Apollo News (1256)
Technology
Apollo Hospitals Narendrapur Expands Minimally Invasive Surgery Capabilities with da Vinci Xi
Apollo Hospitals, Narendrapur, Kolkata, has introduced the da Vinci Xi surgical system, expanding its capabilities for robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci Xi is a surgeon-controlled robotic platform designed to assist in selected minimally invasive procedures. From a console, the surgeon views the operative field in magnified three-dimensional, high-definition vision and controls instruments positioned inside the patient through small incisions. The system translates the surgeon’s hand movements into corresponding movements of the instruments; it does not operate independently or make clinical decisions. The system’s articulated instruments and enhanced visualisation can help surgeons work within confined or anatomically complex areas. Depending on the procedure and individual patient factors, a robotic-assisted approach may offer potential benefits associated with minimally invasive surgery, such as smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain and shorter recovery. These outcomes are not guaranteed and vary with the procedure, patient’s condition and surgical team’s experience.The introduction of the da Vinci Xi expands the range of surgical approaches available at Apollo Hospitals Narendrapur.
Technology
Apollo Hospitals BG Road Introduces uMI Panvivo Digital PET/CT System to Strengthen Molecular Imaging
Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, has introduced the uMI Panvivo Digital PET/CT, expanding its molecular imaging capabilities. The hospital describes the installation as the first uMI Panvivo Digital PET/CT system in South India. PET/CT combines positron emission tomography with computed tomography. PET shows the distribution and uptake of an administered radiotracer, providing information about biological processes within the body, while CT provides detailed anatomical images. Combining these datasets helps clinicians relate areas of altered tracer uptake to specific organs and structures.The uMI Panvivo incorporates high-resolution digital imaging, time-of-flight technology and AI-supported features for areas such as patient positioning, image reconstruction and the reduction of motion-related artefacts. Depending on the system configuration and imaging protocol, its design can also support faster whole-body image acquisition and streamlined workflows.In cancer care, PET/CT may be used to help detect and stage selected cancers, evaluate whether disease has spread, assess response to treatment and investigate suspected recurrence. The appropriate radiotracer and imaging protocol depend on the type of cancer, clinical setting and specific information required.The introduction of the uMI Panvivo Digital PET/CT reflects Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road’s continued integration of advanced imaging technologies into clinical care. Used with appropriate patient selection, established imaging protocols and specialist interpretation, the system can provide metabolic, molecular and anatomical information to support clinical decision-making.
Awards & Accolades
Apollo Hospitals Honoured with Various Awards at ET Healthcare Awards 2026
Apollo Hospitals and its medical professionals have achieved national acclaim after winning multiple honours at the Economic Times Healthcare Awards 2026, affirming its leadership in clinical excellence and compassionate patient care. The event was held on 11 September in New Delhi. The sixth edition of the awards recognised healthcare organisations and professionals across categories spanning clinical care, healthcare delivery, and leadership.The awards and recognitions received by Apollo institutions and medical professionals include:Category NameBrand NameRegionAwardExcellence in Health & Wellness (Product & Technology)Apollo ProHealthNationalWinnerHospital of the Year – Critical CareApollo Adlux Hospital, KochiNationalWinnerHospital of the Year - Laparoscopic SurgeryApollo Spectra HospitalsNationalWinnerHospital of the Year - Short Stay SurgeryApollo Spectra HospitalsNationalWinnerGreen Hospital of the YearIndraprastha Apollo Hospitals, DelhiNationalWinnerHospital of the Year – Critical CareApolloMedics Superspeciality Hospital, LucknowNorthWinnerHealthcare Visionary Leader of the YearDr. Rakesh Jalali, Radiation Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, ChennaiNationalWinnerGeneral Surgeon of the YearDr. Ankur Saxena, General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Apollomedics Superspeciality Hospital, LucknowNationalWinnerNeurosurgeon of the YearDr. Chhitij Srivastava, Neurosurgery, Apollomedics Superspeciality Hospital, LucknowNationalWinnerOncologist of the YearDr. (Prof.) Jyoti Bajpai, Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi MumbaiNationalWinnerHematologist of the YearDr. Revathi Raj, Pediatric Hematology, Apollo Hospitals, ChennaiNationalJury Recognition This prestigious win underscores Apollo’s leadership and commitment to advancing patient care and clinical excellence across the nation.
Awards & Accolades
Apollo Hospital's Dr. Thomas Joseph Kishen Named Among Outlook’s Best Doctors South 2026 for Spine Surgery in ...
