The 13th edition of the International Health Dialogue (IHD) will be hosted by Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad on January 30 and 31, 2026. The event will bring together global leaders to discuss patient safety, healthcare innovation, and system-wide transformation. The theme of IHD 2026, “Global Voices. One Vision,” emphasizes the shared commitment to building resilient, patient-centric, and technology-enabled healthcare systems. The two-day program will focus on leadership-driven safety models, human-centered design, digital transformation, and excellence in hospital operations, patient experience, and clinical outcomes.

The event will feature four major conferences: the International Patient Safety Conference, Healthcare Operations & Patient Experience Conference, Transforming Healthcare with IT Conference, and CLINOVATE, which will focus on the future of laboratories and diagnostics in patient safety and clinical decision-making. Global policymakers, including ministers of health from Niger, Papua New Guinea, and the Republic of Congo, will participate in the conference, along with prominent international experts such as Dr. Jonathan Perlin and Dr. Carsten Engel.

The conference will also include innovative features such as Safe-A-Thon, a collaborative challenge to develop practical patient safety solutions, and the launch of THNX, India’s first digital health startup community. THNX will facilitate pitch sessions, funding opportunities, and investor interactions. The event is expected to reinforce India’s growing role as a hub for global healthcare thought leadership and innovation.

According to Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, the International Health Dialogue has evolved into a dynamic global platform where clinicians, innovators, and policymakers come together to shape the future of healthcare. The Hyderabad edition of IHD 2026 will bring together the power of AI, data, and digital ecosystems with the timeless values of empathy and collaboration to make healthcare more predictive, sustainable, and inclusive. With plenary sessions, innovation showcases, and global networking forums, the event is expected to be a significant gathering of global healthcare leaders.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.13 billion people globally suffer from hypertension, and this number is expected to increase to 1.5 billion by 2025. In an effort to mitigate this risk, a doctor from Apollo Hospital has recommended three essential lifestyle changes to protect heart health and naturally lower the risk of high blood pressure.

Firstly, the doctor emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help regulate blood pressure. Specifically, the doctor recommends consuming foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes, as potassium helps to lower blood pressure by balancing out the effects of sodium in the body. Additionally, reducing sodium intake and limiting the consumption of processed and packaged foods is crucial in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Secondly, regular physical activity is vital for heart health. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, such as running or HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), per week can significantly lower blood pressure. The doctor also recommends incorporating strength training exercises into one’s routine, as this can help improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of hypertension.

Lastly, managing stress is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure, and the doctor recommends practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Getting adequate sleep, ideally 7-8 hours per night, is also crucial in regulating blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.

In conclusion, making these three lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure and promote overall heart health. By adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress, individuals can naturally lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. The doctor emphasizes that these changes are simple yet effective and can be incorporated into one’s daily routine with minimal effort. By taking control of one’s lifestyle, individuals can take a proactive approach to protecting their heart health and reducing their risk of hypertension.

A team of doctors at Apollo Speciality Hospitals in Tiruchi, India, successfully harvested organs from a 45-year-old brain-dead road accident victim, saving the lives of several patients in need of transplants. The woman, a resident of Kannivadi village in Tiruppur district, was involved in a road accident on January 14 and was initially treated at Apollo Hospitals in Karur before being transferred to the Tiruchi facility. Despite receiving intensive care, she was declared brain dead by the medical team.

The woman’s family made the selfless decision to donate her organs, which were then retrieved through a series of coordinated surgical procedures. The harvested organs included her heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. The liver and kidneys were transplanted into patients at Apollo Speciality Hospitals in Tiruchi, while the remaining organs were allocated to patients on the waiting list in accordance with the guidelines of the Tamil Nadu Transplant Authority (TRANSTAN).

