The healthcare sector is facing a paradox in its approach to protecting life. While its primary principle is “primum non nocere” or “first, do no harm,” the sector itself is contributing to the climate crisis, which is having a devastating impact on human health. The global healthcare sector is among the top five carbon emitters in the world, with hospitals consuming large amounts of energy and water, relying on single-use materials, and generating vast quantities of waste. Every medical procedure, including surgeries, has an environmental footprint, with a single bypass surgery estimated to generate emissions equivalent to those produced by a small petrol car traveling 250 kilometers.

Climate change is already making people sicker, exacerbating respiratory conditions, affecting maternal and neonatal health, and disrupting care in vulnerable communities. The healthcare sector is not only treating the victims of climate change but also contributing to the conditions that create them. To break this cycle, healthcare providers must integrate climate responsibility into their work. Apollo Hospitals, for example, launched the Apollo Sustainability Action Plan in 2021, which aimed to reduce the hospital’s environmental impact. The plan included assessing the hospital’s emissions footprint, increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing waste, and implementing energy-saving projects.

The results have been significant, with 28% of the hospital’s energy now coming from renewable sources, and a reduction in scope one and two emissions. The hospital has also implemented sustainable procurement policies and reduced water consumption. These changes are not just cosmetic but fundamental to how healthcare is delivered in the future. A hospital cannot be considered world-class if it is not environmentally responsible, and no health system can claim to serve people if it contributes to the conditions that harm them. The climate crisis is a health emergency, and healthcare providers must take a leadership role in addressing it. By making sustainability a core value, healthcare providers can reduce their environmental impact and improve the health of their patients and the planet. As Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, notes, “the work ahead is complex, but the intention is simple: to care deeply, and to do no harm – not only to those we treat, but also to the world they live in.”

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has partnered with Apollo Hospitals to establish a 24×7 on-site medical centre at the airport. The medical centre will provide comprehensive medical care to passengers, staff, and visitors at the airport. The partnership aims to ensure that medical emergencies are handled promptly and efficiently, providing a safe and healthy environment for all stakeholders.

The on-site medical centre will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, including ICU ambulances, to handle medical emergencies. The centre will be staffed by a team of experienced doctors, nurses, and paramedics from Apollo Hospitals, who will provide round-the-clock medical care. The medical centre will also have telemedicine facilities, allowing for remote consultations with specialists from Apollo Hospitals.

The partnership between NMIA and Apollo Hospitals is a significant step towards providing world-class medical facilities at the airport. The medical centre will cater to a wide range of medical needs, from minor ailments to critical emergencies. The presence of ICU ambulances will ensure that patients can be quickly transported to nearby hospitals if required.

The partnership is also expected to enhance the overall passenger experience at NMIA. Passengers will have access to quality medical care, reducing anxiety and stress in case of medical emergencies. The medical centre will also provide pre-travel medical check-ups, vaccinations, and other health services, making it a one-stop-shop for passengers’ medical needs.

The collaboration between NMIA and Apollo Hospitals is a testament to the airport’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all stakeholders. The partnership is expected to set a new standard for airport medical facilities in India, providing a benchmark for other airports to follow.

In a statement, the CEO of NMIA said, “We are delighted to partner with Apollo Hospitals to provide world-class medical facilities at our airport. The on-site medical centre will ensure that our passengers, staff, and visitors receive prompt and efficient medical care, enhancing their overall experience at the airport.” The partnership is a significant milestone for NMIA, which is expected to become one of the busiest airports in India in the coming years. With the medical centre and ICU ambulances in place, NMIA is well-equipped to handle medical emergencies and provide a safe and healthy environment for all stakeholders.

The 3rd National Cradle Conference (NCC 2025) was recently held in New Delhi, India, on November 1st and 2nd, 2025. The two-day conference was organized by Apollo Cradle and Apollo Fertility, and it brought together the country’s most renowned experts in maternal, women, and child health, as well as reproductive medicine. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, and was attended by other senior members of the hospital group.

