Apollo Hospitals Editorial Policy

At Apollo Hospitals, we are committed to providing reliable, accurate, current and easy-to-understand health information to help patients, caregivers and the public make informed decisions about their health.

The health and medical information published on ApolloHospitals.com is developed with a focus on medical accuracy, clinical expertise, evidence-based information, patient safety and the needs of people in India.

This Editorial Policy explains how we select, research, create, review, publish, correct and update health information on our website.

1. Our Editorial Commitment

Our editorial approach is guided by the following principles:

Accurate

We strive to ensure that health information is medically accurate, factually correct, appropriately contextualized and supported by reliable sources.

Evidence-Based

Our clinical content is informed by current clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed medical literature, systematic reviews, regulatory safety communications and recommendations from recognized healthcare authorities. Indian guidance and evidence relevant to the Indian population and healthcare setting are considered wherever applicable.

Clinically Reviewed

All clinically significant patient-facing content, including content on diseases, symptoms, diagnostic tests, medicines, treatments, procedures, health calculators and medical technologies—undergoes review by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before publication.

Authoritative and Transparent

We aim to make the author, medical reviewer, sources and relevant review or update dates clear on clinically significant pages. AI tools are not identified as authors or medical reviewers; accountable human contributors remain responsible for published content.

Current

We monitor and update content to reflect relevant changes in medical knowledge, clinical guidelines, regulatory advice, treatments, technologies and healthcare practice.

Patient-Centric

We create content around the information needs of patients and caregivers and explain complex medical topics in clear, respectful and understandable language without compromising clinical accuracy.

Balanced and Responsible

Our content is intended to educate and inform. It does not replace an individual medical consultation, diagnosis, prescription, treatment plan or emergency care. We present benefits, risks, limitations, alternatives and areas of uncertainty in a balanced manner and avoid creating unrealistic expectations.

2. What Content Does This Policy Cover?

This Editorial Policy applies to health, medical and healthcare-related information published across ApolloHospitals.com, including:

• Diseases, medical conditions and symptoms
• Treatments, medicines, procedures and surgeries
• Diagnostic tests and investigations
• Medical specialties and Centres of Excellence
• Health technologies, calculators and assessment tools
• Health blogs, articles, FAQs and patient education resources
• Videos, illustrations and other educational media
• Health programs and second-opinion information
• Doctor profiles and hospital or clinic information
• Medical tourism and location-based healthcare information
• Patient stories and testimonials

Different content categories follow review processes appropriate to their level of clinical risk. Clinical and medical information requires evidence-based editorial review and appropriate clinical review. Institutional, service, location and appointment information requires editorial, factual and operational verification. Doctor profiles require credential and institutional verification. Patient stories require applicable consent, privacy and editorial review.

3. How We Select Content Topics

Our content topics may be identified based on:

• Common health information needs
• Patient and caregiver questions
• Clinical relevance and public-health priorities
• Emerging health concerns and medical developments
• Gaps in reliable health information
• Apollo Hospitals’ areas of clinical expertise
• User feedback
• Search behavior and information-seeking trends

Search demand may help us identify information that users are seeking. However, search demand does not determine the medical advice, conclusions or recommendations we provide.

Medical accuracy, clinical relevance, patient safety and usefulness remain our primary considerations. We do not create or alter medical guidance merely to achieve search visibility, promote a service or generate engagement.

4. Editorial Governance and Accountability

Apollo Health Library content is overseen by designated editorial and clinical governance teams. The editorial team is responsible for research quality, structure, language, references, consistency and content maintenance. Medical reviewers are responsible for evaluating clinically significant statements within their area of expertise. Relevant operational teams verify institutional information, services, locations and availability.

Final publication accountability remains with Apollo Hospitals and is not delegated to an external writer, agency, technology provider or AI tool. Contributors must work within their qualifications and escalate uncertain, conflicting or high-risk clinical information for specialist review.

5. Our Editorial Process

We follow a structured process for developing and maintaining content.

Step 1: Topic Planning and Risk Classification

The editorial team identifies the topic, intended audience, user needs, key questions and potential patient-safety risks. The content is classified according to whether it is clinical, institutional, promotional, interactive or experience-based so that the appropriate review pathway can be applied.

Step 2: Research

Information is researched using credible, current and relevant sources, including peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, government and public-health authorities, recognized professional organizations, regulatory communications and standard medical references.

Step 3: Content Development

The editorial and content teams develop the information in a structured format designed to make medical topics clear and useful. Writers must distinguish established evidence from emerging evidence, expert opinion and uncertainty.

Step 4: Clinical Review

Clinically significant content is reviewed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with relevant subject-matter expertise. Reviewers assess medical accuracy, completeness, patient-safety implications, contraindications, warning signs, applicability to India and consistency with current evidence and accepted clinical practice.

