HEALER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Prathap C. Reddy, Founder Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, pioneered the private healthcare industry in India, and changed forever the country's health ecosystem. Reddy reminisces about his life and times

- NEETU CHANDRA SHARMA AND KRISHNA GOPALAN

THE PLAYBOOK IS well worn: (i) Move abroad for higher studies; (ii) work overseas; (iii) identify a problem statement in India and devise a solution; (iv) move back; (v) build a successful company. These are the five steps to success for many recent Indian entrepreneurs. Dr Prathap C. Reddy, 91, winner of this year's BT-PwC India's Best CEOs award for Lifetime Achievement, did something similar, but 50 years ago!

Reddy completed his MBBS from Chennai's Stanley Medical College and then trained in the US. He then had a flourishing practice as a cardiologist. One day, a letter arrived from his father, which had a profound impact. Reddy and his family decided to return to India in the early 1970s. Back in Chennai, his practice flourished, but he also faced a stark reality: a lack of medical infrastructure. He was forced to refer most of his patients who needed complex surgeries to friends in the US. Many were referred to pioneering heart surgeon, Dr Denton Cooley.

Around 1979, Reddy referred a patient to the US. But the man's family could not raise the money required. And despite Reddy's best efforts, he did not survive. Reddy then decided to set up a cardiac care hospital in India.