Dr. Arun Prasad, Senior Consultant – GI, Bariatric and Robotic Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, has received the Distinguished Teacher’s Award 2026 from the Association of National Board Accredited Institutions (ANBAI). The award recognises his longstanding contribution to surgical education, training and mentorship. The award was presented at the ANBAI National Conclave 2026, organised by the ANBAI Karnataka Chapter at Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, on 29 and 30 August. Centred on the theme “Aspire. Elevate. Lead.”, the conclave focused on postgraduate medical education, educator development and academic leadership.Dr. Prasad has taught postgraduate surgical trainees under the National Board system in India for more than 20 years. He has also served as an examiner and trainer for the Royal College of Surgeons in the United Kingdom for over two decades. His teaching contributions extend to robotic surgery, where he has served as a mentor and trainer for more than 10 years. He has also contributed to trauma education through the Primary Trauma Care Foundation, United Kingdom, including as a trainer and representative for Asia. Alongside more than 35 years of clinical experience in gastrointestinal, bariatric, minimal-access and robotic surgery, Dr. Prasad has contributed to postgraduate education, surgical skills development and professional training in India and internationally. The recognition highlights the role of experienced clinicians in developing surgical expertise through structured education and mentorship. It also reflects Apollo Hospitals’ emphasis on advancing clinical learning alongside patient care.

Apollo Hospitals India and Mayapada Healthcare conducted a robotic urological surgery proctorship at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia, on 26 and 27 August 2026. The programme was the fourth proctorship conducted by Mayapada Healthcare with Apollo Hospitals India, supporting clinical knowledge exchange and the continued development of robotic surgery expertise. Prof. (Dr.) Sanjai Kumar Addla, Consultant Uro-Oncological and Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, served as proctor during the programme. He worked alongside Mayapada Hospital’s urologists, Dr. Syamsu Hudaya and Dr. Stevano Lucianto Hotasi Sipahutar, and the hospital’s multidisciplinary clinical team.Two patients underwent robotic-assisted procedures using the da Vinci Xi surgical system. One patient with prostate cancer underwent a radical prostatectomy, while the other underwent surgery for a renal cyst. Prof. Addla brings experience from more than 1,000 robotic procedures, including surgery for prostate, kidney and bladder cancers. Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to perform selected minimally invasive procedures with three-dimensional visualisation and precise control of surgical instruments. These capabilities can be particularly useful when operating in confined anatomical areas. Depending on the procedure and individual clinical factors, robotic-assisted approaches may help reduce surgical trauma and blood loss and support recovery.The proctorship combined specialist guidance with hands-on clinical collaboration, focusing on surgical planning, technical execution, safety and patient selection. Such programmes allow surgical teams to strengthen their experience with robotic technology while applying established clinical protocols and multidisciplinary decision-making.Through the programme, Apollo Hospitals and Mayapada Healthcare reinforced their collaboration in developing robotic urology capabilities in Indonesia, with a continued focus on safe, evidence-based and patient-centred surgical care.

A cardiac team at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, led by Dr. Karthigesan A.M., Senior Consultant – Cardiology & Electrophysiology, performed 3D Mapping-Enabled Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) to treat atrial fibrillation in a 58-year-old patient with hypertension and a previously implanted pacemaker. The patient had presented with recurrent palpitations, fatigue and breathlessness, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed atrial fibrillation with a fast ventricular rate. Despite anti-arrhythmic medication, the symptoms persisted, leading the team to proceed with PFA.Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart. In appropriately selected patients who remain symptomatic despite medication, catheter ablation may be considered to help control the abnormal rhythm.The procedure was performed under sedation using advanced 3D-integrated PFA technology, allowing the cardiac team to precisely map and target the abnormal electrical activity associated with atrial fibrillation. Unlike conventional thermal ablation, which uses heat or extreme cold, PFA delivers short electrical pulses to selectively target heart tissue involved in the abnormal rhythm while limiting the potential for injury to surrounding structures.Following the procedure, the patient recovered well and was discharged the following day. The case marks a step forward in precision-led cardiac rhythm care, highlighting the integration of advanced 3D mapping with PFA in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