Step 5: Editorial and Quality Review

Content is reviewed for accuracy, clarity, readability, completeness, language, consistency, references, accessibility, patient usefulness and appropriate presentation of medical claims. High-risk content receives additional checks appropriate to the subject, such as medicine safety, emergency triage, pregnancy, paediatrics, mental health or interpretation of diagnostic results.

Step 6: Publication

Content is published only after completing the applicable editorial, clinical, operational, privacy and approval processes.

Step 7: Monitoring, Corrections and Updates

Published content is monitored and updated in response to new evidence, guideline changes, regulatory action, medical developments, service changes, user feedback and identified inaccuracies.

6. Medical Review

Apollo Hospitals recognizes clinical review as a core safeguard for patient-facing medical information.

Mandatory clinical review applies to content that could reasonably influence a health or treatment decision, including diseases, symptoms and emergency warning signs; diagnostic tests and result interpretation; medicines and dosage-related information; treatments, procedures and devices; pregnancy, paediatric and geriatric information; mental-health and suicide-related content; disease-related nutrition advice; health calculators, symptom checkers and risk-assessment tools; and claims about clinical outcomes.

Medical reviewers review content within their relevant qualifications and area of expertise. When a topic crosses specialties or contains particularly high-risk information, additional specialist review may be required.

Clinically reviewed pages should display, as applicable:

• Author or content contributor
• Medically Reviewed By: [Doctor Name]
• Specialty: [Specialty]
• Date Published: [Date]
• Last Medically Reviewed or Updated: [Date]

A medical review indicates that the content has undergone clinical assessment. It does not constitute an individual medical consultation, create a doctor–patient relationship or establish that the information applies to every patient.

7. Sources, References and Evidence Standards

We base medical information on credible, relevant and authoritative sources. Depending on the subject, these may include:

• Current clinical practice guidelines
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Peer-reviewed medical journals
• Government health agencies and regulatory authorities
• World Health Organization
• Indian Council of Medical Research
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• National health programs
• Recognized medical and professional associations
• Standard medical reference materials
• Other established scientific and healthcare sources

Where sources differ, we give appropriate weight to current, high-quality guidelines, systematic reviews, regulatory safety communications and evidence relevant to India. Individual studies, preprints, conference abstracts, animal or laboratory research and expert opinion are interpreted cautiously and are not presented as established clinical consensus.

We distinguish association from causation; relative from absolute risk; preliminary findings from established evidence; and approved indications from off-label use. International recommendations are not presented as universally applicable when Indian guidance or local clinical circumstances differ.

Clinically significant claims, statistics, screening recommendations, medicine-safety statements and guideline-based advice should be supported by current and relevant references. References may be displayed on the page or maintained in an auditable editorial record, depending on the content format.

8. Medical Claims, Comparisons and Outcomes

Healthcare outcomes vary between patients. Apollo Hospitals does not suggest that a treatment, procedure, technology, doctor or medical intervention will produce a guaranteed outcome for every patient.

We avoid unsupported, absolute or misleading claims, including:

• Guaranteed cure or permanent cure
• 100% success or guaranteed results
• Zero risk, no complications or no side effects
• Safest, pain-free or risk-free
• Best treatment, best doctor, number one or only treatment
• Most advanced, revolutionary, world-class or most trusted, unless appropriately substantiated

Comparative or superiority claims require current, verifiable evidence and applicable clinical, legal and brand approval. Outcomes, success rates and statistics are presented with relevant context, including the population, timeframe, limitations and source wherever available. Patient stories are not used as proof of typical outcomes.

9. Treatment and Medical Advice

Information on ApolloHospitals.com is provided for general educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, prescribing or changing medication, or emergency medical care.

Users should not self-diagnose, self-treat, delay necessary care or start, stop or modify a prescribed treatment based solely on website information. Treatment decisions should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional who can consider the individual’s history, symptoms, examination findings, diagnostic results, preferences and circumstances.

Descriptions of benefits, risks, side effects, complications and alternatives are general and may not be exhaustive. Instructions provided by the treating team take precedence over general website information.

10. Medicines and Medication Information

Medicine information may include general uses, approved indications, precautions, contraindications, interactions, side effects, serious warning signs, storage and other educational information relevant to safe use.

Medicine pages are clinically reviewed and, where relevant, distinguish generic and brand names, prescription status, approved and off-label uses, pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations, paediatric or geriatric precautions, important interactions, regulatory safety warnings and situations requiring urgent medical attention.

Users must not use website information to determine an individualized dose or to start, stop, substitute or change a medicine or dosage. Medication decisions should be made in consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Medicine information does not replace the prescribing information, product label, pharmacist’s advice or instructions from the treating clinician.

