₹28,000 Crore Empire: Ram Charan’s 92-Year-Old Grandfather-in-Law Owns 71 Apollo Hospitals, Works 6 Days a Week

Introduction: Who Is Dr. Prathap C. Reddy?

At 92, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy is a healthcare titan, still steering Apollo Hospitals—India’s first corporate hospital chain—six days a week. Born on February 5, 1933, in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, Reddy’s journey from a cardiologist in the U.S. to a billionaire with a net worth of ₹28,000 crore (Forbes, May 2025) is nothing short of extraordinary. As the grandfather-in-law of Telugu superstar Ram Charan through his granddaughter Upasana Kamineni, Reddy’s personal and professional legacy is awe-inspiring. Honored with the Padma Bhushan (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2010), his story, featured by Startup INDIAX, is a blueprint for entrepreneurs blending profit with social impact. So, what drove this visionary to transform Indian healthcare?

What Inspired Dr. Reddy to Build Apollo Hospitals?

A Heartbreaking Loss That Sparked a Vision

In the late 1970s, Dr. Reddy, then a successful cardiologist in the U.S., witnessed a tragedy that changed his life. A young patient in India couldn’t access life-saving heart surgery due to the lack of advanced medical facilities and was forced to travel abroad. The patient’s death hit Reddy hard. “I realized India deserved world-class healthcare,” he said in a 2018 interview with Business Today. This personal loss ignited his mission to bring cutting-edge medical care to India, making it accessible to all.

From the U.S. to India with a Mission

Reddy returned to India in the early 1980s, leaving behind a comfortable life in the U.S. At the time, India’s healthcare system was fragmented, with private hospitals being small, family-run setups. Reddy envisioned a corporate hospital model—professional, scalable, and patient-centric. In 1983, he launched the first Apollo Hospital in Chennai, a bold move that many doubted. “People thought I was crazy to think India could have corporate hospitals,” Reddy recalled in a 2020 Forbes India feature. His vision was clear: quality healthcare for every Indian.

How Did Dr. Reddy Overcome Startup Challenges?

Battling Bureaucracy and Skepticism

Starting Apollo Hospitals wasn’t easy. In the 1980s, India’s regulatory environment was complex, and corporate healthcare was an alien concept. Reddy faced skepticism from doctors, investors, and even policymakers who doubted the feasibility of a large-scale private hospital. “Convincing people to believe in my vision was tougher than raising funds,” Reddy shared in a 2019 Economic Times interview. He spent years navigating red tape, securing licenses, and building trust among stakeholders.

Securing Funds for India’s First Corporate Hospital

Raising capital for a first-of-its-kind venture was another hurdle. Reddy invested his personal savings and persuaded Indian banks and investors to back his dream. He also partnered with international medical equipment suppliers to ensure state-of-the-art technology. By 1983, he had raised ₹3 crore—enough to open the first Apollo Hospital in Chennai with 150 beds. “We started small but dreamed big,” Reddy noted in a 2023 Startup INDIAX podcast. His persistence paid off, as the hospital quickly gained a reputation for excellence.

Why Is Apollo Hospitals a Healthcare Game-Changer?

Pioneering Corporate Healthcare in India

Apollo Hospitals introduced a new era of healthcare in India. Before Apollo, private hospitals were often under-equipped and lacked standardization. Reddy’s model brought professionalism, advanced technology, and a patient-first approach. The Chennai hospital offered specialized treatments like cardiology and oncology, previously unavailable in India. By 1990, Apollo had treated over 100,000 patients, setting a benchmark for quality care, according to a 1991 India Today report.

Innovations in Technology and Telemedicine

Reddy’s forward-thinking approach embraced technology early. Apollo pioneered telemedicine in India, launching services in 2000 to reach remote areas. Today, Apollo’s digital health platforms, like Apollo 24/7, offer virtual consultations, diagnostics, and medicine delivery. “Technology is the bridge to accessible healthcare,” Reddy said in a 2022 Mint interview. As of 2025, Apollo’s telemedicine services have reached over 10 million patients, per company reports, making healthcare inclusive.

How Did Apollo Grow into a ₹28,000 Crore Empire?

From One Hospital to a Global Network

From its humble beginnings in Chennai, Apollo Hospitals has grown into a global healthcare giant. As of 2025, the Apollo Group operates:

• 71 hospitals across India and abroad
• 5,000+ pharmacies under Apollo Pharmacy
• 400+ clinics and diagnostic centers
• Cutting-edge services in telemedicine, health insurance, and digital health

This expansion wasn’t accidental. Reddy’s daughters—Preetha, Suneeta, Shobana, and Sangita—played key roles in scaling the business. Apollo’s revenue reached ₹19,000 crore in FY 2024, with a market cap of ₹28,000 crore, per BSE data.

Impact on Indian Healthcare and Beyond

Apollo’s influence extends beyond numbers. It has trained thousands of doctors, introduced super-specialty care, and reduced medical tourism by offering world-class treatments in India. A 2023 World Health Organization report credits Apollo with improving India’s healthcare accessibility index by 15% since 2000. Globally, Apollo hospitals in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Middle East have set benchmarks for quality. Reddy’s vision has saved millions of lives, making Apollo a household name.

What Can Entrepreneurs Learn from Dr. Reddy’s Journey?

The Power of Vision, Grit, and Social Good

Dr. Reddy’s story offers timeless lessons for entrepreneurs:

• Vision Over Obstacles: Despite skepticism, Reddy stayed committed to his goal of transforming healthcare.
• Patience Pays: Building Apollo took decades of persistence, proving that long-term vision trumps short-term gains.
• Impact Matters: Reddy’s focus on social good—accessible healthcare—earned him trust and loyalty.

“Success comes when you solve a real problem for people,” Reddy told Startup INDIAX in 2024. His mantra of “purity, patience, and persistence” is a guiding light for founders.

Lessons for Building a Lasting Legacy

Reddy’s ability to blend business with purpose is a model for startups. He reinvested profits into innovation, expanded strategically, and empowered his family to lead. Entrepreneurs can learn to prioritize trust, invest in technology, and focus on scalability while staying true to their mission. As Reddy says, “A business that serves society will always thrive.”

Conclusion: Dr. Reddy’s Legacy and Your Next Steps

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy’s journey from a small-town doctor to the founder of a ₹28,000 crore healthcare empire is a testament to what vision and grit can achieve. At 92, his relentless work ethic and passion for healthcare continue to inspire. For entrepreneurs reading this on Startup INDIAX, Reddy’s story is a call to dream big, solve real problems, and build businesses that last. Share your thoughts in the comments, explore more inspiring stories on Startup INDIAX, or connect with us to learn how you can make an impact!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Dr. Prathap C. Reddy?
Dr. Prathap C. Reddy is the founder of Apollo Hospitals, India’s first corporate hospital chain, launched in 1983. At 92, he remains chairman with a net worth of ₹28,000 crore.

How did Apollo Hospitals start?
Inspired by a patient’s death due to inaccessible healthcare, Reddy founded Apollo in Chennai in 1983 to bring world-class medical care to India.

What is Dr. Reddy’s connection to Ram Charan?
Dr. Reddy is the grandfather-in-law of Telugu actor Ram Charan through his granddaughter Upasana Kamineni.

How big is Apollo Hospitals today?
As of 2025, Apollo operates 71 hospitals, 5,000+ pharmacies, and offers telemedicine and diagnostics, with a market cap of ₹28,000 crore.

What awards has Dr. Reddy received?
Reddy was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2010 for his contributions to Indian healthcare.