Apollo Children’s Hospital Organises Inclusive Zoo Trip for Children with Special Needs
Chennai, December 12, 2024: In a heartfelt initiative promoting inclusivity and accessibility, Apollo Children’s Hospital organised a memorable trip to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park for a group of children, with special needs. This initiative was inspired by Ms. Supriya Sahu, Health Secretary, whose efforts in making zoos more accessible have included ramps, paved pathways, and accessible restrooms.
The trip featured a government accessible bus for transportation, enabling children in wheelchairs and walkers to enjoy a true excursion. Special entrances, wheelchair-friendly restrooms, smooth pathways along animal enclosures, and accessible restaurants made the experience seamless and enjoyable. Apollo Hospitals Vice Chairperson, Ms. Preetha Reddy, supported the endeavour by sponsoring the entire event. The excursion was meticulously planned in partnership with the Zoo Director, Mr. Ashish Kumar Srivastava, and Assistant Zoo Director Mr. Manikanda Prabhu, along with support from Apollo Children’s Hospital
Ms. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “Every child deserves the chance to explore and enjoy the world around them. This initiative is about more than accessibility—it’s about inclusion and ensuring that no child feels left out. Seeing the joy and excitement of these children reminds us how important it is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.”
Dr. Deepthi Morais, Consultant Anaesthesiologist at Apollo Children’s Hospital and mother of a child with special needs, said, “Why should a child in a wheelchair be deprived of the opportunity of experiencing a typical field trip? At Apollo Hospitals, we believe healthcare is about more than just treatment, it’s about inclusion, care, and creating equal opportunities for everyone. This idea became a reality thanks to the unwavering support of Ms. Preetha Reddy and the accessibility improvements initiated by Ms. Supriya Sahu and her team.”
In a touching gesture of gratitude, the children, along with animal lovers from Apollo Hospitals, donated ₹78,800 to sponsor the Christmas meal for the zoo animals. The trip concluded with a thoughtful slogan, “Everyone can enjoy the zoo—you, me, and the animals too,” highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
About Apollo Hospitals:
It was in 1983, that Dr Prathap C Reddy made a pioneering endeavor by launching India’s first corporate hospital – Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Now, as Asia’s foremost trusted integrated healthcare group, its presence includes over 12,000 beds across 72 Hospitals and 5000 pharmacies, over 400 Primary Care clinics and 1228 Diagnostic centres, 700 plus Teleclinics, over 15 medical education centres and a Research Foundation with a focus on global Clinical Trials. The most recent investment was the commissioning of South East Asia’s very first Proton Therapy Centre in Chennai.
Every four days, the Apollo Hospitals Group touches a million lives, in its mission to bring healthcare of international standards within the reach of every individual. In a rare honour, the Government of India had issued a commemorative stamp in recognition of Apollo’s contribution, the first for a healthcare organization. Apollo Hospitals Chairman, Dr Prathap C Reddy, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2010.
For 40 years, the Apollo Hospitals Group has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting-edge technology. Its hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals in the country for advanced medical services.
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