The Government of India has released a Stamp recognizing the spirit of Apollo Hospitals Group, which was found by Dr Prathap C Reddy.

From its modest beginnings in 1983, with the opening of the Chennai facility, the Group has blossomed into the largest private hospital network in Asia and the third largest in the world. With over 9000 beds across 46 hospitals, in India and overseas, neighbourhood diagnostic clinics, an extensive chain of Apollo Pharmacies, medical BPO as well as health insurance services and clinical research divisions, the Apollo Group is on the cutting-edge of medical science.

Says Dr Reddy, “To be recognized by the Government of India is an honour that makes us extremely proud of our contribution to wellness, in India and around the world.” Apollo hospitals are seen as global centers of excellence, maintaining the highest standards of clinical care, coupled with our trademark TLC, or tender loving care. And we have 18 million patients from 55 countries who are testimony to our corporate mantra of ‘touching lives’, he added.

Addressing the gathering, M K Stalin, deputy chief minister of Tamilnadu said, “Chennai and Tamilnadu salute Apollo’s service to humanity and that the tribute of the stamp release is a fitting commemoration to Dr Reddy and his incredible team.”

Echoing Stalin’s sentiments, the Union minister for Communications and IT, A Raja expressed appreciation for the dedication and direction Apollo Hospitals has provided to other institutions.

In her introductory remarks, Preetha Reddy, managing director, Apollo Hospitals Group spoke about 'making a difference' on patients’ lives on a daily basis as being the ‘Apollo Way’ of contributing to society. “One life at a time is how we will reach our goal of touching a billion lives,” she said.

Dr Reddy said best doctors; best equipments; investment in care, compassion and commitment; and cost-benefit lead to the success of the institute. “Best doctors...they are the heart of the operation. Best equipment...Cyberknife, Novalis, 320 Slice CT Scan, etc...we at Apollo are second to none when it comes to medical equipment. Investment in our Care, Compassion and Commitment (the Apollo trademark tender loving care), something a Euro or a Dollar cant buy. Cost-benefit...providing world class healthcare at a tenth of international cost, with better outcomes,” explained Dr Reddy.

Suneeta Reddy, Apollo Hospitals’ executive director, finance, thanked the gathering and said, “The recognition by the Government of India with the release of the stamp is an impetus for us to bring world class healthcare to millions more who need it.”