Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, has received accreditation from Joint Commission International (JCI) for the seventh time, marking the completion of another external assessment cycle focused on healthcare quality and patient safety.  JCI accreditation involves an independent evaluation of a healthcare organisation against standards covering areas such as patient safety, clinical care processes, medication management, infection prevention, organisational governance and quality improvement. Accreditation indicates that the organisation met the applicable standards at the time of assessment.  The latest accreditation reflects the collective work of doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals and support teams across clinical care and hospital operations. Maintaining accreditation requires established processes, staff participation, monitoring and continued quality-improvement activity.  The recognition also highlights the role of periodic external assessment in identifying areas for improvement and supporting consistent institutional practices. Accreditation evaluates organisational systems and compliance with defined standards; it does not guarantee a particular outcome for every patient, as outcomes also depend on the medical condition, treatment required and other individual clinical factors.

A cardiac team at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, led by Dr. Karthigesan AM, Senior Consultant – Cardiology and Electrophysiology, performed a combined catheter-based procedure using pulsed field ablation (PFA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in a 75-year-old man with recurrent atrial fibrillation, a previous stroke and a history of intracranial bleeding.  The patient, who also had diabetes, had previously received antiarrhythmic medication and anticoagulation following an AF-related stroke. He subsequently developed intracranial bleeding that required surgery. Extended Holter monitoring later detected recurrent atrial fibrillation despite medication, while his history of serious bleeding complicated the use of long-term anticoagulation.  During a single procedure, the team used the FARAPULSE system to perform PFA and implanted a device to close the left atrial appendage. PFA delivers short electrical pulses to target cardiac tissue involved in atrial fibrillation, unlike conventional thermal ablation techniques that use heat or freezing. LAA closure seals a small pouch in the upper left chamber of the heart where blood clots commonly form in people with atrial fibrillation.  Dr. Karthigesan noted that patients with atrial fibrillation who experience serious bleeding while receiving anticoagulants can present complex treatment decisions. Discontinuing anticoagulation may leave them at risk of a clot-related stroke, while continuing it may increase the risk of further bleeding. In appropriately selected patients, LAA closure may offer a non-pharmacological approach to reducing stroke risk, while PFA addresses the abnormal heart rhythm.  The patient was discharged two days after the procedure. A stable heart rhythm was reported at the two-week follow-up. The clinical team planned anticoagulation for three months, followed by aspirin alone, subject to continued assessment and follow-up.  PFA and LAA closure address different aspects of atrial fibrillation: rhythm control and reduction of clot-related stroke risk. Combining them in a single procedure may be considered for selected patients, but the evidence supporting this approach is still developing. Longer-term follow-up is required to assess rhythm control, device sealing, stroke prevention and potential complications. Recent literature similarly describes combined PFA and LAA closure as a developing strategy for which evidence remains limited. 

A donor heart intended for transplantation at Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, was transported across part of the city using the Namma Metro network on 14 October 2026. The coordinated transfer involved teams from Sparsh Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Apollo Hospitals and the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).   The medical team carrying the donor heart boarded a Metro train at Goraguntepalya station at 2.22 pm and reached Mantri Square Sampige Road station at 2.40 pm. The Metro leg of the hospital-to-hospital transfer took 18 minutes and provided an alternative to travelling through congested city roads. BMRCL coordinated the necessary arrangements to support the safe and timely movement of the organ.   Timely transportation is important in heart transplantation because a donor heart can remain viable outside the body for only a limited period. The duration depends on factors including the method of preservation and the clinical circumstances, making careful coordination between retrieval, transport and transplant teams essential.  The transfer demonstrates how coordination between healthcare institutions and public transport authorities can support time-sensitive organ transplantation. It also highlights the contribution of organ donors and their families, whose decisions make transplantation possible. 

