Apollo Hospitals Chennai’s Gastrointestinal Surgery team has reached a significant milestone in advancing minimally invasive care, with over 100 robotic GI surgeries and 50+ complex pancreas and liver procedures successfully performed. These achievements reflect the team’s growing expertise in managing complex gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary conditions using advanced robotic-assisted techniques. Key procedures include Whipple’s surgery, right hepatectomy, right posterior sectionectomy, and Frey’s procedure — delivered with precision and consistency. The program is led by Dr. Santhosh Anand, Sr. Consultant – Surgical Gastroenterology & Robotic Surgeon, whose leadership has been instrumental in building and scaling this capability. Leveraging the da Vinci robotic surgical system, the team is able to operate with enhanced visualisation, precision, and control. This translates into smaller incisions, reduced surgical trauma, and faster recovery for patients. With a strong focus on outcomes, innovation, and patient-centric care, Apollo Hospitals Chennai continues to set new benchmarks in robotic gastrointestinal surgery.

 Apollo Hospitals Chennai has launched India’s first Robotics and Telesurgery Program with the establishment of the Apollo Institute of Robotics & Telesurgery (ART), reinforcing its leadership in technology-enabled surgical innovation. The platform integrates robotic platforms with digital connectivity to enable remote surgical guidance, training, and collaboration, helping extend specialized surgical expertise to hospitals across geographies. The program was unveiled during the 6th Apollo International Colorectal Symposium (AICRS) 2026, which brought together leading surgeons and researchers to discuss emerging innovations in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. The institute aims to promote clinical excellence, skill development, and knowledge exchange through telesurgery-enabled mentoring and collaborative procedures. A key milestone highlighted during the launch was the growing adoption of robotic colorectal surgery at Apollo Hospitals Chennai. Dr Venkatesh Munikrishnan and his team have completed over 1,000 robotic colorectal procedures, including one of the largest personal series of robotic rectal cancer resections in the region. This extensive experience has helped position Apollo Hospitals Chennai as a subspecialist centre for rectal cancer treatment and a leading training hub for advanced robotic colorectal surgery, attracting surgeons and fellows from across India and internationally. The initiative also complements Apollo’s expanding robotic surgery ecosystem across specialties such as gastrointestinal surgery, oncology, urology, orthopedics, and cardiac sciences. By combining clinical expertise with advanced technology, Apollo Hospitals continues to strengthen its role in shaping the future of precision-led, digitally connected surgical care. 

 Apollo Hospitals has inaugurated its latest facility, Apollo Hospitals, Narendrapur, West Bengal, marking a major expansion of its healthcare network in the state. With 250 beds, the hospital brings together state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced medical services to deliver comprehensive care across a wide range of specialties. The facility features seven operating theatres, a 55-bed ICU, and a modern Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) suite, enabling the hospital to manage both routine procedures and complex medical interventions. Patients also benefit from specialised departments focused on specific health needs, where experienced clinicians provide personalised, evidence-based treatment. Strategically located for improved accessibility, the hospital offers integrated services spanning emergency and critical care, medical and surgical specialties, and rehabilitative support. Advanced diagnostics, intensive care capabilities, and coordinated clinical pathways enable timely and precise treatment while prioritising patient safety and comfort. With the launch of this new unit, Apollo Hospitals further strengthens the regional healthcare ecosystem, bringing world-class clinical expertise closer to communities in South Kolkata. The Narendrapur facility reflects Apollo’s ongoing commitment to patient-first, innovation-driven, and outcomes-focused healthcare. 

 Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad has introduced the Pearl Wing, a thoughtfully designed patient care space created to enhance the healing experience through comfort, calm, and compassionate care. Recognising that healing extends beyond medical treatment, the Pearl Wing features renewed aesthetics and patient-centric spaces that create a supportive and reassuring environment for patients and their families. The design emphasises comfort, privacy, and a calming atmosphere; elements that can meaningfully support patient well-being during recovery. The new wing reflects Apollo Hospitals’ commitment to patient-first healthcare, where advanced clinical expertise is complemented by spaces that promote reassurance and dignity. By combining thoughtful design with compassionate care, Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad aims to ensure patients feel supported throughout their treatment and recovery journey. The Pearl Wing represents a renewed promise from Apollo Hospitals Ahmedabad to deliver care in an environment that fosters comfort, confidence, and healing. 