Dr. Thomas Joseph Kishen, Consultant – Spine and Scoliosis Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, has been recognised in Outlook Best Doctors South 2026, where he is listed among the doctors selected in the Orthopaedic – Spine category for Karnataka. The 2026 edition, presented by Nebkar Media and Research as an Outlook Brand Solution initiative, features medical specialists from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. According to the publication, the doctors were selected through a peer survey of consultants across South India, followed by review and validation by the Nebkar Media editorial team.Dr. Kishen has more than 28 years of experience and has completed specialised fellowships in spine surgery and spinal deformity surgery. His clinical practice encompasses the surgical and non-surgical management of spinal conditions, including disc disorders, spinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis, and spinal tumours.The recognition reflects Dr. Kishen’s experience and contributions to spine surgery while highlighting the specialised spine care expertise available at Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram.
Milestones
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road Crosses 2,000 Robotic Assisted Orthopedic Surgeries
Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, crosses 2,000 robotic-assisted orthopedic surgeries, including total and partial knee replacements and total hip replacement procedures. The hospital describes this as Tamil Nadu’s largest orthopedic robotic surgery programme, reflecting the team’s growing experience in using robotic assistance across routine and complex joint replacement procedures. The programme uses the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics system alongside 3D CT-based imaging and pre-operative planning to support patient-specific joint replacement procedures. Before surgery, a 3D model developed from the patient’s CT scan helps the surgeon assess the anatomy and plan aspects such as bone preparation and implant positioning. During the operation, the robotic arm helps the surgeon carry out the plan within predefined boundaries. The surgeon remains in control of the procedure and is responsible for all clinical and surgical decisions.Robotic assistance can improve the accuracy and consistency with which certain planned steps are performed. Its clinical relevance for an individual patient, however, depends on factors including the underlying joint condition, anatomy, overall health, type of procedure and the expertise of the surgical team. Dr. Arun Kannan, Senior Orthopedic Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, said that completing more than 2,000 procedures reflects the experience developed by the team over the years, including in managing complex knee and hip replacement cases. The programme integrates robotic-assisted planning and execution with established surgical practice and multidisciplinary care.Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO – Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the institution’s focus on bringing together advanced technology, experienced clinicians and structured clinical protocols. He noted that robotic technology serves as a surgical aid within the broader care pathway, with its use guided by individual patient requirements and clinical judgement.The milestone forms part of Apollo Hospitals’ wider robotic surgery programme in Chennai. In February 2026, Apollo announced that its Chennai hospitals had completed more than 8,000 robotic-assisted procedures across specialties, including orthopedics, urology, gynecology, oncology, general surgery, thoracic surgery and cardiac sciences.
New Initiatives
Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai Launches Dedicated Geriatric Oncology Clinic for Older Adults
Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has launched a dedicated Geriatric Oncology Clinic for older adults with cancer, providing specialised assessment and personalised treatment planning based on an individual’s overall health and functional status rather than chronological age alone. The clinic is led by Dr. Tejinder Singh, Professor and Lead Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. Geriatric oncology addresses the specific considerations involved in treating cancer in older adults, who may differ considerably in their physical fitness, nutritional status, cognitive function, co-existing illnesses and ability to tolerate treatment. More than one-third of cancer patients treated at the hospital are above 60 years of age, highlighting the relevance of considering these factors alongside the type and stage of cancer when planning treatment.The clinic brings together medical oncologists, geriatricians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other specialists, providing coordinated care from diagnosis and treatment planning through supportive care and follow-up. A comprehensive geriatric assessment can help clinicians evaluate functional independence, nutrition, cognition, existing medical conditions and other vulnerabilities that may influence treatment decisions.Dr. Tejinder Singh said that cancer care for older adults cannot follow a one-size-fits-all model. He emphasised that age alone should not determine whether a patient is considered suitable for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or surgery. Instead, treatment decisions should consider overall health, functional independence, nutritional and cognitive status, co-existing illnesses and the patient’s individual treatment goals.Building on this approach, Dr. Sayali Damle, Consultant – Geriatric Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, highlighted that geriatric oncology is not about offering less treatment to older patients, but about finding an appropriate balance between treatment benefit and potential risk. She noted that detailed geriatric assessment can help prevent undertreatment of fit patients who may benefit from cancer therapy and overtreatment of frail patients who may face avoidable complications, while also identifying risks early and addressing potentially reversible concerns.Through multidisciplinary assessment, personalised treatment planning and coordinated supportive care, the Geriatric Oncology Clinic aims to support older adults with cancer in receiving treatment tailored to their overall health, functional independence, ability to tolerate treatment and personal goals, alongside the characteristics of the cancer.
