Doctor, Father, Entrepreneur: Here's what makes Apollo Hospitals founder Dr. Prathap C. Reddy one of India's best-known business tycoons

The playbook is well worn: (i) Move abroad for higher studies; (ii) work overseas; (iii) identify a problem statement in India and devise a solution; (iv) move back; (v) build a successful company. These are the five steps to success for many recent Indian entrepreneurs. Dr Prathap C. Reddy, 91, winner of this year’s BT-PwC India’s Best CEOs award for Lifetime Achievement, did something similar, but 50 years ago!

STAYING HUMBLE: According to Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Founder Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, after becoming successful, it is essential to remain humble and do even more for the country

Reddy completed his MBBS from Chennai’s Stanley Medical College and then trained in the US. He then had a flourishing practice as a cardiologist. One day, a letter arrived from his father, which had a profound impact. Reddy and his family decided to return to India in the early 1970s. Back in Chennai, his practice flourished, but he also faced a stark reality: a lack of medical infrastructure. He was forced to refer most of his patients who needed complex surgeries to friends in the US. Many were referred to pioneering heart surgeon, Dr Denton Cooley. 

Around 1979, Reddy referred a patient to the US. But the man’s family could not raise the money required. And despite Reddy’s best efforts, he did not survive. Reddy then decided to set up a cardiac care hospital in India. 

But nobody had set up a corporate hospital in India before. Undeterred, he sought the government’s support, making several trips to Delhi to meet ministers and bureaucrats. On one such trip, he managed to meet then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Finally, with the government’s support, he opened the first Apollo hospital in Chennai. Over the years, through strategic alliances and advocacy for systemic reforms, Apollo Hospitals has risen as a beacon of hope, offering world-class medical services for Indians. For Reddy, collaboration, compassion, and quality care are the cornerstones that have shaped Apollo. In an exclusive interaction with Business Today, he talks about his journey, challenges, and the way forward. Edited excerpts on the remarkable life of Dr Prathap C. Reddy, in his own words:

FROM THE FAMILY ALBUM: Dr Prathap C. Reddy and Sucharitha Reddy with their daughters (from left) Shobana, Sangita, Suneeta, and Preetha
 

What was the driving force behind your decision to return to India and establish Apollo Hospitals? 

During my time in the US, one of the most memorable moments was receiving a letter from my father on my birthday. He expressed that whatever I was doing, it brought him and my mother joy. The essence of the letter was clear: bringing happiness to those at home through my actions. This sentiment resonated deeply with me. Although it didn’t explicitly suggest returning [to India], my wife (Sucharitha) and I decided to go back. Fortunately, with four daughters under the age of 12, there was little protest. Upon my return, I was shocked to witness the stark lack of medical infrastructure. People often resorted to seeking medical treatment abroad... That’s why I used to refer my patients to doctors overseas… 

One day in 1979, I recall treating a patient [who could not afford to travel to the US]. Sadly, despite our efforts, he passed away. It was heartbreaking, considering his relatively young age of 38. Witnessing such tragedies made me question why we couldn’t provide adequate cardiac care locally.

Prathap C. Reddy, Founder Chairman of Apollo Hospitals

What were the challenges you faced in India? 

There were many challenges. Back then, the hospitals struggled to secure loans from banks and were not recognised as an industry, making access to funds difficult. Medical equipment was often treated as luxury items [and were] subject to 100% duty. These disparities compelled me to take action.

STARTING OUT: Zail Singh (centre), then President of India, inaugurates the first Apollo hospital in Chennai in 1983. To Singh’s right is Dr Prathap C. Reddy

The name ‘Apollo’ carries profound significance in healing. How did you decide on it? 

The credit goes to Suneeta, my second daughter. Initially, I assumed she referred to the Apollo moon landing, but she clarified that it was inspired by the Greek god Apollo, known for his healing abilities. I decided on ‘Apollo Hospitals’ to convey a global message, signifying India’s prowess in healthcare. My vision extended beyond a single hospital, aiming to establish many.

One achievement was connecting my village [to a doctor for the world’s first teleconsultation] during [US President] Bill Clinton’s visit to India in 2000. A child from my village underwent examination by a doctor via satellite link... and [was] successfully treated at my hospital. This initiative received international recognition and paved the way for similar projects worldwide.

