The Apollo Symposium on Pulmonary Interventions and Respiratory Excellence (ASPIRE) 2025 was recently held in Hyderabad, Telangana. The event brought together pulmonologists, rheumatologists, and healthcare professionals to discuss recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), a condition that affects an estimated 4-8 lakh people in India.

The symposium focused on bronchoscopic techniques, high-resolution imaging, and biomarker-driven diagnostics that are improving ILD detection. Experts also examined new pharmacological treatments, including antifibrotic drugs and biologics, which are shaping ILD management in India.

The event featured participation from leading international and national medical professionals, including experts from the University of Washington Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, and Baylor College of Medicine, among others.

The Apollo Hospitals Pulmonology Department organized the event, led by Dr. Sowmya Parimi, Dr. Vijay Kumar Chennamsetty, and other committee members. The symposium covered topics such as AI-driven diagnostics, cryobiopsy for tissue acquisition, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplantation, and remote monitoring for ILD patients.

Apollo Hospitals’ CEO, Mr. V Tejesvi Rao, highlighted the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology in respiratory care, while Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director Medical Services, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to diagnose and manage ILD. The event served as a crucial knowledge-sharing platform, fostering collaboration among specialists to advance data-driven ILD diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions.

ASPIRE 2025 marked an important step in improving ILD management across India, with Apollo Hospitals committed to pioneering evidence-based and technology-driven respiratory care. The event reflects the hospital’s dedication to providing the best available care to patients and contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge.

The Apollo Hospitals group hosted the ASPIRE 2025 symposium, a conference focused on pulmonary interventions and respiratory excellence, in Hyderabad. The event aimed to address Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), a condition that affects an estimated 4-8 lakh people in India, with rising prevalence due to increasing air pollution, occupational hazards, and delayed diagnosis.

The symposium brought together pulmonologists, rheumatologists, and healthcare professionals to discuss advancements in bronchoscopic techniques, high-resolution imaging, and biomarker-driven diagnostics for ILD detection. Experts also explored new pharmacological treatments, including antifibrotic drugs and biologics, which are shaping ILD management in India.

The event featured international and national medical professionals, including Dr. Ganesh Raghu, Dr. Nishant Gupta, and Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli, among others. The Apollo Hospitals’ organizing committee, led by Dr. Sowmya Parimi and Dr. Vijay Kumar Chennamsetty, successfully conducted the conference, which covered AI-driven diagnostics, cryobiopsy for tissue acquisition, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung transplantation, and remote monitoring for ILD patients.

Apollo Hospitals’ CEO, Mr. V Tejesvi Rao, emphasized the organization’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in respiratory care, stating that AI-driven imaging and biomarker-based diagnostics are transforming ILD detection, enabling earlier and more precise diagnoses. Dr. Ravindra Babu, Director Medical Services, Telangana Region, Apollo Hospitals, added that chronic respiratory diseases, including ILD, account for more than 12% of all deaths in India, and accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans are crucial.

ASPIRE 2025 served as a knowledge-sharing platform for specialists to advance data-driven ILD diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions. Apollo Hospitals’ commitment to pioneering evidence-based and technology-driven respiratory care marked an important step in improving ILD management across India. The hospital group’s goal is to bring cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and treatment protocols to ensure patients receive the best care available. With over 10,000 beds across 73 hospitals, 6,000 pharmacies, and 2,000 clinics and diagnostic centers, Apollo Hospitals is India’s largest integrated healthcare platform.

The STAT-2025 Conference on Stroke Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy was held at The Hotel Westin Mindspace in Hyderabad, India, bringing together leading international and national experts to discuss cutting-edge advances in acute stroke management, innovative imaging techniques, and critical procedural strategies. The conference aimed to facilitate the exchange of revolutionary ideas, techniques, and experiences among global leaders to transform stroke care.

Renowned international medical experts shared insights on advanced imaging, novel therapies, and groundbreaking thrombectomy procedures. Keynote speakers highlighted the importance of timely intervention in stroke management, early prediction techniques, and the need for tailored approaches in patient care. The conference also featured discussions on stroke epidemiology, including the changing demographics of stroke in India and the role of prehospital care in improving patient outcomes.