A multidisciplinary team at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, led by Dr. Vanita Arora, Clinical Lead – Cardiac Electrophysiology, treated a 63-year-old woman from Jammu who developed a persistent infection after receiving a conventional dual-chamber pacemaker for complete heart block and episodes of syncope. The team included Dr. Leena Mediratta, Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, who supported microbiological assessment and antimicrobial guidance; Dr. Praveen Sodhi, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon, who managed the infected pacemaker pocket and wound; and Dr. Subhash Wangnoo, Endocrinologist, who oversaw diabetes management and peri-procedural glucose control.Following the earlier pacemaker implantation at another hospital, the surgical wound failed to heal and continued to discharge pus despite antibiotic treatment. A culture performed at the previous hospital grew Klebsiella. Her care was further complicated by poorly controlled diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis requiring steroid therapy, both of which can affect infection control and wound healing. She had also previously undergone a left-foot amputation due to diabetic gangrene.After consulting Dr. Arora, the patient was admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals on 22 August 2026. The infected pacemaker generator and both transvenous leads were removed, and temporary pacing was established through the left femoral vein to maintain her heart rhythm. Cultures from the infected pacemaker pocket subsequently grew Acinetobacter and Enterobacter, helping guide further infection management.Once the multidisciplinary team determined that the patient was ready for permanent pacing, the choice of device was carefully considered because of her previous pacemaker infection, diabetes and impaired wound healing.On 24 August 2026, Dr. Arora implanted an Abbott AVEIR DR dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system through the right femoral vein. Unlike a conventional pacemaker, the system does not require a surgical pocket beneath the skin of the chest or leads passing through the veins into the heart.Instead, the system uses two small devices placed directly inside the heart: one in the right atrium and the other in the right ventricle. The devices communicate wirelessly on a beat-to-beat basis, allowing them to coordinate the upper and lower chambers and provide dual-chamber pacing.The patient was mobilised within six hours and discharged the following day. At discharge, the two devices were communicating appropriately and the pacing parameters were reported to be satisfactory.By avoiding another chest pocket and transvenous leads, the leadless system provided an alternative for a patient at increased risk of recurrent device infection and poor wound healing. Leadless pacing is not suitable for everyone, and device selection depends on the patient’s rhythm disorder, anatomy, infection status, previous procedures and overall clinical condition.The case highlights how multidisciplinary infection management, control of underlying medical conditions and individualised device selection can support the treatment of patients with complex cardiac pacing needs.

Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad received the Building Bharat Excellence Award for Excellence in Robotic Surgery at Building Bharat: The Gujarat Chapter 2026, held on 26 August 2026 at The Leela, Gandhinagar. The event celebrated regional business leaders, infrastructure innovators and institutions contributing to Gujarat’s growth and development. The award recognises Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad’s work in advancing robotic-assisted surgical care through clinical expertise, technology and multidisciplinary collaboration.Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to perform selected minimally invasive procedures with enhanced visualisation, dexterity and control. Depending on the procedure and individual patient factors, these approaches may offer benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. However, suitability depends on the patient’s condition, anatomy and planned operation, and not every procedure or patient will benefit from a robotic approach.Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad has developed its robotic surgery program around structured clinical practice, surgeon credentialling and training, established protocols, multidisciplinary teamwork and ongoing outcomes monitoring. The program is led by Dr. Vishal C. Soni, Fellowship Program Director, Department of Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery.The hospital has also been recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Association of Robotic & Innovative Surgeons (ARIS). This recognition acknowledges its framework for robotic surgery, including surgeon training and credentialling, infrastructure, clinical governance, patient safety and outcomes tracking.The Building Bharat Excellence Award reflects the collective contribution of the surgeons, clinicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in delivering robotic-assisted surgical care. It highlights the importance of combining surgical expertise with appropriate technology, careful patient selection and established clinical protocols to provide safe, individualised care.

Two doctors from Apollo Hospitals Pune have been honoured at the BIG Impact Awards 2026, presented by BIG FM, recognising their contributions to cardiac and renal care. Dr. Smruti Hindaria, Senior Consultant – Minimally Invasive & Robotic Cardiac Surgery and Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CVTS), and Dr. Sunil Jawale, Consultant Nephrologist, from Apollo Hospitals Pune, received the recognition for their expertise, dedication and continued contribution to their respective specialties. Their work reflects an emphasis on patient safety, clinical precision and improved outcomes through specialist care. Dr. Hindaria specialises in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, with clinical interests that include minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery, valve repair and replacement, and robotic-assisted cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive and robotic approaches may be used for selected cardiac procedures, depending on the patient’s condition, anatomy and surgical requirements. Dr. Jawale provides specialist care for acute and chronic kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury and conditions requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. His areas of special interest include renal transplantation, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and acute kidney injury.The recognition of Dr. Hindaria and Dr. Jawale highlights the role of specialist expertise, evidence-based practice and patient-centred care in advancing cardiac and renal services.

Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, hosted its inaugural Continuing Medical Education (CME) program in Transfusion Medicine on 30 August 2026, bringing together experts to discuss emerging trends, evidence-based practices and advances shaping the field. Transfusion medicine is integral to several areas of healthcare, including surgery, trauma, oncology, hematology, critical care and transplantation. It encompasses the appropriate use of blood and blood components, compatibility testing and the prevention and management of transfusion-related complications, with patient safety central to each stage of care.The CME created a forum for clinical discussion, knowledge exchange and professional learning, enabling participants to explore current approaches in transfusion medicine. The program also provided healthcare professionals with an opportunity to share perspectives and clinical experience on developments relevant to contemporary transfusion practice.Continuing medical education is particularly important in a specialized field such as transfusion medicine, helping healthcare professionals stay informed about emerging evidence, advances in blood component therapy and changing standards of care.Through the program, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, highlighted the importance of continued professional learning in strengthening transfusion medicine practice and promoting the safe, appropriate and responsible use of blood and blood components across different areas of patient care.

Apollo Cancer Centres, Vanagaram, has launched Apollo Nambikkai, a cancer survivorship support community designed to help survivors and caregivers remain connected, informed and supported after active treatment. The initiative was introduced as part of a Cancer Survivors Programme that brought together approximately 100 cancer survivors and caregivers to recognise their journeys and acknowledge the challenges that can continue after treatment. The gathering also enabled survivors to reconnect with their care teams, share experiences and encourage those currently undergoing treatment.Apollo Nambikkai will initially operate through Apollo Cancer Centres, Vanagaram, while remaining open to Apollo cancer survivors and caregivers across units, irrespective of where they received treatment. Membership will be free, with mobile registration available. A dedicated WhatsApp community will help members remain engaged through expert sessions, survivor interactions, webinars, community meetings and guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, rehabilitation and psychological wellbeing. Oncologists, dietitians, mental health professionals and other members of the multidisciplinary team will contribute information addressing the physical, emotional and social aspects of survivorship.The programme was attended by comedian and actor Mr. Badava Gopi as Special Guest. Also present were Mr. John Chandy, CBO, Group Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, and Mr. Kaarthik Ramamurthy, COO, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Vanagaram.Commenting on Apollo’s broader vision for survivorship care, Mr. Chandy, said, “Cancer care goes beyond active treatment. Survivors often need continued medical, emotional and rehabilitative support as they return to everyday life. At Apollo, we see survivorship as an integral part of the cancer care journey. Through Apollo Nambikkai, we aim to build a supportive ecosystem that connects survivors and caregivers with the guidance, rehabilitation and peer support they need to move forward with greater confidence and quality of life.”Cancer survivorship can involve ongoing medical follow-up, rehabilitation, emotional support, management of the longer-term effects of treatment, return to work and concerns about recurrence. By creating a structured community for survivors and caregivers, Apollo Nambikkai aims to extend support beyond active treatment and help individuals navigate life after cancer with reliable professional guidance and peer connection.

Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, has performed what it describes as India’s first procedure using the EXIME Temporary Prostatic Stent, a minimally invasive option for managing urinary retention associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).  The procedure was performed under local anesthesia by a team led by Dr. T. Manohar, Senior Consultant – Urology, Uro-oncology and Transplant Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram. The patient, a 72-year-old man considered at high risk for surgery, was able to pass urine following placement of the stent and was discharged later the same day.BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can obstruct urine flow and, in some patients, cause acute or chronic urinary retention. These patients may require a urinary catheter to drain the bladder while awaiting further treatment.The EXIME device is a temporary silicone-based prostatic stent placed within the urethra to help keep the obstructed passage open. Unlike an indwelling urinary catheter connected to an external drainage bag, the stent is designed to allow the patient to pass urine naturally. It may provide a temporary alternative for appropriately selected patients, including those awaiting definitive treatment or considered unsuitable for immediate surgery.Published clinical studies have evaluated EXIME in men with BPH-related urinary retention. Initial findings suggest that the device can restore spontaneous urination during short-term use. Careful patient selection is essential because temporary prostatic stents are not suitable for everyone. Possible complications include pain, temporary blood in the urine, urinary leakage, stent displacement or expulsion, and difficulty during removal. The device does not reduce the size of the prostate and should generally be regarded as a temporary means of maintaining urine flow rather than definitive treatment for BPH.The procedure at Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, reflects the growing availability of minimally invasive urological options that can help individualise care for patients with urinary retention.

