Dr. Prathap C Reddy, the visionary Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals was today conferred with the Lions Humanitarian Award for his work in increasing accessibility and affordability of world-class healthcare to bring it within the economic and geographic reach of millions. The award was conferred at a function held in the capital city today by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. Dr. Prathap C Reddy is the fifth Indian and second medical doctor to be conferred with this honour. The Lions Humanitarian Award is the highest honour of the Lions Club International Foundation given to an individual or an organization with exemplary humanitarian efforts. Dr Reddy is also the recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan conferred by the Government of India.

Acknowledging the award, Dr. Prathap C Reddy said, “It is an honour to receive the Lions Humanitarian Award in recognition of my efforts to make quality healthcare accessible for all Indian. It is my vision that India should become the global healthcare destination, recognized for its contribution to heal the world. The work done by Apollo and other great health institutions have Indian healthcare a force to reckon with. While new challenges like those from Non-Communicable Diseases continue to present risks, we must all unite to create a health system that stands as a beacon of excellence for the world. I thank Lions Clubs International for this award and hope that this recognition will inspire others to serve and carry on humanitarian work, just as it has inspired me.”

The occasion also saw the launch of the Lions Apollo Healthcare Partnership programme (LAHPP). This coordinated Health Care programme for the under privileged would be run by the Lions Club International Foundation in collaboration with the Apollo Group of Hospitals.

Since its inception in 1973, the Lions Club International Foundation has been conferred on a diverse group of individuals whose work has made the world a better place through substantial humanitarian accomplishment. Individuals who have received the Award include Nobel Peace Prize winners Mother Teresa in 1986 and Wangari Maathai in 2010, heads of state, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1996 and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in 1999, as well as performers, actor Danny Kaye in 1974 for his dedicated work with UNICEF and soprano Barbara Hendricks in 2001 for her efforts to support refugees and international peace. This award includes a grant of up to US$250,000 for continuing humanitarian activities to the award winner’s charitable organization.  

Under Dr. Reddy’s guiding hand, Apollo Hospitals has harnessed technology and insurance to take healthcare to the masses. The pioneering success of telemedicine and innovative insurance in Aragonda, the world’s first V-SAT enabled remote village in Andhra Pradesh validated the concept of ‘Healthcare for All’. The groundbreaking Apollo Reach Hospitals model has enabled high quality healthcare to reach semi urban and rural areas in the very heart of India.

Dr. Reddy has been a tireless advocate for creating access through insurance. The innovative insurance project of Re.1 a day that he introduced decades ago in his native village has been adopted in multiple ways across the country and its core idea is reflected in the Government of India’s Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance programme.

Dr. Prathap C Reddy has also promoted preventive health care with over 15 million Annual Health Checks have been performed by the group. The Billion Hearts Beating Foundation launched by Dr. Reddy deploys innovative mediums to encourage Indians to stay heart-healthy.