The theme of the conference was “Uniting Expertise in Pre-Conception, Maternity & Child Care in India,” and it served as a premier forum for advancing clinical excellence, research, and collaboration. Over the two days, the conference highlighted the latest scientific and technological advances in various specialties, including neonatology, pediatrics, obstetrics, fetal medicine, and allied specialties. The expert-led sessions provided practical insights into updated guidelines and treatment protocols, helping clinicians stay informed and up-to-date.

The conference also emphasized the importance of integrating next-generation innovations, such as robot-assisted procedures, AI-enabled diagnostics, and advancements in reproductive, genomic, and neonatal medicine, into clinical practices. Dr. Sangita Reddy noted that Apollo’s collaborative ethos is guided by the objective of continuously elevating the standards of patient care across the entire continuum, from reproduction and pre-conception to delivery and child care.

The NCC 2025 conference was not just an academic event, but an evolutionary episode in medical science, involving knowledge sharing on topics such as rising infertility issues, reducing infant mortality, improving neonatal outcomes, and inducing preventive healthcare behaviors. The conference reflects Apollo’s continued commitment to elevating clinical standards through collective learning and shared expertise, and reinforces Apollo Cradle and Fertility’s mission to deliver holistic, patient-centered care from conception to childhood and overall wellbeing of women.

The conference was attended by distinguished experts, including Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals, and Dr. Anita Kaul, Fetal Medicine Expert, Apollo Cradle, among others. The event served as a pivotal forum for redefining and refining best practices in women’s and child health, and provided a platform for clinicians to stay informed, up-skilled, and adaptive. Overall, the 3rd National Cradle Conference was a significant event that highlighted the latest advances and innovations in maternal, women, and child health, and reinforced Apollo’s commitment to delivering world-class patient care.

As air quality levels continue to deteriorate in Indian cities, fitness enthusiasts are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of exercising outdoors when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is poor. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, recently shared his expertise on the matter, providing clear guidance on how to balance fitness with health safety during periods of high pollution.

When a follower asked if running outdoors for 30 minutes in an AQI of around 200 was better than staying indoors without exercise, Dr. Kumar broke down the pros and cons of both options. While outdoor running has undeniable benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, metabolism, and mental well-being, polluted air poses serious risks that can offset these gains. According to Dr. Kumar, the deep, rapid breathing associated with running increases inhaled air volume, pulling 10-20 times more pollutants deep into the lungs.

Exposure to particulate matter (PM₂.₅) and ozone during intense activity is linked to airway inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced lung function, elevated blood pressure, and a higher long-term risk of respiratory and heart diseases. For individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, cardiac conditions, or stroke risk, this exposure can be particularly harmful. As a result, Dr. Kumar concluded that when AQI levels reach 200, the harms of pollutant inhalation outweigh the short-term exercise benefits.

In contrast, staying indoors offers some protection from air pollution, with indoor pollutant levels typically 50-70% lower when windows are closed. However, Dr. Kumar cautioned that long-term sedentary behavior can also harm health. For short durations of high pollution, avoiding outdoor exercise is the safer option. To mitigate this, Dr. Kumar suggested a two-step approach: switching to indoor workouts, such as treadmill running or yoga, with windows closed and an air purifier running, and resuming outdoor activities only when the AQI drops below 100, ideally under 50.

For those who must venture outside, Dr. Kumar advised doing so in the early morning, wearing an N95 mask, and avoiding high-traffic areas. By following these guidelines, individuals can prioritize their health and safety while still maintaining their fitness routines. As a trusted and reliable news source, it is essential to consider expert advice like Dr. Kumar’s when navigating the challenges of exercising in polluted environments. By being informed and taking necessary precautions, individuals can minimize their risk and stay healthy.

Twelve clinicians and researchers from the Apollo Hospitals Group have been recognized in Stanford University’s 2025 Global List of the Top 2% Scientists. This prestigious list, compiled by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier, identifies the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on standardized citation indicators across multiple disciplines. The inclusion of Apollo’s experts in this global ranking acknowledges their significant contributions to medical science and research excellence.