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, has achieved a major milestone in cardiac electrophysiology by successfully performing India’s first leadless pacemaker implantation through a metallic prosthetic tricuspid valve. The complex procedure was led by Dr Vanita Arora, Clinical Lead – Cardiac Electrophysiology, and her team, offering a safe and minimally invasive solution for patients with challenging cardiac conditions.  Dr Vanita Arora (centre) with the cardiac electrophysiology team after performing India’s first leadless pacemaker implantation through a metallic prosthetic tricuspid valve. The patient, a 65-year-old with a long history of cardiac illness, had previously undergone tricuspid valve replacement with a mechanical valve prosthesis. When he later developed symptomatic sinus node dysfunction and atrioventricular conduction disease, a permanent pacemaker was required to restore a stable heart rhythm. However, conventional pacemaker implantation was not feasible, as passing pacing leads through a mechanical tricuspid valve could damage the prosthesis and compromise valve function. To address this challenge, the team implanted a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker using a catheter-based approach through a vein in the leg. Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless systems are compact, self-contained devices placed directly within the heart, eliminating the need for pacing leads and surgical pockets. This approach reduces the risk of infection, device-related complications, and interference with prosthetic valves. The procedure was carefully planned using advanced cardiac mapping and precise device positioning to restore heart rhythm while preserving the function of the prosthetic valve. The patient recovered well and was discharged in stable condition. This landmark intervention highlights the expanding role of leadless pacing technologies in managing complex cardiac rhythm disorders and reinforces Apollo Hospitals’ commitment to advancing innovation in cardiovascular care. 

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals marked a proud moment as Dr Arun Prasad, Senior Consultant – Surgical Gastroenterology, was honoured at the UK House of Lords during the India–UK Achievers Honours 2026. Dr Prasad received the Science and Innovation Award at a parliamentary reception held at the UK Parliament, recognising his contributions to advancing minimal access gastrointestinal, bariatric, thoracic, and robotic surgery in India. The recognition celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to science, innovation, and cross-border collaboration between India and the United Kingdom. The honour formed part of a three-day India–UK engagement programme, which also hosted the India–UK Education Conference. The event brought together over 700 leaders representing more than 350 universities, companies, and sector bodies, making it the largest international education convening in the UK focused on strengthening India–UK partnerships. With more than three decades of clinical experience, Dr Prasad has played a pioneering role in advancing minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques, enabling greater precision, reduced surgical trauma, and faster recovery for patients. In addition to his clinical work, he has contributed extensively to surgical education and international knowledge exchange, strengthening global collaboration in modern surgical care.  Reflecting on the honour, Dr Prasad said, “To be announced as the winner in this category among global nominees is deeply humbling.” He also expressed his appreciation to the organisers, stating, “Grateful to Lord Karan Bilimoria, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and Deputy Lieutenant (DL), Lord Uday Nagaraju, Member of the UK House of Lords, and the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU UK) for this distinguished recognition.” The recognition highlights the growing global impact of Indian clinicians and reinforces Apollo Hospitals’ commitment to fostering clinical excellence, innovation, and internationally recognised expertise in advanced surgical care. 

 Apollo Hospitals has expanded access to essential kidney care with the launch of the Apollo Dialysis Clinic at Waltax Road, strengthening renal services for communities in and around North Chennai. The centre has been established in partnership with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), Greater Chennai Corporation, and the Health Department, reflecting a collaborative effort to improve access to life-sustaining treatment. Chronic kidney disease continues to rise in India, often associated with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. For patients requiring long-term dialysis, convenient and reliable access to treatment plays a crucial role in maintaining health and quality of life. The Waltax Road clinic is designed to provide dialysis consultation, treatment, and rehabilitation services in a patient-friendly environment, helping individuals receive regular care closer to home. By reducing travel burdens and improving treatment continuity, the centre supports better patient adherence and outcomes. This initiative highlights Apollo Hospitals’ continued commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that advanced, compassionate renal care remains accessible to the patients who need it most. 

 Dr. Tripti Dubey has been honoured with the Excellence in Gynaecology & Obstetrics award at Femina GameChangers West 2026, recognising her outstanding contribution to advancing women’s healthcare through clinical expertise, innovation, and compassionate care. The prestigious Femina GameChangers platform celebrates individuals who create meaningful impact across industries, including healthcare, entrepreneurship, social initiatives, and leadership. This award acknowledges pioneers whose work drives positive change and sets new benchmarks of excellence in their fields. Dr. Dubey, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, was celebrated for her dedication to evidence-based, patient-centric care for women across all stages of life. Her expertise spans preventive screenings, fertility care, high-risk obstetrics, and minimally invasive gynaecological procedures, reflecting a commitment to holistic women’s health. This recognition highlights Dr. Dubey’s role as a pioneer in gynaecology and obstetrics, demonstrating how clinical excellence, personalised care, and patient education can improve long-term health outcomes for women. This award underscores the importance of specialised, compassionate care and reinforces Dr. Dubey’s position as a leading voice in shaping the future of women’s healthcare in India.

Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, has achieved a significant milestone by completing over 2,000 robotic-assisted surgeries, reinforcing its leadership in technology-driven, minimally invasive healthcare. The achievement reflects the hospital’s continued commitment to advancing surgical precision and improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge robotic platforms supported by multidisciplinary clinical expertise.  Robotic-assisted surgery represents an important advancement in modern surgical care. By integrating high-definition 3D visualisation, articulated robotic instruments, and surgeon-controlled precision, these procedures allow surgeons to perform complex operations with enhanced accuracy while minimising trauma to surrounding tissues. As a result, patients often benefit from smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery. At Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, robotic surgery is used across multiple specialties, including urology, gastrointestinal surgery, cardiothoracic procedures, gynaecology, head and neck surgery, paediatric surgery, and general surgery, enabling clinicians to manage complex conditions using minimally invasive techniques. Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, highlighted that Apollo’s experienced surgical teams across specialties have successfully integrated robotic technology into routine practice. She noted that the minimally invasive platform enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision while helping patients experience reduced pain and faster recovery. This milestone underscores the growing role of robotic technology in shaping the future of surgery, reinforcing Apollo Hospitals’ ongoing focus on innovation-driven, patient-centred care that enhances surgical safety, recovery, and overall treatment outcomes. 

