At 90, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the founder of Apollo Hospitals, shows no signs of slowing down. Despite his advanced age and a net worth of ₹26,858 crores, he adheres to a rigorous six-day workweek, demonstrating a vitality that belies his years.
From a Pivotal Letter to a Revolutionary Vision
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy’s journey to success began in the early 1970s when a letter from his father inspired him to return to India. Faced with inadequate medical infrastructure and driven by a personal tragedy in 1979, where a patient could not afford necessary surgery abroad, Reddy resolved to create a world-class cardiac care facility in India.
The Birth of Apollo Hospitals
In response to the severe medical needs, Dr.Prathap C. Reddy founded Apollo Hospitals in Chennai in 1983 with support from the Indian government and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. His vision was to establish a healthcare system that could compete globally. Today, Apollo Hospitals operates 71 hospitals, 5,000 pharmacy stores, 291 primary care clinics, a digital health portal, and a diagnostics network.
A Legacy of Excellence and Family Involvement
Under Dr.Prathap C. Reddy’s leadership, Apollo Hospitals has grown into a major healthcare provider, with a market capitalization exceeding ₹70,000 crores. His four daughters—Preetha, Suneeta, Shobana, and Sangita—steer the company, holding a 29.3% stake in the publicly listed entity. Dr. Reddy’s commitment extends to his grandchildren, nine of whom are actively involved, ensuring a smooth leadership transition.
A Humble Perspective on Success
Dr.Prathap C. Reddy’s success has not altered his humble approach. He emphasises that “success should make us humble and inspire us to do more for the country,” reflecting his commitment to improving healthcare in India and making top-notch medical services accessible to millions.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy’s life story is a powerful testament to vision, dedication, and humility. His ongoing work with Apollo Hospitals continues to inspire others to dream big and strive for excellence, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
