Apollo Hospital Chennai has successfully performed India’s first successful Mitral and Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) on a 59-year-old woman with severe heart failure. This significant achievement offers new hope to high-risk heart failure patients in India, showcasing TEER as a viable alternative to traditional surgery. Dr. Sai Satish, Clinical Lead, Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapies for Apollo Group remarked, “This innovative procedure highlights the exceptional synergy of medical advancement, Apollo’s state-of-the-art capabilities, and the expertise of our dedicated doctors. The dual valve repair, a first in India, reflects our team’s ability to handle complex cases and improve patient outcomes. The patient’s smooth recovery and symptom relief demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, offering new options for those with challenging heart conditions.” TEER, or Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair, is a modern, minimally invasive technique used to treat conditions like mitral regurgitation, where the heart’s mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward. The procedure involves threading a catheter with a small clip to the valve to help it close more fully, improving blood flow and reducing symptoms. Read more about India’s First Dual Heart Valve Repair

Apollo Hospitals Chennai has reached a significant milestone in medical innovation and surgical excellence by successfully completing 6,000+ robotic procedures. Since the inception of its flagship robotic surgery program in 2011, the hospital has been the largest multispecialty robotic surgery program in India, offering cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care and surgical outcomes. Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “I’m truly proud that Apollo has reached this incredible milestone of over 6,000 robotic surgeries. It shows just how committed we are to bringing the best of healthcare innovation to our patients. My heartfelt thanks go out to our amazing team of doctors and healthcare professionals at Apollo Hospitals. Their hard work and skill have made this achievement possible. Robotic surgery has really changed the game for us, giving our patients better outcomes and shorter recovery times. It’s wonderful to see Apollo continuing to raise the bar for healthcare in India” Ms. Preetha Reddy, The Vice Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “We are proud of our multidisciplinary team at Apollo Hospitals Chennai, whose expertise and dedication have made this achievement possible. As leaders in healthcare, we continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies and enhance our capabilities to provide world-class care to our patients.” Read more about the 6,000+ Successful Robotic surgeries

Apollo Hospital, Chennai proudly announces a landmark achievement in Cardiology with the successful completion of the first-ever TRIC valve implantation in India in a patient with 2 existing prosthetic valves . This groundbreaking procedure offers a lifesaving alternative for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation who are at high risk for traditional surgery. With this procedure, the patient acquired 4 prosthetic valves in his cardio-vascular system which is the first time in India. The recipient, a 71-year-old male with a complex history of cardiovascular issues including diabetes, hypertension, and previous 2 heart valve replacements (one open surgical and one TAVI valve done at Apollo hospitals few months ago), presented with symptoms that significantly reduced his quality of life. Traditional surgery posed too great a risk due to his frail condition and multiple comorbidities. Apollo’s Chennai team, led by Dr. Refai Showkathali, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, opted for the pinhole (minimally invasive) TRIC valve approach. This innovative technique involves placing bioprosthetic valves in the major veins leading to the heart via a small pinhole procedure in the groin, significantly reducing surgical risks and recovery time. Read more about TRIC valve implantation procedure done at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.

In a trailblazing move for pediatric healthcare, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Trichy has successfully performed its first Paediatric living donor liver transplant. This milestone underscores the hospital’s ability to conduct complex procedures in Tier II cities, offering new hope for young patients with severe liver conditions. The recipient of this life-saving procedure was two-year-old child, diagnosed with Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis—a condition that had escalated to a critical stage, threatening his young life. Faced with a dire need for a transplant and the challenges of finding a compatible donor liver small enough for a child, the solution came from within his family. The child’s father, aged 44, stepped forward to donate a part of his liver, demonstrating profound parental dedication. Dr. Elankumaran Krishnan, Senior Consultant – Liver Transplant Surgery, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Trichy, who led the complex operation said “Pediatric liver transplants require highly specialized skills due to the smaller size of organs and blood vessels in children. Our team’s ability to perform this operation successfully underlines our commitment to excellence and our state-of-the-art facilities. The procedure was performed after meticulous planning with multidisciplinary experts from the surgical team, PICU, pediatrics and hepatology along with dedicated nursing and support staff. The successful transplant has significantly improved the child’s prognosis and highlights the growing capabilities of healthcare institutions in tier II cities like Trichy, reducing the need for families to travel far for specialized care” Read more about first Paediatric living donor liver transplant.

Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC), in association with Accuray, a global provider of radiation therapy devices, has launched the Indian Sub-Continent’s first robotic and stereotactic therapy education centre, Robotic & Stereotactic Radiosurgery Program. This initiative will be established at ACC in Chennai and Bangalore, and will provide advanced radiosurgery educational training to radiation oncologists, physicists, radiation therapists, and technologists from hospitals, cancer centres and other institutions. The program includes comprehensive discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on training focusing on robotic and stereotactic radiosurgery. This initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s medical education landscape, making world-class training available locally. Mr Dinesh Madhavan, President Group Oncology, and International, Apollo Hospital Enterprises Ltd, said, “In the field of cancer care, ground-breaking technologies pave the way for highly personalized and effective treatment. The inception of the Robotic Stereotactic Radiotherapy Program by Apollo Cancer Centres and Accuray will advance training facilities for the ASEAN region. It will help equip oncologists, physicists, and therapists with the critical knowledge and skills needed to leverage the latest in CyberKnife technology.” Ms Suzanne Winter, President & CEO, Accuray, said, “Accuray celebrates the expansion of the CyberKnife® S7™ System to Apollo Cancer Centers in Chennai and Bangalore, showcasing our enduring collaboration with the hospitals to enhance cancer care in India. With its unparalleled precision, the CyberKnife S7 System redefines treatment standards, empowering clinicians to optimize outcomes. Additionally, it enables the delivery of high doses of radiation, typically in 1 to 5 sessions for fast and effective treatments, marking a significant advancement in cancer therapy.” Read more about the Launch of India Sub- Continent’s First Robotic Stereotactic Radiotherapy Program

The life of a 38-year-old Yemeni patient with chronic Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) was saved in just 29 minutes by a robotic procedure at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore. This remarkable procedure underscores Apollo’s advanced medical capabilities and India’s growing reputation for high-quality healthcare. A 38-year-old patient from Yemen came to Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, in dire need of intervention for his long-standing Mitral Valve Disease. His condition was critical, characterized by Mitral Valve Prolapse with severe regurgitation, moderate Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, and biventricular dysfunction. Biventricular dysfunction presents a multifaceted challenge with significant implications for patient outcomes. When both the left and right ventricles fail to function optimally, it can lead to compromised cardiac performance, impaired circulation, and ultimately, increased complications and death. He underwent Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) with a mechanical valve. The entire procedure, completed in a mere 29 minutes, marked a remarkable feat in cardiac surgery. Post-operative recovery unfolded seamlessly, devoid of any complications, and he was discharged on postoperative day 3. The decision to proceed with Robotic Mitral Valve Replacement yielded remarkable results, highlighting the potential benefits of innovative surgical techniques in mitigating the complexities associated with advanced cardiac pathologies. Dr Sathyaki Nambala, Chief Cardiac Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, remarked, “At Apollo Hospitals, our dedicated team of cardiologists, nurses, and technicians work together to provide comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of heart diseases. The robotic Mitral valve replacement, which we now perform routinely, exemplifies how advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach can transform complex cardiac surgeries into efficient, life-saving procedures. Completing this procedure in just 29 minutes is a testament to the robotic expertise of our team here as well as our commitment to excellence in patient care.” In an era where cardiac surgery often involves lengthy procedures and recovery times, this achievement serves as a beacon of hope for patients globally. Apollo Hospitals has performed over 150 such robotic mitral valve replacements to date, reinforcing India’s status as a global leader in advanced cardiac care. Dr. Manish Mattoo, Regional CEO, Karnataka and Central Region, Apollo Hospitals, added, “We are deeply committed to providing healthcare of international standards at an affordable cost. Typically, a robotic surgery like this takes no less than 90 minutes. However, the immense expertise and training our team undergoes here has made this second nature for them, where they can produce excellent results in a shorter time. By integrating the latest technology and adopting a patient-centric approach, we strive to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our goal is to continue strengthening our robotic cardiology program, leveraging innovations to provide timely and effective cardiac care to a broader population.” The patient’s recovery was smooth with no complications, allowing him to be discharged promptly. He has since returned to Yemen and is leading a normal life. This case underscores the potential benefits of innovative surgical techniques in addressing complex cardiac conditions and highlights the compassionate, patient-focused care provided at Apollo Hospitals.