The conference also touched on imaging, introducing participants to essential parenchymal and vascular imaging methodologies, as well as advanced imaging techniques, including CT/MRI perfusion and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms. A session on thrombolysis and beyond explored the potential of novel therapeutic agents in treating acute stroke patients.

The second day of the conference focused on practical workshops, including hands-on training on mechanical thrombectomy and optimal use of thrombectomy devices. The sessions covered stroke triage systems, essential stroke scales, and rapid hospital-based evaluation methods. Interactive sessions, such as “How I Do It?” and “Perioperative Management,” provided practical insights into tailored approaches for thrombectomy and patient care.

The conference also tackled emerging challenges in stroke care, including distal medium vessel occlusions, interventions for basilar artery occlusions, and thrombectomy beyond the standard 24-hour treatment window. The-event brought together over 650 delegates from around the world, highlighting the global nature of collaborative stroke care advancements.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the importance of innovation in stroke care, stating, “Innovation in stroke care demands courage, clinical judgment, and rigorous research. We are seeing therapies evolve rapidly, often challenging traditional guidelines. At Apollo Hospitals, we remain deeply invested in not just following established paths, but also forging new ones – guided by evidence, compassion, and clinical excellence.”

Here is a summary of the content in 400 words:

On Saturday, the Hyderabad Metro Rail successfully created a dedicated green channel for transporting a live heart from Kamineni Hospitals in LB Nagar to Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills. This milestone was achieved through careful planning and coordination between Hyderabad Metro Rail, medical professionals, and hospital authorities, under the supervision of attending doctors. The mission aimed to save precious time in the life-saving transplant process.

The heart was transported from Nagole metro station to Jubilee Hills check post metro station, covering a distance of 22 kilometers in just 25 minutes. This feat involved crossing 18 stations, showcasing the efficiency and speed of the metro rail. The achievement highlights the integrated efforts of multiple teams, including the rail authorities, medical professionals, and hospital staff, who worked together to ensure the safe and timely transportation of the vital organ.

The successful transportation of the donor heart is a testament to the excellency of Hyderabad Metro Rail’s service. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the potential of public transportation to make a significant impact in saving lives. The role of the hospital authorities, medical professionals, and other stakeholders in this operation is equally important, as they worked in tandem to ensure the successful transplantation of the heart.

The Leaders’ Tran Station Hyderabad (L&TMR) emphasized the importance of collaboration and precise planning in achieving such high-pressure, time-sensitive operations. The successful transfer of the live heart underlines the potential of public transportation to support critical medical services, particularly in emergency situations. This remarkable achievement serves as a shining example of the potential of public transportation in saving lives and will inspire similar collaborations in the future.

Apollo Hospitals in Bengaluru has been slammed by a consumer forum for “medical negligence” and ordered to pay compensation to a patient who was allegedly forced to undergo unnecessary surgery. The patient, identified as Rajalakshmi, had approached the Consumer disputes Redressal Forum (CDRF) alleging that she was subjected to “undue and unnecessary treatment” by the hospital’s doctors.

According to the complaint, Rajalakshmi was admitted to the hospital in 2017 for a routine cataract surgery. However, the doctors allegedly perforated her eyeball during the procedure, leading to further complications and two more surgeries. The patient reported that she was not properly informed about the risks involved and was coerced into undergoing additional procedures.

The consumer forum has ordered Apollo Hospitals to pay Rajalakshmi a compensation of Rs. 15 lakhs (approximately $20,000) for the “harassment” she suffered. The forum also directed the hospital to provide an additional Rs. 50,000 (approximately $670) for the costs incurred by the patient in seeking justice.

The patient’s ordeal began in 2017, when she was operated for cataract removal at Apollo Hospital. However, things took a turn for the worse when the eye surgeons allegedly perforated her eyeball, leaving her in a worse condition than before. Rajalakshmi was forced to undergo two more surgeries, including a complicated one that required a “stray” in her eye.