The organ donation was carried out with the full support of the woman’s family, who were praised for their generosity and selflessness. The hospital officials and local authorities also played a key role in facilitating the donation process. The mortal remains of the organ donor were laid to rest with full honors, with the final rites conducted in the presence of officials from the District Collector of Tiruppur, including the Dharapuram Revenue Divisional Officer and Tahsildar Officer, as well as senior police officials and representatives from Apollo Speciality Hospitals.

This heartwarming story highlights the importance of organ donation and the impact it can have on saving lives. The selfless act of the woman’s family has given a new lease of life to several patients in need of transplants, and serves as an inspiration to others to consider organ donation. The successful transplantation of the organs is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the medical team at Apollo Speciality Hospitals, and the coordination and support of the local authorities and TRANSTAN.

A 14-year-old girl from Nigeria, Grace Natasha Mwanasa, has undergone a successful total hip replacement surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi. The surgery, led by renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Yash Gulati, is one of the youngest cases of total hip arthroplasty in a patient with sickle cell disease. Grace was diagnosed with sickle cell disease in early childhood and had experienced recurring sickle cell crises, requiring multiple hospitalizations, ICU care, and blood transfusions.

In December 2025, Grace was admitted to Apollo Hospital with severe left hip pain, inability to walk, limping, and disturbed sleep due to constant pain. Evaluation revealed advanced avascular necrosis and complete destruction of the left femoral head, a known complication of sickle cell disease. Due to her severe pain, complete loss of hip movement, and significant functional disability, the medical team decided to proceed with total hip replacement.

The surgery required extensive preoperative planning, including an exchange blood transfusion to reduce HbS levels, which is a key component of sickle cell disease. The medical team also took precautions during anesthesia and surgery, including hydration, prevention of hypothermia, and meticulous bleeding control. The surgery was a success, and Grace is expected to recover and regain her mobility.

Dr. Gulati and his team’s expertise and careful planning were crucial in the success of the surgery. The case highlights the importance of timely and proper medical intervention in managing sickle cell disease and its complications. The surgery has given Grace a new lease on life, and she is expected to make a full recovery. The case also underscores the capabilities of Indian healthcare, with Indraprastha Apollo Hospital emerging as a hub for complex surgeries and treatments. The successful surgery has brought hope to patients suffering from sickle cell disease and other complex medical conditions, and has demonstrated the potential for effective treatment and management of these conditions with proper medical care.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise is undergoing a significant restructuring process, spinning off its pharmacy and digital health businesses into a separate entity called Apollo HealthCo. Managing Director Suneeta Reddy has clarified that this decision is driven by a desire to enhance shareholder value and is not related to family differences or changes in promoter dynamics. The restructuring is intended to create focused value for shareholders by allowing each business to operate with tailored strategies and metrics.

The hospital business and pharmacy-digital business have fundamental differences, including their nature, return profile, growth drivers, and workforce. The hospital business is focused on healthcare services, while the pharmacy-digital business is retail-focused. The spin-off will allow each business to operate independently and make decisions that are best for their respective industries.

Apollo HealthCo is projected to achieve 20% growth and is expected to be listed by FY27. The hospitals business is expected to grow at 18% over the next three years. The company is pivoting towards preventive healthcare, driven by the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. Key health challenges, such as genetic predisposition to cardiac problems, rising cancer incidences, and India’s large diabetic population, are driving this strategic shift.

The company has ambitious expansion plans, including continued focus on metro cities, building a significant presence in tier-I cities, and exploring opportunities in tier-II cities. Apollo is also open to asset-light models and acquisitions, recognizing the significant healthcare infrastructure gap in India.

The company is investing in technology, including telemedicine and AI-powered clinical intelligence, to scale high-quality clinical offerings to larger populations. Looking ahead, Apollo is preparing to serve diverse demographic cohorts, from the growing geriatric population to millennials and Gen Z, each requiring tailored healthcare approaches encompassing preventive health, lifestyle interventions, and nutraceuticals. The restructuring and expansion plans are intended to position Apollo for long-term success and growth in the healthcare industry.