In a medical feat akin to landing on the moon’s unexplored terrain, a team of neurosurgeons at Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs), Chennai, India, were able to achieve what was once thought impossible – aaccessing and removing a deeply seated insular brain tumor through a transformative and a novel eyebrow keyhole approach. This unprecedented technique, being the world’s first, marks an important advancement in the field of Neuro Oncology. It provides not only another alternative to remove these deep seated brain tumors but it also demonstrates clinical excellence, efficiency and safety. Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd, asserted, ” At Apollo Cancer Centres, our unwavering dedication to innovation has once again propelled Indian medical science onto the global stage. The recent milestone of performing the world’s first transformative keyhole approach for Insular Brain Tumour is not merely a victory for our doctors, patients, or hospital alone; it is a triumph for our entire nation. This remarkable achievement vividly showcases India’s ability to pioneer ground-breaking medical advancements with the potential to reshape healthcare worldwide. It stands as a testament to the exceptional medical talent within our borders, inspiring us to continually innovate, explore, and evolve in the field of healthcare.” Read more about the transformative and novel eyebrow keyhole surgery performed at Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai.

In a major medical breakthrough, surgical oncologists at Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) have successfully performed India’s first Robotic Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for a peritoneal surface cancer. This minimally invasive, robotic-assisted approach marks a paradigm shift in treating Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP), an aggressive appendix cancer, offering patients with a new standard of care, enabling faster recovery and improved quality of life. Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd, said, ” At ACC, we understand that cutting-edge technology is just one piece of the puzzle. While we invest in the most advanced technologies available, it’s our exceptional team of clinicians who truly unlock the potential of unparalleled clinical excellence. This powerful synergy between technology, innovation and clinical expertise sets Apollo apart, enabling millions across the world to Win Over Cancer”. Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd, said, “Robotics is revolutionizing cancer care, offering unparalleled precision and minimal invasiveness. At ACC, we leverage this technology to enhance treatment outcomes, reduce recovery times, and provide our patients with the most advanced therapies available today. This is India’s first novel approach (robotic CRS and HIPEC) by our exceptional clinical team for treating peritoneal surface cancers is yet another testament to our unwavering commitment in providing patients with the best-in-class treatment.” Read more about Robotic CRS and HIPEC performed at Apollo Cancer Centre

Taking care delivery to the next level in Central India, Apollo Hospitals, Indore introduces CORI Surgery System – the next generation advanced robotic platform designed to treat joint arthroplasty procedures. This achievement highlights Apollo’s commitment to advance medical technology and deliver exceptional patient care, a first in Central India. The CORI Surgical System is a small and portable device, ideal for modern operating rooms where space is limited. It features advanced camera technology that is more than four times faster than previous systems, allowing for quicker and more accurate imaging. With twice the cutting volume, it ensures more efficient procedures, aiming for faster robotic-assisted surgeries. The system is controlled by surgeons, providing them with precision and control during surgeries. Its modular design allows for easy scalability across orthopaedic services. Apollo recently has also successfully completed 500 robotic joint replacement surgeries in Central India within just 3 years of introducing the NAVIO Robotic surgical system in 2021, under the leadership of Dr. Sunil Rajan, Senior Consultant in the Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, thus achieving a milestone and becoming the only hospital in the region to have achieved this. Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO, Apollo Hospitals Group, “Apollo Hospitals, Indore celebrates a remarkable achievement in orthopaedic surgery, reaching 500 successful robotic joint replacements in Central India. Embracing the ascent of robotic surgery, we reaffirm our dedication to exceptional patient care through technological innovation. This milestone not only enhances patient recovery and quality of life but also underscores our commitment to cost-effective healthcare, outperforming centers in the US and Europe. As we move forward to the next-generation robotic surgery system, refining precision in hip replacements, we proudly continue our legacy of pioneering medical advancements.” Dr. Sunil Rajan, Sr. Consultant & Head Robotic Joint Replacement Program, Apollo Hospitals, Indore said, “We have been able to deliver results at par with global standards by leveraging the capabilities of our robotic systems. With the introduction of the CORI Surgical System, we will be able to revolutionize joint arthroplasty with features like image-free smart mapping, real-time planning, precision milling, intra-operative gap balancing, and compatibility with total and partial knee and hip surgery, including robotic-assisted revision knee surgery, ensuring personalized, AI-powered planning for optimal outcomes.” Joint replacement surgeries are commonly performed to address a range of conditions, including arthritis (especially osteoarthritis), fractures, joint destruction from arthritis, degeneration due to wear and tear, and difficulty with activities. Robotic-assisted surgery has emerged as a reliable solution, enhancing alignment accuracy and offering 100% precision with minimal pain, preservation of the natural knee structure, and reduced blood loss. This advanced approach not only ensures rapid recovery and early discharge but also improves overall outcomes for patients undergoing joint replacement procedures in an affordable manner.