Apollo Hospitals Pune, in association with Pune Cardiac Centre, has reported completing more than 100 cardiac surgical procedures since November 2025. The Pune Cardiac Centre has also reported performing more than 400 minimally invasive cardiac surgeries over the past five years, including over 230 procedures during 2025–26.  The programme has completed more than 30 robotic-assisted cardiac surgeries. Its work includes robotic-assisted harvesting of the bilateral internal mammary arteries for total arterial revascularisation in selected patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. This technique uses arteries from the chest wall as grafts to restore blood flow to the heart.  The cardiac surgery programme also includes minimally invasive approaches to mitral valve replacement, repeat mitral valve replacement, aortic valve replacement and atrial septal defect closure.  Robotic assistance can provide enhanced 3D visualisation and instrument control during selected cardiac procedures. However, the choice between robotic-assisted, minimally invasive and conventional surgery depends on the patient’s condition, anatomy, procedural requirements and the clinical judgement of the surgical team.  These milestones reflect the combined experience of Apollo Hospitals Pune and Pune Cardiac Centre in undertaking minimally invasive and robotic-assisted cardiac surgery. The surgical approach is determined following individual clinical assessment and discussion of the available treatment options. 

Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai hosted the Cordis DEB Observership Programme: Advancing Stentless Strategies, an educational programme focused on the use of drug-coated balloons in selected coronary interventions. The programme included the observation of complex procedures and case-based discussions on treatment planning, vessel preparation and stentless angioplasty strategies.   Dr. Rahul Gupta, Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, performed two complex coronary procedures using drug-coated balloons. The procedures were observed by Dr. Simon Eccleshall, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. Dr. Eccleshall’s clinical and research interests include coronary artery disease and drug-coated balloon angioplasty.    Drug-coated balloon angioplasty uses a balloon catheter to widen a narrowed segment of a coronary artery and deliver an antiproliferative medication to the vessel wall. The balloon is then removed, potentially allowing treatment without leaving a permanent implant. However, a stent may still be required if the procedural result is inadequate or a complication occurs.  The approach may be considered in selected clinical situations, including certain cases of in-stent restenosis and disease affecting small coronary vessels. Its suitability depends on factors such as the nature and location of the lesion, vessel size, preparation of the artery and the result achieved during the procedure.  Coronary stents remain an established treatment for many patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Drug-coated balloons provide another option in appropriately selected cases, with treatment decisions guided by the patient’s clinical condition, lesion characteristics, procedural findings and available evidence.  The observership enabled clinicians to examine the practical application of drug-coated balloon angioplasty and discuss its place alongside established coronary intervention strategies. 

Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, organised Robo Connect, an interactive clinical programme held on 11 October 2026 at Accord Puducherry. The event was inaugurated by Dr. S. Sevvel, Director of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Puducherry.  Centred on the theme "Beyond Technology to Meaningful Clinical and Patient Outcomes", the programme brought together more than 30 robotic surgeons from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, and clinicians from Puducherry to exchange knowledge and discuss developments in robotic-assisted surgery.  Surgeons from different specialties shared their clinical experience and examined how robotic assistance may be used during selected procedures. Discussions focused on clinical indications, surgical planning, procedural requirements and the role of surgeon training and experience.  The programme also examined robotic surgical platforms, including the Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery system, SSI Mantra, Meril CUVIS and Stryker Mako. These systems are designed for different types of procedures and provide varying forms of visualisation, surgical planning and instrument or robotic-arm assistance. The choice of platform depends on the procedure, clinical requirements and the surgeon’s assessment.   Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region, highlighted the importance of evaluating surgical technologies according to the clinical value they provide. The discussions emphasised that technology should support clinical decision-making, with treatment planned according to the patient’s condition and individual care requirements.  Robotic assistance may offer technical advantages during selected procedures, including enhanced visualisation, controlled instrument movement or support for surgical planning. However, it does not independently guarantee a particular clinical outcome. Results can vary according to the patient’s overall health, underlying condition, complexity of the procedure, surgical approach and the experience of the clinical team.  Robo Connect underscored the importance of assessing robotic-assisted surgery through clinical evidence, appropriate patient selection, structured training and patient outcomes rather than technological capability alone. 