Leadership
Success India Magazine Spotlight Dr. Preetha Reddy’s Role in Apollo Hospital's Digital Transformation
Success India Magazine has featured Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, in an article examining her role in advancing Apollo Hospitals’ digital transformation. The feature explores Apollo’s adoption of artificial intelligence, robotic-assisted surgery, telehealth, remote care and digital therapeutics. It examines how these capabilities are being integrated across the organisation to support clinical care, extend access to health services and build a more connected healthcare ecosystem.The article also reflects on the Reddy family’s role in Apollo Hospitals’ growth and evolution, including the Group’s expansion beyond hospital-based care through digital platforms and technology-enabled services. Read the full article: https://successmagazine.in/preetha-reddy-leads-apollo-hospitals-digital/
Events
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Brings PTCOG Asia-Oceania Conference to India for the First Time
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai, hosted the 6th Annual Conference of the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group – Asia-Oceania (PTCOG-AO 2026) from 4th to 6th September, marking the first time the regional conference was held in India. Conducted at Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai, the meeting brought together more than 450 delegates from 26 countries and regions. Centred on the theme “Empowering Access to Particle Therapy through Research, Education and Collaboration”, the three-day conference examined advances in the science, clinical application and technology of proton and other forms of particle therapy. It also explored the clinical evidence, infrastructure and workforce considerations involved in expanding access.The conference was led by Dr. Rakesh Jalali, Organising Chairman, PTCOG-AO 2026, and Medical Director and Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, APCC, and Dr. Srinivas Chilukuri, Scientific Chair (Clinical) and Organising Secretary, PTCOG-AO 2026, and Lead Consultant – Radiation Oncology, APCC. The scientific programme covered treatment planning and optimisation, radiobiology, medical physics, quality assurance, motion management and adaptive particle therapy. Sessions also examined emerging areas such as proton arc therapy, artificial intelligence and machine learning, biological modelling and FLASH radiotherapy, alongside disease-specific applications of particle therapy.Since introducing proton therapy in Chennai in 2019, APCC has developed its clinical programme alongside research, training and professional education. The conference provided a platform for institutions at different stages of developing particle-therapy services to exchange experience and explore collaborative research and capacity-building. A central focus was how to widen access through cost-conscious treatment protocols, high-volume treatment models, workforce development and appropriate patient selection. Discussions also addressed clinical research, health economics and the need to assess whether technological advances translate into meaningful benefits for patients.Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, emphasised that efforts to expand advanced cancer care must remain evidence-based and focused on patient outcomes. She also highlighted India’s potential to contribute to cancer care globally, spanning prevention, early detection and precision treatment.Through PTCOG-AO 2026, specialists examined how clinical evidence, research, education and international collaboration can support more equitable access to particle therapy while ensuring its use remains appropriate and patient-centred.
Events
Apollo Hospitals Hosts 10th Arthroplasty Arthroscopy Summit, Focuses on Evidence-Based Orthopedic Innovation
Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad, hosted the 10th Arthroplasty Arthroscopy Summit (AAS) 2026 on 6 September at the Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The one-day summit brought together more than 250 orthopedic surgeons from across India and was held under the aegis of the Telangana Orthopedic Surgeons Association (TOSA) and the Twin Cities Orthopedic Society (TCOS). The summit was led by Dr. Mithin Aachi, Course Director, AAS, and Senior Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad, and Dr. N. Somasekhar Reddy, Organising Chairman, AAS, and Senior Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.Senior faculty from several orthopedic subspecialties joined younger professionals to discuss complex clinical cases, evolving treatment approaches and their application in routine practice. The scientific programme covered joint replacement, arthroscopy and sports injuries, joint preservation and cartilage repair, spine surgery, trauma, periprosthetic joint infection, shoulder and elbow surgery, foot and ankle care, orthopedic oncology and regenerative orthopedics.Robotic-assisted joint replacement was among the key areas examined. While robotic systems can support surgical planning, precision and reproducibility, participants emphasised the need to assess whether these technical advantages translate into better long-term outcomes and meaningful cost-effectiveness for patients.The summit also examined intra-articular injections and platelet-rich plasma for osteoarthritis. Discussions highlighted that PRP should not be presented as a cure or cartilage-regenerating treatment for severe osteoarthritis and that injections may offer limited or temporary benefit when joint damage is advanced.Other sessions explored the evolving use of synthetic ligaments and internal bracing in selected anterior cruciate ligament injuries, as well as cell-based approaches for knee osteoarthritis and advances in shoulder arthroplasty. Participants considered the current evidence, appropriate indications, potential limitations and longer-term outcomes associated with these approaches.Through the summit, Apollo Hospitals reinforced the importance of evaluating innovation through scientific evidence, surgical experience, patient selection and clinical value. The programme provided a platform for specialists to exchange expertise while distinguishing established treatments from emerging approaches that require further evaluation.