Apollo Hospitals has expanded its longstanding oncology facility in Teynampet, Chennai, into a comprehensive multi-speciality hospital. Previously known as Apollo Cancer Centre, the facility has been renamed Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet.    Established in 1993, the hospital has provided specialised oncology care for more than three decades. Its tertiary and quaternary cancer care services will continue alongside an expanded range of medical and surgical specialties.  The 300-bed hospital, which includes 51 critical care beds, now provides care across cardiology, neurology and neurosciences, gastroenterology, pulmonology, spine and orthopaedics, urology, critical care and internal medicine. Its infrastructure includes five operating theatres, a catheterisation laboratory, a dedicated 24/7 stroke care unit, an advanced bronchoscopy suite and a specialised sleep laboratory.  The hospital has also introduced what Apollo describes as Tamil Nadu’s first Zoom Endoscopy system for high-definition diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures. Its established oncology services remain fully operational, supported by technologies and programmes including CyberKnife, TrueBeam, blood and bone marrow transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy and robotic-assisted surgery.  Dr. K. G. Arunraj, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, attended the launch as Chief Guest. Dr. Darez Ahamed, IAS, Secretary to the Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, was the Guest of Honour.  Speaking at the launch, Dr. Arunraj emphasised the need for integrated healthcare systems that enable coordinated evaluation and treatment across specialties. He also acknowledged Apollo Hospitals’ ₹1 crore contribution to Nalam TN, an initiative established to mobilise corporate and philanthropic support for infrastructure and medical equipment in government hospitals.  Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said the expansion builds on the hospital’s longstanding cancer care legacy while extending comprehensive healthcare to individuals and families. Dr. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, highlighted how bringing multiple specialties together can enable multidisciplinary teams to collaborate more seamlessly and support coordinated care for patients with complex conditions. Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said the transition reflects the hospital’s broader clinical role while retaining its established oncology services. 

Dr. Anil D’Cruz, Director – Oncology & Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, was recognized at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Conclave (HBCC), held from August 21–23, 2026, in New Chandigarh, for his longstanding contributions to head and neck oncology and cancer care. The recognition reflects a career spanning decades of surgical expertise, clinical leadership, education, and knowledge sharing. The three-day conclave focused on the multidisciplinary management of common cancers. It brought together surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and allied healthcare professionals for scientific sessions, tumour-board discussions, workshops and case-based learning.Multidisciplinary collaboration is particularly important in head and neck oncology, where treatment decisions must consider not only cancer control but also speech, swallowing, appearance, nutrition and quality of life. Coordinated evaluation helps specialists develop an individualised treatment plan based on the cancer’s location and stage, tumour characteristics, expected functional outcomes and the patient’s needs.Dr. D’Cruz’s recognition highlights the role of experienced clinicians in advancing clinical practice, professional education and collaborative cancer care while mentoring the next generation of oncology professionals.

Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, marked World Hand Surgery Day on 23 August 2026 by honoring patients who have recovered from severe hand and upper-limb injuries through advanced reconstructive and microsurgical procedures. The observance highlighted how timely intervention, specialized surgical expertise, and coordinated care can help restore function and independence following life-altering injuries. The event brought together survivors and the medical teams involved in their treatment and recovery. Shri Shivam Upadhyaya, IPS, DCP – Traffic, Future City, Hyderabad, attended as the Chief Guest and felicitated the survivors, recognizing their journeys of recovery and resilience. Severe hand injuries and traumatic amputations require urgent assessment at a centre with specialised microsurgical expertise. Replantation involves restoring blood flow and repairing structures such as bone, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Recovery typically requires coordinated surgical care and rehabilitation, with outcomes influenced by the injury level, extent of tissue damage, ischemia time, and the patient’s overall clinical condition. Mr. Tejesvi Rao Veerepalli, Regional CEO – Andhra Pradesh/Telangana, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, described the survivors as representing “courage, resilience and hope,” emphasizing that care extends beyond restoring injured limbs to helping patients regain independence, confidence, and quality of life.Dr. Gopinath Bandari, Consultant Hand, Wrist and Microsurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, emphasized that hand surgery focuses not only on saving an injured limb but also on restoring movement, sensation, function, and independence. Dr. Bandi Sahithya, Consultant Hand, Wrist and Microsurgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of surgical precision, timely intervention, and multidisciplinary teamwork in microsurgical replantation.The observance reinforced an important message: severe hand and upper-limb injuries require urgent specialized assessment, as timely treatment can improve the chances of limb salvage and support meaningful functional recovery.