The CDRF alleged that the hospital’s doctors failed to provide a proper diagnosis and informed consent, leading to unnecessary and damaging treatment. The forum observed that the hospital’s actions were “arbitrary, unreasonable, and amounted to harassment” of the patient.

The verdict is seen as a major setback for Apollo Hospitals, which has faced similar allegations of medical negligence in the past. The case highlights the need for strict measures to prevent such incidents and ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect. The forum’s ruling also underscores the importance of patient safety and the need for transparency in medical procedures.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, an India-based healthcare provider, has signed a term sheet with Ion Beam Applications (IBA) to acquire one ProteusONE compact proton therapy solution, with an option to purchase a second unit. This deal is expected to enhance the accessibility of proton therapy in India and India’s status as a global leader in the treatment of cancer. The ProteusONE system features a compact design and can be upgraded over time, allowing it to evolve with advancements in technology.

The system is expected to begin treating patients in 2028, pending regulatory approval. The estimated cost for each system, including maintenance, is between €35m and €45m, or approximately $37.42m and $48.05m.

This partnership builds on the existing relationship between Apollo Hospitals and IBA, which dates back to 2013 when Apollo introduced India’s first proton beam therapy system. The founder and chairman of Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Prathap Reddy, expressed his excitement about the new agreement, saying it would enable them to deliver superior clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life for cancer patients in India and globally.

IBA’s CEO, Olivier Legrain, also praised the partnership, citing its long history and the reliability and superiority of IBA’s solutions. The deal is expected to support Apollo Hospitals’ planned organic growth and strategic acquisitions, which will be funded in part by a deal with private equity firm Advent International.

This development is a significant step forward for Apollo Hospitals and IBA, and will likely have a positive impact on the treatment of cancer patients in India and beyond.

Apollo Hospitals and Ion Beam Applications (IBA) have announced a partnership to introduce the Proteus One system in India, which includes the DynamicARC beam delivery technology. This system is subject to statutory approvals and is expected to revolutionize cancer treatment in the country.

Proton therapy, an effective treatment for tumours of the Central Nervous System, head and neck, pediatric, and urological cancers, is expected to become a game-changer in the fight against cancer. The global burden of cancer is projected to increase to 21.4 million incident cases by 2030, with India ranking third in terms of absolute incidence number, contributing 7.5%. The Proteus One system will enable Apollo Hospitals to offer personalized, precise, and highly effective treatment for cancer patients.

According to Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, “Cancer care is evolving rapidly, and at Apollo, we remain steadfast in our mission to stay ahead of this evolution. The introduction of the Proteus One system is a significant leap towards personalized, precise, and highly effective treatment for cancer patients.”

Apollo Hospitals, which has already introduced Proton Therapy in India in 2019, has seen over 2,000 patients from 147 countries benefit from this cutting-edge technology. The introduction of the Proteus One system is expected to further accelerate the fight against cancer in India and provide new hope to patients and their families.

The partnership between Apollo Hospitals and IBA demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to stay at the forefront of medical technology and provide the best possible care to patients. With the Proteus One system, Apollo Hospitals is poised to take cancer treatment to new heights, offering more effective and personalized care to patients across India and beyond.

Meenakshi Jain, a lawyer, has been fighting for 15 years to seek justice for her father’s death at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, claiming medical negligence led to his demise in 2009. Her father, Pawan Kumar Jain, was a 71-year-old diabetic and cardiac patient who was admitted to the hospital for a perianal abscess, but his condition worsened due to delays in surgery and the discontinuation of his cardiac medications. Jain alleges that the hospital failed to monitor his condition properly, leading to his suffering three heart attacks, and eventually, his death.

The Delhi Medical Council and the Delhi government’s Department of Health and Family Welfare gave the doctors a clean chit, despite a medical board report highlighting lapses in treatment. Jain claims that the hospital was more concerned with administrative procedures than her father’s health, resulting in his untimely death. The Delhi Medical Council’s report found no medical negligence, but Jain disputes this, saying the report was biased and aimed to protect the hospital’s reputation.