New Initiatives
Apollo Hospitals Extends Advanced Life Support Smart Ambulance Network to Pune and Nashik
Apollo Hospitals has expanded its Advanced Life Support Smart Ambulance network to Pune and Nashik in collaboration with the Billion Hearts Beating Foundation (BHB), with support from Marsh India. The initiative is intended to strengthen access to timely, coordinated emergency care during transport to hospital. In Nashik, Apollo Hospitals has deployed what it describes as North Maharashtra’s first 5G-enabled Smart Ambulance, called Hospital on Wheels.Designed to support critically ill or injured patients, the ambulances are equipped with advanced life-support systems and clinical monitoring technology. Trained emergency medical personnel can monitor vital signs and provide appropriate care based on the patient’s condition and the equipment available while travelling to the hospital. The 5G-enabled ambulance provides real-time audio-visual connectivity with specialist doctors and hospital emergency teams. Clinical information can be shared with the receiving hospital during transit, allowing its teams to guide care where appropriate and prepare for the patient’s arrival. The expansion into Pune and Nashik extends Apollo Hospitals’ emergency-care network beyond the hospital setting. By combining clinical support, trained emergency personnel and connected technology, the initiative aims to strengthen coordination and continuity of care from the point of response to hospital admission.
Technology
Apollo Hospitals Narendrapur Introduces the IRILLIC .nm Fluorescence Imaging System for Image-Guided Surgery
Apollo Hospitals, Narendrapur, Kolkata, has introduced the IRILLIC .nm Fluorescence Imaging System, expanding its intraoperative imaging capabilities. Installed in collaboration with Advanced Medical Instruments and IRILLIC, it is reported to be the 13th IRILLIC .nm system installed in Kolkata. Fluorescence imaging uses specialised cameras to detect light emitted naturally by certain tissues or following the administration of a fluorescent agent such as indocyanine green. The real-time images provide surgeons with additional information that can support the identification of selected tissues, lymphatic channels, blood flow and anatomical structures during surgery.According to Dr. Kinjal Shankar Majumdar, Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Hospitals, Narendrapur, the system has potential applications in thyroid surgery and selected head and neck cancer procedures.During thyroid surgery, near-infrared autofluorescence can help surgeons identify the parathyroid glands, which may otherwise be difficult to distinguish from surrounding tissue. Fluorescence imaging using an appropriate agent may also help assess their blood supply. This information can support efforts to preserve functioning parathyroid tissue and reduce the risk of postoperative hypocalcaemia, although outcomes depend on several surgical and patient-related factors.The system may also support sentinel lymph-node mapping in appropriately selected patients with early oral and oropharyngeal cancers. By helping surgeons visualise lymphatic drainage and identify sentinel nodes, the technology can assist with nodal assessment and surgical planning. The role of sentinel lymph-node procedures varies according to the tumour site, stage, clinical protocol and available expertise, and fluorescence imaging does not replace pathological examination of the removed nodes.The introduction of the IRILLIC .nm system reflects Apollo Hospitals Narendrapur’s continued integration of image-guided technologies into surgical care. Used alongside surgical expertise, appropriate patient selection and established clinical protocols, fluorescence imaging can provide additional intraoperative information to support individualised decision-making.
Awards & Accolades
Apollo Children’s Hospital Doctors Named Distinguished Clinical Tutors by AHERF
Two doctors from Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai - Dr. Dhanasekhar Kesavelu, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Dr. Shyamala J, Pediatrics and Neonatology— have been conferred the honorary adjunct title of Distinguished Clinical Tutor by the Apollo Hospitals Educational and Research Foundation (AHERF). The recognition acknowledges their contributions to clinical care, medical education and the training of healthcare professionals. Dr. Kesavelu has more than 20 years of experience in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology. His work includes the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal, liver and nutritional disorders in infants, children and adolescents.Dr. Shyamala has more than 28 years of experience in Pediatrics and Neonatology. Her clinical work encompasses child healthcare and the specialised care of newborns and infants, including those requiring close monitoring and multidisciplinary support. Alongside patient care, clinical teaching and mentorship help healthcare professionals develop practical knowledge, clinical reasoning and decision-making skills through experience in patient-care settings. AHERF’s Distinguished Clinical Tutor title recognises senior clinicians with substantial experience and an active role in clinical education and training.The recognition of Dr. Kesavelu and Dr. Shyamala reflects the value of combining clinical expertise with teaching and mentorship. It also highlights Apollo Children’s Hospital’s commitment to specialised pediatric care and the continued development of healthcare professionals.
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