11. Health Calculators and Assessment Tools

Health calculators, symptom checkers, risk assessments and other interactive tools are intended for educational and informational purposes and do not provide a diagnosis or individualized treatment recommendation.

Where applicable, a tool should identify its formula or guideline source, intended population, required units, known exclusions and limitations, date of review or validation and whether it has undergone clinical validation. Tools are clinically reviewed before publication and reassessed when the underlying guideline, formula or evidence changes.

Results depend on the information entered and may not account for all individual circumstances. Inaccurate or incomplete inputs can produce misleading results. Tools must not be used to assess or manage an emergency or to make medication, treatment or care decisions without professional evaluation.

12. AI-Assisted Content

Apollo Hospitals may use artificial intelligence and other technologies to support research organization, drafting, editing, translation, quality checks or search optimization.

AI is a supporting technology and does not replace clinical expertise, editorial judgment or accountable human review. Where AI contributes to medical content:

• A named human editor remains accountable for editorial quality.
• Clinically significant content undergoes the same medical review required for other content.
• Claims, statistics, quotations and references are verified against reliable original sources.
• Content is checked for fabricated citations, factual errors, bias, outdated guidance, inappropriate generalization and unintended plagiarism.
• AI-generated output is not published solely on the basis of automated production.
• AI tools are not named as medical authors or medical reviewers.

Patient-identifiable, confidential or sensitive health information must not be entered into an AI system unless that use is specifically authorized and complies with applicable privacy, security, legal and institutional requirements. The use of AI must not compromise medical accuracy, patient safety, confidentiality, fairness, transparency or editorial independence.

13. Content Personalization and Search Optimization

Apollo Hospitals may use user insights, search trends and website analytics to improve the organization, relevance and discoverability of health information.

SEO and personalization do not override medical accuracy, clinical integrity, patient safety, evidence quality, content usefulness or editorial standards. Medical conclusions, warning signs and treatment information are not omitted, exaggerated or changed to improve search performance, engagement or conversion.

We do not intentionally publish misleading, repetitive or low-value medical content solely to improve search rankings.

14. Programmatic and Location-Based Content

ApolloHospitals.com provides information across hospitals, cities, clinics, specialties and healthcare services. Content created at scale must provide meaningful and relevant information for the specific topic, location, service or user need.

We aim to avoid pages that merely repeat substantially identical text with changes to keywords or location names. Templates, automation and structured data do not replace factual verification, clinical review where required or confirmation of local service availability.

Availability of services, doctors, technologies and appointments may change. Users are encouraged to verify relevant information directly with Apollo Hospitals.

15. Doctor Profiles

Doctor profiles provide users with relevant professional information, which may include qualifications, specialty, sub-specialty, designation, experience, areas of expertise, procedures performed, locations, memberships, publications and achievements.

Professional information is based on verified institutional or professional records and is updated periodically. Qualifications, registrations, experience claims, awards and professional memberships must not be overstated or presented without reasonable verification. Profile information does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee of suitability or assurance of a particular clinical outcome.

16. Patient Stories and Testimonials

Patient stories and testimonials represent individual experiences. Outcomes vary depending on diagnosis, medical history, treatment, adherence, complications and response to care, and must not be interpreted as typical or guaranteed.

Patient stories, images, recordings and testimonials are published only after documented authorization or consent through the applicable institutional process. Participation is voluntary, and refusal does not affect access to treatment or care. Identifying details are limited to what has been authorized, and reasonable safeguards are applied to protect privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

Stories and testimonials are not edited in a way that materially misrepresents the patient’s experience. Any payment, incentive, sponsorship or other material relationship connected with a testimonial is disclosed where applicable.

17. Images, Videos and Illustrations

Images, videos, illustrations and multimedia support understanding and may be educational, illustrative, representative or institution-specific.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, visual material should not be interpreted as depicting the exact patient, treatment outcome or clinical situation described. Clinically significant visual information is reviewed for accuracy, appropriate context and patient safety. Altered, simulated or AI-generated visuals are not presented in a manner that could mislead users about actual anatomy, procedures, facilities or outcomes.

18. Content Accessibility, Readability and Language

We aim to present medical information in clear, accessible and respectful language. Important medical terms are explained for patients and caregivers without unnecessary simplification.

Apollo Hospitals aims to align applicable Health Library content with recognized web-accessibility standards, including meaningful alternative text, captions or transcripts where appropriate, logical headings, descriptive links, accessible tables, keyboard usability and information that does not rely on colour alone.

Content uses inclusive, non-stigmatizing and culturally appropriate language. Health literacy, disability, age, sex, gender and socioeconomic circumstances are considered where relevant to comprehension and patient safety.