National, 25th April, 2024: Apollo Hospitals Group announced its seventh consecutive accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI) for its Flagship Hospital, Apollo Greams Road. This prestigious recognition reaffirms Apollo’s steadfast dedication to excellence in healthcare delivery, patient safety, and quality outcomes. The journey towards JCI accreditation began in Delhi in 2005, marking a significant milestone in Apollo’s commitment to meeting global healthcare standards. Since then, Apollo Hospitals across various locations have embarked on similar journeys, striving for excellence in healthcare provision. In Chennai, the journey began in 2006, and the hospital recently completed its 7th JCI reaccreditation in March 2024, demonstrating consistent adherence to international standards. Similarly, Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad initiated their JCI journey in 2006 and achieved their 7th JCI reaccreditation concurrently with Chennai in March 2024. In Bangalore, the JCI journey commenced in 2008, with the hospital achieving its 6th JCI reaccreditation in October 2023, showcasing sustained commitment to quality and safety. Kolkata’s journey began in 2009, and the hospital recently completed its 5th JCI reaccreditation in September 2021, further solidifying its dedication to excellence. In Ahmedabad, the journey began in 2016, leading to the hospital’s 3rd JCI reaccreditation in June 2022, reflecting continuous improvement in healthcare standards. Navi Mumbai started its journey in 2017 and achieved its 3rd JCI reaccreditation in December 2023, highlighting a commitment to maintaining international standards. Additionally, Apollo Hospitals’ commitment to excellence extends to newer facilities like the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), which commenced its JCI journey in 2020. The APCC recently completed its 2nd JCI reaccreditation in June 2023, demonstrating a strong dedication to upholding global healthcare standards. The culmination of these successful reaccreditations reflects Apollo Hospitals Group’s unwavering dedication to providing world-class healthcare services across its network of hospitals, ensuring patient safety, and delivering superior quality outcomes. JCI accreditation is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon healthcare organizations that demonstrate adherence to rigorous standards of care. For Apollo Greams Road, this accreditation signifies a steadfast dedication to excellence in healthcare delivery, encompassing patient safety, quality of care, and effective leadership and governance. To achieve accreditation, hospitals must adhere to 1182 measurable outcomes, ensuring comprehensive and rigorous standards are met across various aspects of healthcare delivery. JCI accreditation holds significant importance for both patients and healthcare professionals. For patients, it ensures access to high-quality healthcare services, instilling confidence and trust in the care provided. For doctors, affiliation with a JCI-accredited hospital signifies a commitment to professional excellence and continuous improvement in patient care practices. Ms Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group Said: “We are deeply honoured to once again receive the prestigious JCI accreditation, a testament to our enduring dedication to delivering unparalleled healthcare services. This achievement underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to global standards of quality and patient safety. With each accreditation, we reaffirm our promise to provide exceptional care, fostering trust and confidence in every patient we serve. Together, we proudly uphold the Gold Seal of Approval, ensuring that our patients receive nothing but the very best in healthcare.” Joint Commission International (JCI) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to promoting best practices in healthcare quality and patient safety. Joel A. Roos, President International Accreditation, Quality Improvement, and Patient Safety, Joint Commission International said: “It is with great pleasure that I inform you of the decision to grant Joint Commission International Accreditation to your organization. Congratulations to you, and all the other leaders and staff for achieving this recognition and your commitment to provide quality care on an ongoing basis. The citizens of India should be proud that Apollo Hospitals is focusing on this most challenging goal – to continuously raise quality and patient safety to higher levels.” JCI evaluates hospitals on key parameters including patient safety, quality of care, and leadership and governance. These parameters are interconnected, with improvements in one area positively impacting others. Measures such as infection control, clinical outcomes, and effective leadership contribute to achieving and maintaining accreditation. For patients, JCI accreditation signifies a certain standard of quality and safety in healthcare services, ensuring confidence, safety, and access to care. For doctors, it represents a commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and professional satisfaction. About Apollo: Apollo revolutionized healthcare when Dr Prathap Reddy opened the first hospital in Chennai in 1983. Today Apollo is the world’s largest integrated healthcare platform with over 10,000 beds across 71 hospitals, nearly 6000 pharmacies and over 200 clinics and diagnostic centers as well as 150 telemedicine centers. It is one of the world’s leading cardiac centers with over 3,00,000 angioplasties and 2,00,000 surgeries. Apollo continues to invest in research to bring the most cutting-edge technologies, equipment and treatment protocols to ensure patients have the best available care in the world. Apollo’s 100,000 family members are dedicated to bringing you the best care and leaving the world better than we found it.