The struggle for justice has been a long and arduous one for Jain, who has taken the hospital to court, consumer forums, and medical council. Despite her efforts, she claims that justice remains elusive, and her legal battle is ongoing. The case is currently pending before the Saket Court and the Delhi High Court.

For Jain, this fight is not just about legal proceedings but about honoring her father’s memory and ensuring that other victims of medical negligence receive justice. She believes that medical professionals should be accountable and that her struggle is a testament to the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens when taking on powerful institutions like hospitals. Despite her own professional background as a lawyer, Jain has experienced firsthand the challenges of fighting against a system that often favors the powerful over the weak.

A remarkable medical success story was shared by Dr. Srinivasan Paramasivam, a senior consultant neurosurgeon, and Dr. S. Karthikeyan, a senior consultant interventional neurologist and stroke specialist, at a press conference in Tirupati. The story revolves around Guduru Subhashini, a 44-year-old woman from Nellore district who survived a life-threatening stroke. Subhashini was working in a field in December 2024 when she suffered a stroke, but was successfully treated at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai through a complex pinhole surgery.

The surgery, performed by the neurosurgeons, enabled the removal of an aneurysm and allowed Subhashini to make a full recovery within just three months. According to Dr. Srinivasan, many people in the region still believe that brain surgery requires a traditional craniotomy, and thus hesitate to seek medical attention. He emphasized that modern technology allows for minimally invasive procedures, such as micro-neurosurgery, endovascular brain and spine surgery, and awake brain surgery, which can provide lasting relief to patients.

G. Srinivas, Subhashini’s husband, shared the traumatic experience of watching his wife collapse at work and the medical team’s tireless efforts to bring her back to normalcy. The successful surgery and recovery of Subhashini serves as a testament to the capabilities of modern neurosurgery and the expertise of medical professionals at Apollo Hospitals. The story highlights the importance of raising awareness about advanced medical procedures and the need for people to seek medical attention promptly in case of any health concerns.

Apollo Hospitals and TECHEAGLE, a leading autonomous drone logistics company, have launched India’s first 10-Minute Diagnostic Drone Delivery (D3) service, revolutionizing healthcare logistics. This pioneering initiative was unveiled at THIT 2025, a healthcare technology event, and aims to make medical sample transportation faster, safer, and more reliable. The D3 service uses AI-powered autonomous drones to transport biopsy samples from collection centers to diagnostic labs in just 10 minutes, eliminating the delays that can occur in cancer detection and treatment.

The partnership between Apollo and TECHEAGLE seeks to solve a critical problem in cancer detection, where delays in transporting liquid biopsy samples can be life-threatening. The D3 service is not limited to healthcare, as TECHEAGLE’s drone technology can be applied across industries, including e-commerce, retail, and logistics. The company’s end-to-end drone delivery technology ensures secure, fast, and 24/7 deliveries, regardless of weather conditions.

TECHEAGLE’s autonomous drones operate through a Central Command and Control System, which ensures real-time monitoring and live tracking. The drones are powered by 5G-enabled data transmission, allowing seamless integration with hospital systems. The company’s technology has the potential to transform industries, making it an exciting development in the country’s logistics landscape.

Apollo Hospitals’ Joint Managing Director, Dr. Sangita Reddy, emphasized that the future of healthcare is faster, safer, and more efficient, while TECHEAGLE’s CEO, Vikram Singh Meena, stressed that every minute counts in healthcare. The launch of the D3 service is a significant step towards achieving this vision, and India is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently underwent a medical checkup at Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad. The medical team conducted various tests, including scans, and reviewed his reports. Based on their assessment, the doctors provided Pawan Kalyan with several medical recommendations. However, they also advised that additional tests are necessary, which the Deputy Chief Minister has agreed to undergo.

Pawan Kalyan has announced that he will complete the remaining medical tests by the end of this month or in the first week of March. Despite this, he will be attending the Andhra Pradesh Assembly budget session, which is scheduled to start on February 24. The session is a critical event for the state, and Pawan Kalyan’s attendance is essential, given his position as Deputy Chief Minister.