19. Translation and Localization

Translated medical content is reviewed for linguistic accuracy, clinical meaning, cultural appropriateness and preservation of critical safety information. Automated translation is not published without appropriate human review. Medicine names, dosages, contraindications, warning signs and emergency instructions must retain their intended meaning across languages.

When international guidance is used, content is localized where appropriate to reflect Indian terminology, disease patterns, public-health programs, regulatory context, availability of care and emergency pathways.

20. Content Updates and Review Schedule

Medical information evolves continuously. Content may be updated when evidence, guidelines, regulatory warnings, medical practice, treatments, technologies or service information changes, or when inaccuracies and user concerns are identified.

Review frequency is based on clinical risk and the rate at which the subject changes. High-risk or rapidly evolving content is reviewed at least annually; stable clinical content is reviewed at least every two years; and institutional or service information is reviewed according to operational need. A priority review is initiated when a significant guideline update, medicine-safety warning, regulatory action or credible patient-safety concern is identified.

Automated monitoring may support this process but does not replace human assessment. Content that presents an immediate or potentially serious safety concern may be corrected or temporarily withdrawn while review is completed.

Pages should display the latest relevant publication, update or medical-review date.

21. Corrections and User Feedback

We welcome feedback from patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and website visitors. Feedback may help identify incorrect or outdated information, unclear language, accessibility barriers or unmet information needs.

Minor spelling, grammar or formatting corrections may be made without a public correction notice. Material corrections that could affect a reader’s understanding, health decision or safety receive prompt editorial and clinical assessment and, where appropriate, an updated review date or correction note explaining what changed.

Users should be provided with a visible and functioning channel to report an error or request clarification. Feedback involving an urgent patient-safety issue is escalated through the applicable editorial and clinical governance process.

22. Editorial Independence, Sponsorship and Conflicts of Interest

Apollo Hospitals maintains a clear distinction between educational health information, service information, promotional communication, advertising and sponsored content.

Commercial or promotional considerations do not override medical accuracy, balanced presentation, evidence quality or patient safety. Sponsored, partner-supported, paid or promotional content is clearly identified. Advertising and commercial relationships do not determine clinical conclusions or treatment recommendations.

Authors, reviewers and contributors must disclose relevant financial, professional or commercial interests that could reasonably be perceived to influence the content. Relevant conflicts are managed through disclosure, independent review, reassignment or other appropriate safeguards.

23. External Links and Third-Party Information

ApolloHospitals.com may link to external websites, publications or resources that provide additional information. External websites are independently operated and may have their own policies, standards and practices.

Apollo Hospitals does not necessarily endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, availability or security of external information. Links are selected for relevance and credibility at the time of review, but linked content may change. External links do not replace Apollo’s responsibility to substantiate claims made on its own pages.

24. Privacy and Patient Information

Apollo Hospitals respects the privacy and confidentiality of patients and website users. Personal, health and other sensitive information submitted through the website is handled in accordance with applicable law, institutional requirements and Apollo Hospitals’ Privacy Policy.

Users should avoid sharing unnecessary personal or medical information through public channels. Editorial content must not disclose identifiable patient information without an applicable legal basis and documented authorization. Case descriptions should be de-identified unless identification has been specifically authorized.

25. Emergency Medical Information

Information published on ApolloHospitals.com must not be relied upon to diagnose or manage a medical emergency.

If a person may be experiencing a medical emergency, they should seek immediate medical assistance or contact the appropriate local emergency service. Website content, calculators, symptom lists, chat tools or appointment functions must not be used to delay emergency care. Emergency advice should be prominent and appropriate to the clinical risk of the page.

26. Copyright, Related Policies and Policy Changes

Content on ApolloHospitals.com, including text, images, illustrations, videos and other materials, may be protected by applicable intellectual-property laws. Unless otherwise stated or permitted by law, it must not be reproduced, modified, distributed, republished or commercially exploited without appropriate authorization.

This Editorial Policy should be read together with Apollo Hospitals’ applicable Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, copyright provisions and other website policies. In the event of a conflict, the applicable legal terms governing the relevant service or website function will prevail.

Apollo Hospitals may update this policy to reflect changes in editorial practice, medical knowledge, clinical guidelines, technology, regulation, law or website functionality. Updated versions will be published with a revised Last Updated date.

Our Commitment to You

Our goal is to make reliable health information easier to understand, easier to find and more useful for patients and caregivers—while maintaining the clinical standards, transparency and responsibility expected from Apollo Hospitals.

If you identify a possible error or believe that health information requires correction or clarification, please use the designated “Report an Error” or contact channel displayed on ApolloHospitals.com.

Apollo Hospitals - Trusted healthcare information, backed by clinical expertise.