𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 ‘𝘍𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦’ 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘍𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘌𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘺
Chennai, May 27, 2025: Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, marked World Emergency Medicine Day with the launch of Fleet of Hope, an activity bringing 1066 Emergency Services to focus. Through this campaign, Apollo Hospitals aims to encourage a behavioural shift—urging the public to call 1066 instead of driving loved ones to the hospital during emergencies.
(L to R) Dr. Ramakrishna Vijay Varma, Group Head- Healthcare logistics, Apollo Hospitals, Dr Rohini Sridhar, Chief of Medical Services - Hospital Division Apollo hospitals, Dr Ilankumaran Kaluiamoorthy, Chief Executive officer, Apollo Hospitals Chennai region, Mr . Chokkaya, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Triplicane division, Dr Dhavapalani A, Regional clinical director, Emergency Departments Southern Region, Apollo hospitals , Mr V Naveen, CEO, Main Hospital
The premise of the campaign - “Why drive, when treatment can start at your doorstep?” brings the ambulance to the spotlight not just as a means of transportation, but a treatment system that starts early, right when it arrives at the doorstep of the patient. In cases such as strokes, heart attacks, or serious injuries, delays without medical support can lead to serious consequences.
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The awareness initiative kicked off with ‘Fleet of Hope’ – the flag-off of Chennai largest hospital ambulance fleet. The campaign was launched officially by Mr Chokkaya Assistant Commissioner of Police Triplicane Division (Traffic) who flagged off the ambulances. He was joined by Dr. Rohini Sridhar, Chief of Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO-Chennai Region, Apollo Hospitals and Dr. Dhavapalani A, Regional Clinical Director, Emergency Departments, Southern Region, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Ramakrishna Vijay Varma, Group Head- Healthcare logistics, Apollo Hospitals.
Dr. Rohini Sridhar, Chief of Medical Services-Hospital Division, Apollo Hospitals, added, “World Emergency Medicine Day reminds us that we must act swiftly and decisively in a health emergency, as every second counts. Today, we are proud to unveil ‘Fleet of Hope’, a landmark moment in our commitment to saving lives the instant a medical crisis strikes. With ambulances equipped with advanced life-support technology, we ensure critical care begins the moment help arrives. Ambulance personnel play a critical role in pre-hospital care by providing early communication to the emergency department regarding the patient's condition. This allows the hospital team to mobilise and prepare essential services such as radiology, Cath lab and other necessary interventions in advance.”
Dr. Dhavapalani A, Regional Clinical Director, Emergency Departments, Southern Region, Apollo Hospitals said, “These ambulances are not just transport vehicles—they are mobile extensions of our emergency department. With advanced diagnostic tools and seamless communication, we can begin life-saving treatment even before the patient reaches the hospital. Our goal is to redefine emergency response by delivering accessible, responsive, and technology-driven emergency healthcare directly to the patient, wherever they are.
Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, continues to lead in emergency medical innovation. With the 1066 helpline and its expansive mobile response network, it plays a crucial role in delivering timely, life-saving care.
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