The medical checkup was routine, and the Deputy Chief Minister is expected to make a full recovery. His office has denied any rumors of a serious illness or health scare, stating that the checkup was simply a precautionary measure. Pawan Kalyan’s health is a concern for the people of Andhra Pradesh, given his important role in the government.

The upcoming budget session is significant for the state, with various announcements and decisions expected to be made. Pawan Kalyan’s attendance is crucial, and his commitment to fulfill his duties despite his medical requirements is a testament to his dedication to public service. The Deputy Chief Minister’s health will continue to be monitored, and the results of the additional tests will be made public once available.

India is making significant strides in healthcare and medical technology, with Apollo Hospitals playing a pivotal role in this transformation. In an interview, Apollo’s leadership, including joint managing director Sangita Reddy, managing director Suneeta Reddy, and executive vice chairperson Preetha Reddy, discussed India’s progress in medical equipment manufacturing, the “Heal in India” initiative, and Apollo’s vision for the future.

According to Preetha Reddy, India is making progress in medical equipment manufacturing, with companies like one in Gujarat producing robotic solutions for knee surgeries and other procedures, which are comparable to high-end Da Vinci surgical robots. However, 80% of India’s medical equipment is still imported, and the goal is to reverse this trend, with 20% of equipment being made in India and 80% imported.

Suneeta Reddy highlighted Apollo’s late founder, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, who foresaw India’s role in global healthcare 20 years ago. The “Heal in India” initiative is built around three key dimensions: ensuring patients can come to India for allopathic and alternative medicine, using connectivity and bandwidth to enable Indian doctors to monitor patients remotely, and promoting medical travel. Apollo’s financial strength and plans for the future include growing revenue significantly, with a target of 50,000 crores in the next three years, and expanding the company’s reach to serve patients in neighboring countries.

Preetha Reddy emphasized the importance of expanding Apollo’s reach and the need for more trained professionals, highlighting the company’s goal to double the number of available personnel in the system. With a strong cash flow, balance sheet, and potential for investment in specific ventures, Apollo is poised for continued growth and expansion in the Indian healthcare industry.

Apollo Hospitals, a leading healthcare provider, has commemorated a significant milestone by performing its 25,000th transplant, marking a major achievement in the field of organ transplantation. To address the critical shortage of human organs in India, the hospital has launched a new campaign called “Perfect Match” to promote cadaveric organ donation and encourage individuals to pledge their organs.

The “Perfect Match” campaign aims to change the perception of organ donation and create a culture of organ donation in the country. The campaign will focus on creating awareness about the importance of organ donation, the reward of saving lives, and the role that each individual can play in helping bring about a change. Apollo Hospitals will utilize various media platforms, including television, print, and digital media, to create engaging content and reach a wide audience.

Apollo Hospitals has been at the forefront of organ transplantation in India, having performed over 25,000 successful transplants since its inception in 1991. The hospital has a dedicated team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and transplant coordinators who work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for transplant patients.

The hospital has witnessed a significant increase in the number of transplants in recent years, with an average of 1,000 transplants being performed every year. The hospital has also set up a state-of-the-art organ transplant center, equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure, to cater to the needs of transplant patients.

Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals, said, “We are proud to have reached this milestone and are committed to further expanding our services to cater to the growing demand for organ transplants. The ‘Perfect Match’ campaign is an important step towards creating awareness about organ donation and promoting cadaveric organ donation in the country.”

Apollo Hospitals’ “Perfect Match” campaign will be a major step forward in addressing the critical shortage of human organs in India, where the number of people waiting for organs is estimated to be over 1 lakh. The campaign is expected to create a significant impact in the country, raising awareness about the importance of organ donation and encouraging individuals to pledge their organs.

In conclusion, Apollo Hospitals’ 25,000th transplant is a significant milestone, and the “Perfect Match” campaign is an important step towards promoting cadaveric organ donation in India. The hospital’s commitment to organ transplantation and its efforts to create awareness about organ donation are commendable, and the campaign is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people waiting for organs in India.