The recognition is a testament to Apollo Hospitals’ sustained focus on clinical research, innovation, and academic collaboration across its network of hospitals and institutions. The organization’s clinicians and faculty have been featured in the global ranking, highlighting their growing contribution to evidence-based medicine and scientific advancement.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the clinicians and researchers exemplify the organization’s belief that care and innovation go hand in hand. Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasized the importance of academics and research in the organization’s mission statement, noting that 1047 papers were published by Apollo’s faculty in journals worldwide in 2024.

The twelve honored clinicians and researchers are from various specialties, including psychiatry, orthopedics, head and neck surgical oncology, pediatric nephrology, and palliative medicine. They are based in different Apollo Hospitals locations across India, including Kolkata, New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, and Chennai. The recognition of these experts demonstrates Apollo Hospitals’ strengthening role at the intersection of clinical practice, research, and education, which is central to the evolution of modern healthcare.

The achievement is a proud moment for Apollo Hospitals and Indian healthcare, showcasing the organization’s commitment to excellence in medical science and research. The recognition of its clinicians and researchers in the global ranking is expected to further strengthen Apollo Hospitals’ position as a leader in the healthcare industry, both in India and globally.

Apollo Hospitals has recently announced the expansion of its Advanced Stroke Network in Tamil Nadu, making it the largest of its kind in the state. The network is designed to provide swift diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients in Chennai through a protocol-driven system and nine newly established advanced labs. This initiative is particularly crucial given the rising incidence of stroke cases, especially among younger populations, with one in four individuals over 25 at risk.

The importance of timely intervention in stroke management cannot be overstated, as approximately 190,000 brain cells are lost every minute during an attack. The Apollo Hospitals’ network ensures high-quality, uniform care for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes across its hospitals in Chennai. This is achieved through the utilization of advanced imaging, AI-enhanced diagnostic tools, and multidisciplinary expertise.

The expansion of the stroke network builds upon the hospital’s initial launch in 2023 and is aimed at improving early detection, survival, and recovery rates in the city. The network comprises top neurology and neurovascular specialists, including Dr. Srinivasan Paramasivam, who are dedicated to offering neuroendovascular treatments such as mechanical thrombectomy and microsurgical interventions. These treatments are critical in saving lives and enhancing patient outcomes.

India faces a significant challenge with approximately 13 million strokes occurring annually, and Chennai alone reports around 10,000 cases each year. The expansion of the Advanced Stroke Network by Apollo Hospitals is aligned with global efforts to address this growing health concern. By focusing on innovative and fast-track stroke care, the hospital aims to make stroke management more accessible and efficient, ultimately improving patient outcomes and saving lives. The continued expansion of this network underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality care and addressing the pressing health challenges faced by the community.

On World Stroke Day, neurologists in Bengaluru sounded the alarm over the rising number of stroke cases among younger adults in India. This trend is concerning, as stroke was once primarily seen in older individuals. Experts attribute this shift to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, including poor sleep habits, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. Dr. P Satishchandra, a senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals, emphasized that stroke has become a leading cause of death and disability in India, with a growing incidence among working-age adults due to uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles.

The symptoms of stroke are often overlooked, leading to delays in seeking treatment, which can be dangerous. Dr. Lokesh B, a consultant at Aster CMI Hospital, noted that millennials and Gen Z are increasingly vulnerable to stroke due to digital stress, erratic sleep patterns, long work hours, and poor lifestyle choices. Many young adults mistake early signs of stroke, such as dizziness, slurred speech, or numbness, for tiredness or anxiety, rather than seeking medical attention.

In addition to well-known risk factors, doctors are highlighting the importance of addressing lesser-known contributors to stroke, such as sleep apnea. Dr. Avinash Kulkarni, a consultant neurologist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, explained that sleep-disordered breathing can cause surges in blood pressure and inflammation, weakening cerebral vessels and increasing the risk of stroke. He noted that many patients with controlled diabetes or hypertension still suffer from recurrent strokes due to undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Overall, the growing incidence of stroke among younger adults in India is a worrying trend that requires attention and action. By raising awareness about the risks and symptoms of stroke, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can reduce their risk of stroke and improve their overall health. It is essential to prioritize sleep, exercise, and stress management, and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of stroke occur. By taking these steps, we can work towards reducing the burden of stroke in India and promoting a healthier future for all.

