Healing India: The 92-Year-Old Tycoon Behind 5,000 Pharmacies and 71 Hospitals

Image Source: India.com

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the 92-year-old proprietor of Apollo Hospitals, is a colossus in Indian healthcare. With a personal fortune approaching ₹27,500 crore, he commands a vast chain of 71 hospitals and 5,000 pharmacies, and astonishingly, still works six days a week. His vision and leadership have not only revolutionized medical treatment in India but also created new standards for corporate healthcare in the nation.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy: The Man and His Journey

Dr. Reddy was born in Chennai and graduated with an MBBS degree from Stanley Medical College and underwent training as a cardiologist in the United States.
He came back to India after his father pleaded with him emotionally, opting to serve his nation instead of a well-paying career abroad.
A terrible accident in 1979, when a patient succumbed to the absence of good medical facilities, inspired him to bring world-class healthcare to India.

The Apollo Hospitals Revolution

Established Apollo Hospitals in 1983, conceptualizing corporate hospitals in India for the first time.
Apollo Hospitals expanded to 71 branches across India, with an added support system of 291 primary care clinics, 5,000 plus pharmacies, and a digital health platform.
The company is worth around ₹70,000 crore and is a market leader in the Indian healthcare industry.

Personal Net Worth and Legacy

Dr. Reddy's personal fortune is estimated to be between ₹26,560 crore and ₹28,220 crore (around $3.5 billion), according to Forbes and other estimates.
His family controls 29.3% of Apollo Hospitals.
Albeit his age, Dr. Reddy follows a strenuous work routine, reporting to the office at 10 a.m. and departing at 5 p.m., six days weekly.

Impact and Recognition

Dr. Reddy's vision obliterated the necessity for Indians to go abroad for specialized medical treatment, revolutionizing the country's healthcare sector.
He is one of India's richest doctors and an inspiration for generations of medical professionals.
His leadership is defined by servitude, humility, and devotion to improving society, demonstrating that age does not matter when it comes to leaving a legacy.

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