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, has been appointed President of NATHEALTH – Healthcare Federation of India for FY 2026-2027. She succeeds Ms. Ameera Shah, Executive Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare, who previously served as the organisation's President. NATHEALTH shapes healthcare policy, strengthens public–private collaboration, and drives initiatives that improve accessibility, affordability, and quality of care across India. Dr. Reddy assumes this role at a pivotal time, as the healthcare sector focuses on expanding preventive care, accelerating digital health adoption, and building resilient healthcare systems for the future. A recognised healthcare leader and policy advocate, Dr. Reddy has played an instrumental role in advancing technology-enabled healthcare transformation. At Apollo Hospitals, she has helped drive initiatives in digital health, telemedicine, and data-driven healthcare platforms aimed at improving patient outcomes and expanding access to care. She has also been actively involved in national and global policy discussions on strengthening health systems and fostering innovation in healthcare delivery. As President of NATHEALTH, Dr. Reddy is expected to champion initiatives that support preventive healthcare, digital health integration, and sustainable healthcare delivery models aligned with India’s long-term vision for a healthier nation. Her leadership is expected to further strengthen collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers, advancing a patient-centric, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem for India’s future. 

A multidisciplinary team at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, has successfully performed a robotic hysterectomy on a 37-year-old woman diagnosed with Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia, a rare genetic condition that severely impairs the blood’s ability to clot and can lead to life-threatening bleeding episodes.    L to R: Dr. Punit Jain - Sr Consultant Hematology, Hemato Oncology & Program Coordinator Bone Marrow Transplant & CAR T-cell Therapy, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, Mrs. Neelam Yadav (Patient), Dr. Tripti Dubey - Sr Consultant Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Robotic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, and Mr. Sudhir Yadav (Patient's husband). The patient had endured years of severe menstrual bleeding that often required hospitalisation and blood transfusions. During a recent episode, her haemoglobin level dropped to a critically low 4 g/dL, prompting doctors to recommend a hysterectomy as a definitive solution to prevent recurrent bleeding and improve her long-term quality of life. Doctors also noted that the woman had previously delivered a child through a Caesarean section and required multiple blood and platelet transfusions at the time due to complications related to her underlying bleeding disorder. Surgery in patients with Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia is particularly complex due to the risk of uncontrolled bleeding, even from minor surgical interventions. To mitigate these risks, the clinical team opted for a robotic assisted minimally invasive procedure. The surgery was led by Dr. Tripti Dubey (Senior Consultant – Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Robotic Surgery, Apollo Hospitals) in collaboration with Dr. Punit Jain (Consultant – Haematology, Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist, Apollo Hospitals), combining expertise in robotic gynaecology and haematology to carefully manage the patient’s clotting disorder. The surgery was completed with near-zero intraoperative blood loss and without the need for transfusion during the procedure — a remarkable achievement given the patient’s underlying condition. Following a monitored postoperative recovery, the patient stabilised well and was able to resume routine activities soon afterward. This case underscores the growing role of robotic surgery in managing complex, high-risk conditions. By enabling enhanced precision, smaller incisions, and improved control during delicate procedures, robotic platforms are helping clinicians expand the boundaries of safe surgical care for patients with rare and challenging disorders. 

In a landmark procedure on World Hearing Day (March 3, 2026), Apollo Children’s Hospitals, Chennai, successfully performed Tamil Nadu’s first Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ implant surgery on a nine-year-old girl from Bangladesh. Born with severe to profound hearing loss, she will now begin a structured post-operative program to optimize speech and language development.  Led by Dr. Venkatakarthikeyan C, Senior Consultant, ENT and Head & Neck Robotic Surgeon, the team employed the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa — the world’s first smart cochlear implant powered by the NEXOS™ chipset — positioning Apollo Children’s Hospitals among the early centres in India to offer this next-generation technology. This system supports firmware upgrades, allowing future improvements without additional surgery. Its advanced signal processing and stimulation technologies enhance sound clarity in challenging listening environments, supporting better speech recognition and communication. In the coming weeks, the child will enter the next phase of treatment, during which the external sound processor will be activated and programmed to optimise hearing outcomes. She is recovering well and remains under careful clinical observation as part of the post-operative care protocol. Dr. Venkatakarthikeyan emphasized, “Consistent access to sound through this future-ready technology can significantly aid a child’s speech, language, and cognitive development while fostering social engagement.” Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO – Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals, added, “This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge hearing solutions to children across India and neighbouring countries. We continue to invest in advanced technologies and multidisciplinary care to ensure the best long-term outcomes.” The introduction of this technology expands treatment options for paediatric hearing loss in Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions, offering renewed hope for improved communication, academic progress, and overall quality of life.