Upasana Kamineni Konidela is a renowned businesswoman, philanthropist, and spouse of South Indian superstar Ram Charan Teja. Born on July 20, 1989, in Hyderabad, she hails from one of India’s most influential families. Her great-grandfather, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, founded Apollo Hospitals, a leading hospital chain in India. Upasana’s parents, Anil Kamineni and Shobana Kamineni, are also prominent figures in their respective business sectors.

Upasana graduated from Regent’s University in London with a degree in business and marketing. She began her career in the hospital industry and is currently the Vice Chairperson of Apollo Life. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of B Positive Magazine, advocating for holistic health, sustainability, and mental wellness. Through the Apollo Foundation, she provides medical aid and awareness to marginalized communities, contributing significantly to corporate wellness and employee productivity in India.

Upasana’s philanthropic efforts have earned her the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Benefactor of the Year. She married Ram Charan Teja in 2012, and the couple has a daughter, Klin Kaara Konidela, born in June 2023. Upasana’s estimated net worth is between $100 million, derived from her stake in Apollo Hospitals, business leadership roles, and investments.

Apart from her professional achievements, Upasana is known for her innate beauty and sophisticated fashion sense. She stands at 173 cm, weighs around 55 kg, and has dark brown hair and brown eyes. As a mother, she has been showered with congratulations from fans and well-wishers on social media, marking a new era for the Konidela family. Upasana’s family includes her father, Anil Kamineni; mother, Shobana Kamineni; brother, Puansh Kamineni; and husband, Ram Charan Teja. Her sisters-in-law are Sushmita Konidela and Sreeja Kalyan.

Upasana’s commitment to wellness, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship has made her a respected figure in India. Her leadership roles in Apollo Life and the Apollo Foundation demonstrate her dedication to improving healthcare and community welfare. As a member of one of India’s most influential families, Upasana has carved out her own path, making a significant impact in the fields of healthcare, wellness, and social entrepreneurship.

Ram Charan and Upasana Kamineni, a prominent celebrity couple in India, have announced that they are expecting their second child. The news was shared on social media through a heartwarming Diwali video, which featured the couple and their first child, a girl born in June 2023. The video concluded with the phrase “New beginnings,” leaving fans overjoyed and eager to congratulate the couple. Ram Charan captioned the post, “This Diwali was all about double the celebration, double the love and double the blessings,” which sparked a frenzy of love and well-wishes from fans and the film fraternity.

Upasana Kamineni, a billionaire heiress to the Apollo Hospitals’ Rs 77,000 crore business, is a formidable presence in her own right. She serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Apollo Foundation and the Managing Director of Family Health Plan Insurance TPA Limited. She has also established a wellness platform called UR.Life, which focuses on holistic health. As the granddaughter of Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the founder of Apollo Hospitals, Upasana hails from a esteemed business lineage.

The couple’s personal life is a testament to their opulent lifestyle. They reside in a 25,000-square-foot home in Hyderabad, worth Rs 30 crore, which features tranquil gardens, selected artwork, and a wellness area crafted by Upasana. Their collection of vehicles includes a Rolls Royce Phantom and a Ferrari Portofino, and they also own a private jet.

Ram Charan and Upasana’s total net worth is estimated to exceed Rs 2,500 crore, making them one of India’s wealthiest and most powerful celebrity pairs. As they prepare to welcome their second child, it is clear that their life is set to become even more lively. With Ram Charan’s continued success in the film industry and Upasana’s advocacy for mental health, wellness, and women’s leadership initiatives, the couple embodies a unique blend of allure, aspiration, and practicality. As they embark on this new chapter in their life, they are surrounded by love, laughter, and light, and their fans wish them all the best for the future.