Apollo Hospitals and Rotary International District 3233 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Sanjeevini Rotary–Apollo Idhaya Thunai initiative to expand access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places across Chennai. The initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu.    The MoU was signed by Rtn. Shriram Duvvuri, District Governor, Rotary International District 3233, and Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Region. The initiative focuses on improving community preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest through access to AEDs, hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and coordinated emergency response.  Under the agreement, the organisations plan to develop a city-wide network of 1,000 publicly accessible AEDs and train 10,000 community volunteers in hands-only CPR and AED use. The initiative will also support public awareness and coordination with trained responders, ambulance services and Apollo’s 1066 emergency service.  Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops pumping blood effectively. A person experiencing cardiac arrest is usually unresponsive and not breathing normally. Immediate CPR can help maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until an AED and emergency medical assistance become available.  An AED is a portable device that analyses the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electrical shock only when it detects a rhythm that may respond to defibrillation. Voice or visual prompts guide the user through the process. The device can be used alongside CPR while emergency medical services are contacted and awaited.  The AED network is planned for a phased rollout across public locations in Chennai. By bringing together community training, access to defibrillation and emergency medical coordination, the initiative seeks to strengthen the Chain of Survival. This includes early recognition of cardiac arrest, prompt activation of emergency services, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation when indicated and timely advanced medical care. 

Apollo Hospitals, Guwahati, received the ‘Hospital of the Year’ Award at সঞ্জীৱনী এটা নতুন জীৱন (Sanjeevani: A New Life), a healthcare conclave organized by News18 Assam North East in Guwahati on September 30, 2026. The hospital was recognized for its contributions to healthcare in northeast India, particularly in advanced medical treatments, critical care, and patient-centered services.    Apollo Hospitals, Guwahati, is a 214-bed multispecialty hospital providing tertiary-level care across a range of medical and surgical specialties. Its clinical services include cardiac sciences, neurosciences, orthopedics, internal medicine, nephrology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, urology, oncology and critical care.  The award recognizes the hospital’s contribution to healthcare delivery in Assam and the wider northeast region. It reflects the combined efforts of its doctors, nurses, allied healthcare professionals and support teams in providing specialized and coordinated patient care. The recognition also highlights the hospital’s continued focus on strengthening clinical services and responding to the evolving healthcare needs of patients across the region.

Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, and the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), United Kingdom, have launched the Emergency Medicine Core Programme (EMCP), further strengthening their long-standing collaboration in emergency medicine education and clinical training in India.   The EMCP is a structured two-year training pathway for doctors who have successfully completed the Emergency Medicine Foundation Programme. Based on the RCEM curriculum and modelled on key principles of the Acute Care Common Stem framework, it is designed to develop the clinical and professional competencies required to assess and manage acutely ill and injured patients.  Training includes experience in emergency medicine, acute medicine, intensive care medicine and anaesthetics. The programme incorporates workplace-based assessments, regular appraisals, leadership development and access to RCEM’s ePortfolio and digital learning resources.  Through supervised clinical training, participants will develop skills in recognising clinical deterioration, prioritising critically ill patients, making timely decisions and coordinating care across emergency and acute-care settings. The curriculum has been adapted to reflect the clinical context and healthcare requirements in India.  The launch builds on more than two decades of collaboration between Apollo Hospitals and RCEM in emergency medicine examinations and training. Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad and Chennai also host Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Objective Structured Clinical Examinations.  The programme provides a structured progression pathway for emergency physicians while supporting the continued development of emergency medicine education and workforce capacity in India.