Dr Prathap C. Reddy (right) receives the Padma Vibhushan from the then President Pratibha Patil

Could you shed light on Apollo’s evolution and expansion and how it has contributed to the Indian healthcare landscape?

From the seed of an idea, the hospital has blossomed into a global healthcare leader. We envision India becoming a central source of skilled professionals, benefitting both the nation and the world… I believe that when you encounter a new idea, you should assess whether it’s a good thing or not. If it’s positive, we should wholeheartedly pursue it. On the flip side, if you fail, it’s not the end. Instead, you should reflect on why you failed and what can be done differently. Similarly, when we achieved success, [and] the hospital became one of the best in the world, we didn’t let it go to our heads. It’s essential to remain humble and think about doing even more.

Several other hospitals approached us, requesting assistance in managing their technology, providing manpower, and collaborating on innovation and data management. I did this because it’s not just about competition; it’s about contributing to the betterment of healthcare in India. [I was] criticised for paying too much for medical equipment, but I challenged that by advocating for innovation and local manufacturing. We should follow the example of China and strive to be even better.

I believe in the internal drive and culture of India. The Chairman’s influence can’t match the self-motivation of [say] the housekeeping staff. It’s about driving oneself to excel. There’s nothing that cannot be achieved with proper planning and practicality. Our focus should be on helping others, and in the case of healthcare, it’s about saving lives.

I take pride in what we achieved during the pandemic. India—whether it’s public or private hospitals [or] doctors in intensive care units—all worked tirelessly. We managed to convert hotels into healthcare facilities, offering a unique solution. Mortality rates in India are among the lowest globally, thanks to the dedicated work of healthcare professionals.

While I’m not opposed to raising funds from the public, it should happen when the need arises, primarily for funding expansion. Currently, we have a cash reserve, and there’s no urgent need [to raise funds]. However, if it helps in building more hospitals and positively impacting healthcare, I’m open to it. [But] the focus should be on the larger goal of improving healthcare in India.

A 2017 photo of Reddy at the operation theatre of Delhi’s Indraprastha Apollo

How has your family contributed to the success of Apollo? How do you effectively balance family involvement with professional management? 

My strength is stree shakti (women power), and I’m grateful for the unwavering support from my wife and four daughters. Among them, Preetha and Shobana serve as Vice Chairpersons, while Suneeta holds the position of Managing Director. Of particular mention is my fourth daughter, Sangita, [who] as the Joint Managing Director, leads our technological endeavours and has admirably steered the development of ProHealth, our pioneering healthcare platform that harnesses AI for personalised wellness and medical care.

Their collective passion and expertise have been instrumental in propelling Apollo’s success. Balancing family involvement with professional management has been essential [at Apollo] and we’ve meticulously recruited skilled professionals and provided necessary training to ensure seamless operations. Collaboration between family members and professionals remains the cornerstone of Apollo’s mission. Our Board diligently reviews and advises, often refining proposals for better outcomes. For instance, when introducing ProHealth, clarifying its necessity was paramount and I personally clarified that ProHealth offers more than just a product—it provides a lifetime health record and identifies risk factors for timely diagnosis. Credit is due to the exceptional boards across all our hospitals [Apollo and its subsidiaries].

The professionals effectively manage the entire hospital. However, we, the family members, and my excellent Board—a truly phenomenal Board—meticulously review and provide advice. 

(From left) Shobana Kamineni; Sangita Reddy; Dr Prathap C. Reddy; Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Sucharitha Reddy; Preetha Reddy; and Suneeta Reddy

As you look towards the future, what is your vision for Apollo’s role in shaping the landscape of healthcare in India and globally? 

The only legacy I would want is the recognition of the importance of health for people. You may be born healthy, but you can become unhealthy. Therefore, health should be prioritised over wealth. I recall a quote that stated, ‘Medical expenditure is not an expenditure; it’s an investment in your health’. People must remember the importance of health right from the beginning… Focussing on health will ensure that both health and happiness go hand in hand.

Apollo has been an incredible journey, and I cannot think of anyone else who has returned to India to establish a healthcare business from scratch. It wasn’t initially my plan to become a businessman, but circumstances led me down this path. 

I believe that providing essential services such as healthcare, fills a crucial need in society… I see my role as taking Indian healthcare to the global stage, and I believe that India is leading the world in healthcare advancements.