MUSCAT – India’s leading hospitals provide world-class, high-end medical care at nearly one-tenth of global prices, according to Dr Sangita Reddy, joint managing director of Apollo Hospitals Group and a key member of the high-level official delegation accompanying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to Oman.
“India today offers an unmatched combination of clinical excellence, advanced technology, and affordability. For anyone seeking high-quality outcomes at accessible costs, India is the natural destination,” Dr Reddy said at a press conference held at the InterCity Hotel on Tuesday.
Apollo and OCA signs MoU
On the sidelines of the press conference, Apollo Hospitals and the Oman Cancer Association (OCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
The MoU was signed by Dr Reddy and Dr Wahid Al Kharusi, president and chairperson of OCA. Detailing the components of the MoU, Dr Reddy said that it covered technical exchange and clinical programmes which facilitated an upgradation of knowledge. It also covered scientific data exchange and joint research plus patient education and protocols for early detection.
Exploring partnerships in Oman and the GCC
Dr Reddy noted that Apollo Hospitals is actively exploring strategic partnerships in Oman, including opportunities to establish a local presence and collaborate on advanced diagnostics, remote testing, and specialist services.
“We are evaluating partnership models that allow high-end diagnostic samples to be processed through our global reference laboratories, while also exploring the feasibility of establishing a base in Oman. These partnerships can significantly enhance access to specialised care,” she said. She added that other members of the Indian delegation are also examining collaboration opportunities in pharmaceuticals, vaccine development, and medical manufacturing, reflecting the growing depth of healthcare cooperation between the two countries.
India as a global hub for medical and wellness tourism
India continues to gain global recognition as a premier destination for medical and wellness tourism, supported by its robust healthcare infrastructure and holistic approach to well-being. Dr Reddy described this momentum as a key pillar of Prime Minister Modi’s vision for “Heal in India.”
“Our doctors and hospitals deliver outcomes comparable with the best in the world, yet at a fraction of the cost. This makes India an attractive option not just for individuals, but also for governments looking to optimise healthcare coverage for their populations,” she said.
She highlighted government initiatives that support international patients, including streamlined medical visas, enhanced airport facilitation, digital health platforms, and accreditation of high-quality hospitals to ensure safety, transparency, and trust.
Healthcare transformation: from curative to preventive, digital and remote
Dr Reddy emphasised that healthcare is undergoing a fundamental transformation from being largely curative to becoming preventive, predictive, and digitally enabled. “India operates healthcare at an unparalleled scale. This allows deep sub-specialisation, continuous skill enhancement for clinicians, and significantly lower costs. At the same time, we are rapidly shifting towards preventive care powered by healthcare IT,” she said.
Apollo Hospitals has partnered with the Indian government under public-private partnership (PPP) models to develop technology-enabled primary healthcare centres with centralised digital monitoring.
“Healthcare IT, remote care, and artificial intelligence are no longer optional, they are the future. Through telemedicine platforms, AI-driven diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring, we can extend high-quality care to populations regardless of geography,” Dr Reddy added.
AI, remote care and advanced diagnostics
Highlighting Apollo’s digital and technological capabilities, Dr Reddy noted that the group has made significant investments in artificial intelligence, genomics, mRNA-based diagnostics, and digital health platforms.
“Apollo operates a global reference centre for diagnostics that receives samples from across the world. Our capabilities in genetic analysis, AI-supported interpretation, and advanced imaging allow faster, more accurate diagnoses,” she said.
She also underscored the role of knowledge exchange and capacity building, citing Apollo’s long-standing collaboration with Oman in areas such as liver transplantation, cardiac care, and specialist training.
“Even today, our clinicians are participating in continuing medical education programmes here, discussing complex cases including scoliosis, advanced oncology treatments, and the use of CyberKnife technology. These exchanges strengthen both healthcare ecosystems,” she said.
Apollo’s approach: building capacity, sharing expertise
Looking ahead, Dr Reddy said Apollo’s primary focus remains on building capacity and expanding access to high-end care in India, rather than acquisitions or mergers. “There is enormous unmet need within India itself. Our philosophy is to build hospitals, systems, talent, and digital platforms. At the same time, we are very happy to share our expertise with entrepreneurs and healthcare leaders in Oman and across the GCC who wish to develop world-class healthcare services,” she said.
She added that her participation in the delegation reflects her multiple roles as a leader within Apollo Hospitals and as a representative of India’s broader healthcare ecosystem.
“It is a valuable opportunity for both nations to explore complementary strengths, particularly in digital health, remote care delivery, and advanced medical technologies,” Dr Reddy said.
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About Dr Sangita Reddy
Dr Sangita Reddy is a globally recognised healthcare leader, pioneering entrepreneur, and humanitarian. As Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, she helps lead Asia’s largest and most trusted healthcare group.
During India’s G20 Presidency, she served as Chairperson of G20 Empower India, and she is a former President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). She also serves as Chairperson of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (India) and Vice President of NATHEALTH, the Healthcare Federation of India.
A founding member of the Apollo Hospitals team, Dr Reddy has championed the use of digital health, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven models to enable universal access to quality healthcare. Recently reappointed to the Board of Joint Commission Resources, Inc. (JCR), she contributes global expertise to advancing healthcare quality and patient safety worldwide.
About “Heal in India”
“Heal in India” is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at positioning the country as a leading global hub for medical tourism. The programme integrates high-quality clinical care, affordability, digital health platforms, telemedicine services such as e-Sanjeevani, streamlined medical visas, and holistic wellness systems including Ayurveda.
Through seamless digital processes, transparency, and international patient support, “Heal in India” strengthens India’s leadership in technology-enabled, patient-centric global healthcare.
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