Apollo Hospitals Expands OPD Services to 7 Days a Week

Apollo Hospitals has announced a significant expansion of its outpatient department (OPD) services, now available every day of the week, including Sundays. This initiative, branded as 'Always Open. Always Here.', aims to provide greater flexibility and access for patients, particularly working professionals who may struggle to find time for medical consultations during the traditional workweek.

Enhancing Access to Healthcare

The new schedule will allow patients to access a wide range of services including outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, preventive health check-ups, follow-up consultations, and scheduled procedures without the restrictions of a weekday-only operation. Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasized the hospital's commitment to both treatment and the prevention of diseases. "For more than four decades, Apollo has believed that healthcare is not only about treating illness, but about preventing disease," Reddy stated, highlighting the hospital's dedication to comprehensive care.

Pilot Success Leads to Nationwide Rollout

The decision to expand OPD services follows a successful three-month pilot program. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, noted that the initiative will be implemented across the group's facilities, subject to the readiness of individual hospitals. "We have undertaken the necessary restructuring to operate under this extended schedule," she explained, adding that the hospital chain will utilize its substantial workforce and technology to manage the anticipated increase in patient volume while ensuring staff flexibility.

Apollo's Expanding Influence

Since opening its first hospital in Chennai in 1983, Apollo Hospitals has grown to operate 76 hospitals with more than 10,400 beds across India. The company also manages a network of 7,000 pharmacy stores, along with several retail and digital healthcare ventures. In 2022, Apollo made history as the first hospital company to join the Nifty 50 index and currently boasts a market capitalization exceeding Rs 1.28 lakh crore ($14 billion).

This expansion of services is part of Apollo's ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing needs of patients and maintain its leadership in the healthcare sector. By offering seven-day OPD services, Apollo aims to reduce barriers to healthcare access and improve patient outcomes through timely and flexible medical care.