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) has successfully treated a rare skull base tumor in a 30-year-old athlete from Bahrain. Led by Dr. Joy Varghese, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgeon & Neuro-Interventional Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai and Dr. Venkat Karthikeyan, Senior Consultant – ENT Skull Base Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, the team carried out the complex surgery which spanned over 26 hours, highlighting the center’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class healthcare solutions. Dr. Joy Varghese, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgeon & Neuro-Interventional Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, elaborated on the challenges faced during the intricate procedure. “Our primary objective was to remove the tumor while preserving the vital jugular vein intact. This required meticulous dissection and careful management of the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.” Dr. Venkat Karthikeyan, Senior Consultant – ENT Skull Base Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai said, “Post-surgery, the patient experienced remarkable improvement in her condition, with restored speech and swallowing functions, and no recurrence of shoulder weakness. While mild facial weakness was anticipated, she is currently on a path of steady improvement.” Read more about the life-changing surgery performed at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai

Apollo Hospitals has unveiled the latest edition of its flagship annual report, “Health of Nation”. The report sheds light on the concerning rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues, all of which significantly impact the nation’s overall health. Particularly alarming is the escalating incidence of cancer in India compared to global rates, making India the “cancer capital of the world”. The report further predicts a potential surge in healthcare burdens due to conditions such as pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and mental health disorders manifesting at increasingly younger ages. Highlighting the importance of regular health screenings, the report underscores their role in reducing blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI) levels, thereby lowering the risk of cardiac-related ailments. Apollo’s data further finds that while there continues to be a need to increase the penetration of health checks in India, people are increasingly choosing more comprehensive health checks today than before, a positive step towards safeguarding one’s health and wellness. Dr Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, “The importance of health in our nation’s development cannot be overstated. With our Health of Nation report, we hope to draw attention and awareness to the ever-increasing burden of non-communicable diseases and strongly believe that the entire healthcare ecosystem and the nation needs to come together and have a unified outlook so that we can combat NCDs in the truest sense. Our findings demonstrate a significant need for immediate interventions to fight, prevent and reverse the growing epidemic of cancer, diabetes, hypertension and obesity among others. The need to educate the public and create individualized preventive healthcare solutions has never been greater. By prioritizing investments in health infrastructure, promoting preventive healthcare measures, and addressing health inequities, I am confident that we will be able to unlock the full potential of our nation and pave the way for inclusive and sustainable development.” Dr Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO, Apollo Hospitals Group, “The significant rise of non-communicable diseases, especially over the past few decades, represents a profound shift in the global health landscape, posing formidable challenges to individuals, communities, and nations. Innovation in preventive healthcare and boosting accessibility must become a priority for the entire healthcare industry. At Apollo Hospitals, we are actively integrating technology to break healthcare delivery barriers to offer highly personalized and effective services. From our AI-backed preventive healthcare program to a vast screening footprint, we are committed to leveraging the power of technology to improve disease prevention, increase the accuracy of diagnoses, and create world-class patient-centric treatment methodologies that shape the future of healthcare. As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, let us recognize that health remains our most valuable asset and a healthy population serves as the bedrock of a prosperous and resilient society.” Apollo launches India’s first ProHealth Score In an effort to empower Indians with an accurate and unbiased understanding of their health, Apollo has launched India’s first digital health risk assessment called ‘ProHealth Score’. Designed to assist people in making informed decisions for themselves, the ProHealth score serves as an essential tool for assessing your health and well-being. This free risk score