting & inviting eligible families to come forward and benefit from this programme. One of the recent cases treated by the hospital in Navi Mumbai is that of an 11 month old baby Harsh Tamboli. When the parents Mr Prashanth Tamboli experienced repeated episodes of cough and cold, little did they know that Master Harsh Tamboli, was suspected to have congenital heart disease due to abnormal heart beats. On diagnosis, it confirmed severe Valvular Aortic Stenosis with preserved ventricular function. He was successfully managed bypaediatric cardiologists at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai by performing balloon aortic valvotomy. “We come from a remote place near Raigad. When we saw our baby struggle to breathe, we were completely unaware of its heart health being the reason behind it. While we knew that we urgently needed a specialist doctor to treat our child, we were also worried about funding the treatment. Knowing that heart related treatment will cost a huge amount, we were extremely worried about our child’s health. We were then referred to Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. I am very glad we came here. The hospital has treated my child with the best of its services at no cost.” said Ms. Prashanth Tamboli, father of the baby. Pediatric heart cases deserve specialized attention. Immediate detection of cardiac anomalies is of utmost importance to avoid long term, or irreversible damage to the heart andpotential loss of life. Dr Neville Soloman, Consultant, Paeditaric Cardiac Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Out of 1000 children, 8 children have congenital heart disease. On an average 3 to 4 need to undergo a surgery or their survival becomes a challenge, but not all children require surgery, simple conditions can be managed by interventional procedures (Non-surgical procedures) andcomplex conditions can be cured by open heart surgery with excellent results, if the team is good. Many of these children can lead a normal life like any other children with good quality of life.” “Pediatric cardiac cases observed in the lower socio-economic strata of society usually go undiagnosed. This initiative aims to not only deliver quality of life and the best healthcare facilities to the underprivileged; we also want to create more awareness on heart health of the baby right from pregnancy. It is heartening to see that our services are helping families reassure lives of their babies who are being diagnosed with heart related ailments,” said Dr Narendra Trivedi, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai Specially designed for the underprivileged families, the hospital has set a selection process for families to benefit from this programme. The selection criteria is based on producing certificates / documents that include: Patient case history Identity card / residential proof Income certificate based on lower income criteria This noble initiative announced by Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai was to commemorate a milestone of 66th Apollo Hospital being launched in India.