“Patient First, Heal India”: Dr. Prathap C. Reddy Inspires Faculty at AKC
Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chancellor of The Apollo University and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, visited the Apollo Knowledge City campus on April 18, 2026, and delivered a comprehensive and inspiring address to the faculty members of the institution. The session served as a reflection on the evolution of the Apollo Group and a forward-looking vision for the future of healthcare and medical education in India.
Dr. Reddy began by sharing his vision of positioning India as a global leader in healthcare services. He recalled a deeply personal and emotional incident—the loss of a young man due to the unavailability of timely medical care—which became the driving force behind his decision to establish Apollo Hospitals. After completing his medical training at Harvard University, USA he returned to India with a clear mission to bring advanced, world-class healthcare services to the country. He elaborated on the early challenges faced during the establishment of Apollo Hospitals, including policy barriers such as nearly 300% excise duty on medical equipment, and how persistent efforts were made to influence policy reforms. Reflecting on the launch of the first hospital in Chennai, he mentioned how it was once compared to a luxury hotel, to which he proudly referred to it as a “seven-star hospital,” symbolizing quality and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Highlighting the growth of Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Reddy emphasized that its success—now achieving an approximate 98% treatment success rate—has been possible only because of the collective efforts, dedication, and commitment of its employees. He repeatedly acknowledged that every milestone achieved by Apollo is the result of teamwork, perseverance, and a shared vision. He also underscored Apollo’s pioneering contributions in India, particularly in establishing legal frameworks for organ transplantation, including heart and liver transplants, which were once not feasible in the country. Today, Apollo stands as a global leader in such advanced procedures. He further highlighted innovations such as the introduction of Proton Therapy for cancer treatment in India and the ongoing advancements towards cutting-edge technologies like Flash Therapy, along with the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming healthcare delivery.
Focusing on the academic ecosystem, Dr. Reddy stressed that medical and healthcare education must go beyond theoretical classroom learning and strongly integrate practical, hands-on clinical experience. He emphasized the importance of research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing students to meet emerging healthcare challenges. He encouraged faculty members to actively mentor and guide students in developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a research-oriented mindset. He also highlighted the need to train a large pool of skilled healthcare professionals to meet the demands of India’s vast and young population, aligning with the broader vision of “Heal in India and Heal by India.”
In a motivating note to educators, Dr. Reddy urged faculty to play a transformative role in shaping future healthcare professionals by instilling not only knowledge and skills but also compassion, ethics, and a patient-centric approach. He emphasized that the principle of “Patient First” should remain the foundation of all healthcare practices and we as a team has to build such professionals from classrooms. He also encouraged faculty to motivate students to pursue continuous learning, embrace global exposure, and develop additional competencies such as foreign language skills, which can open international career opportunities.
Concluding his address, Dr. Reddy expressed his deep appreciation for the relentless efforts of doctors, nurses, faculty members, healthcare workers, and their families, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the success of the Apollo Group. His speech served as a powerful reminder of the impact of dedication, vision, and teamwork, inspiring faculty members to continue their role in nurturing competent, compassionate, and future-ready healthcare professionals who will contribute meaningfully to the advancement of healthcare in India and globally.