evaluates factors such as family history, lifestyle, and current symptoms, it generates a personalized numeric indicator of your health status. Additionally, it provides simple corrective measures to guide you toward better health. With India experiencing rapid economic and lifestyle changes, there is a surge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and cancer, which account for 63% of all deaths in the country. By 2030, these diseases are projected to cost India $3.55 trillion in lost economic output. However, proactive preventive measures can help mitigate these effects. It is crucial for individuals to take action to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the escalating burden of NCDs. The ProHealth risk score aims to raise awareness about the contributing factors to this health crisis and advocate for proactive measures to address the growing impact of NCDs on the population. Key findings from Health of Nation 2024 report Rise of NCDs Not only is there a sharp rise in the number of cancer cases in India, but their average age of incidence has also gotten significantly younger. Most common cancers in order of occurrence in India are Breast, Cervix and Ovary in women and Lung, Mouth and Prostate in Men. The median age for cancer diagnosis in India is lower than other countries. According to Apollo findings, the average age of diagnosis of Breast Cancer in India is 52, while it is 63 in USA and Europe. For Lung Cancer, the average age of diagnosis in Apollo is 59 years, whereas it averages to around 70 years in the west. At Apollo Hospitals, 30% of colon cancer patients are aged less than 50 years. Despite these trends, cancer screening rates in India remain very low. Breast Cancer screening in India is 1.9% against 82% in USA, 70% in UK and 23% in China. Cervical Cancer screening in India is 0.9%, against 73% in the USA, 70% in Uk and 43% in China. Prevalence of obesity is rapidly growing, and it is also increasingly emerging as the most common risk factor for all chronic NCDs 3 in 4 of the people undergoing health checks at Apollo were either obese or overweight Obesity incidence has increased from 9% in 2016 to 20% in 2023 Apollo also observed that 90% of women and 80% of men had a higher waist to hip ratio than recommended, including nearly 50% of people with normal BMI. All obese people (BMI >25) had a higher visceral fat level than recommended. Even among those with normal BMI (45 years of age is considered as a risk factor for pre-diabetes, but data reveals that 1 in 5 persons below the age of 45 had pre-diabetes. High proportion of Indians are also at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea From amongst 5,000 persons who were screened for parameters on sleep, 1 in 4 persons were at a high risk Men were at double the risk (30%) of OSA than women (15%) Depression too gets younger and more prevalent From amongst 5,000 people who were screened for depression, 1 in every 10 had depression. What is worth reckoning is that the percentage of depression is highest amongst those in the age category of 18 and 25, where 1 in 5 were depressed. 80% of young adults (18-30 years) and seniors (>65 years) reported significant stress levels Stress increased the risk of hypertension by 1.5X It also increased the risk of diabetes by 2X in women and 3X in men Road to prevention Regular health checkups help in better managing the health parameters Those who got health screenings more than three times in the last five years managed to significantly lower their HbA1C, BP and BMI levels. ‘Nudges’ from health experts or coaches showed progress Obesity: In a group of nearly 17,000 people tracked for 21 months, about half lost weight, with an average loss of 4 kg and a BMI decrease of 1.6 kg/month Hypertension: 70% with high blood pressure and 20% with slightly elevated blood pressure at the start saw improved levels. On average, systolic and diastolic blood pressures dropped by 24 mmHg and 15 mmHg, respectively. Diabetes: In a smaller group of about 8,000 people, 40% reduced their HbA1C levels over 21 months. For those diagnosed with diabetes initially, 60% lowered their HbA1C by an average of 1.45 mmol/mol. About Health of Nation: The Health of the Nation by Apollo Hospitals offers insights into the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs, putting the spotlight on diseases and risk factors that need immediate attention. The report draws inferences and insights from data based on the people engaged through the Apollo Hospitals system and the medical ecosystem at large. This report’s aim is to recognise problem areas and identify tangible solutions that have the potential to improve disease prevention and enhance the accuracy of diagnoses that will, in turn, lead to a more personalized and patient-centric treatment approach. The majority of the data shared through the Health of the Nation is based on Apollo Hospitals’ de-identified hospital information systems and EMR, and other studies as part of the Apollo Group, as well as publicly available information. Read more – the Apollo Health of the Nation 2024 report