Dr. Nitish Jhawar, Consultant, General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, participated in the XLIX International Congress of the Mexican Society of Colon, Rectal and Anal Surgeons, held from 29 September to 2 October 2026 at Hotel Coral & Marina in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The four-day congress brought together specialists from different countries for pre-congress courses, scientific presentations, case discussions and expert sessions covering colorectal and anorectal surgery.As part of the scientific programme, Dr. Jhawar served as faculty for a theoretical and hands-on workshop on advanced minimally invasive proctology. He presented the Chivate Procedure for circumferential Grade III and IV hemorrhoids and delivered a presentation on laser-based treatment for chronic anal fissures. Dr. Jhawar also led a Grand Round examining clinical decision-making in complex hemorrhoidal disease and refractory anal fissures. His other contributions covered surgical approaches to anal fistulas, including hybrid laser fistulectomy, as well as minimally invasive techniques for pilonidal sinus disease.The pilonidal sinus technique discussed by Dr. Jhawar incorporates systematic identification of the sinus tract, pit excision, sequential curettage and dual curettage-dual laser ablation. The technique was described in a paper authored by Dr. Jhawar and colleagues and published in the Journal of Minimal Access Surgery in 2026.Dr. Jhawar’s participation provided an international platform for sharing clinical experience in minimally invasive proctology and engaging with colorectal specialists from different healthcare settings. It also highlighted Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai’s participation in international scientific exchange and surgical education.

Apollo Adlux Hospital, Kochi, has completed more than 500 robotic-assisted surgeries, marking a milestone for its multidisciplinary robotic surgery program. The procedures span gastrointestinal surgery, urology, thyroid surgery, surgical oncology, gynecology and cardiac surgery. The hospital uses the da Vinci Xi robotic-assisted surgical system for selected minimally invasive procedures. The system provides surgeons with magnified three-dimensional visualization and articulated instruments that are controlled from a surgical console. Clinical decisions and every movement of the instruments remain under the control of the operating surgeon.The hospital’s robotic surgery program includes procedures for gastrointestinal, colorectal, urological and gynecological conditions. These include partial nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy and radical cystectomy in urology, as well as selected hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis and gynecological oncology procedures.Robotic assistance can offer enhanced visualization, instrument dexterity and access to confined anatomical areas during certain operations. Its clinical relevance varies according to the condition, type and complexity of the procedure, patient suitability and the experience of the surgical team.Completing more than 500 procedures reflects the experience developed by Apollo Adlux Hospital’s surgical, anesthesia, nursing and allied clinical teams in providing robotic-assisted care across specialties.Robotic-assisted surgery is one of several surgical approaches available alongside conventional laparoscopic and open surgery. The choice of approach is determined through clinical assessment and depends on the patient’s condition, the planned procedure and the surgical team’s judgment.

Apollo Knowledge and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on healthcare research, education and workforce development. The agreement was signed on 29 September 2026 in the presence of Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group; Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited; and Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani. The partnership brings together the clinical environment of the Apollo network and BITS Pilani’s expertise in engineering, technology and data science. Clinicians and researchers from the two institutions will explore joint research addressing clinical and healthcare challenges, with specific areas to be identified as the collaboration develops.The institutions will also develop Work Integrated Learning Programmes for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare managers. These programmes will enable healthcare professionals to pursue qualifications while continuing in their roles, with curricula designed around their professional responsibilities. Potential areas include healthcare logistics and supply chain, pharmacy and hospital finance.The partnership will explore role-specific technology education for students at The Apollo University, medical and nursing colleges within the Apollo network, and Apollo Healthcare Academy’s partner institutions. Plans also include specialised programmes in allied health and healthcare technology that combine the capabilities of BITS Pilani’s competency centres with clinical training at Apollo hospitals.Dr. Preetha Reddy said the partnership would help bring technology and the human aspects of healthcare together while enabling professionals to continue learning alongside clinical practice. She also highlighted the opportunity to advance research rooted in challenges encountered by clinicians during routine care. Prof. V Ramgopal Rao said the application of engineering and technology in healthcare can directly affect people’s lives. He noted that combining BITS Pilani’s strengths in technology, data science and education for working professionals with Apollo’s clinical ecosystem could support both healthcare research and workforce development.The partnership aims to connect clinical practice with engineering and data science, supporting professional education and the development of technology-led approaches to healthcare challenges.