World Emergency Medicine Day, Apollo Hospitals Launches ‘Fleet of Hope’ to Raise Awareness on 1066 Emergency Services
Chennai, May 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.
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.
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.
About Apollo Hospitals:
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. (Apollo) revolutionised healthcare when Dr. Prathap Reddy opened the first hospital in Chennai in 1983. Today, Apollo is the world’s largest integrated healthcare platform with over 10,000 beds across 73 hospitals, over 6,000 pharmacies, and over 2500 clinics and diagnostic centers, as well as 500+ telemedicine centers. It is the world’s leading cardiac center with over 200,000 surgeries and the world’s largest private cancer care provider. Apollo continues to invest in research to bring the most cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and treatment protocols to ensure patients have the best available care in the world. Apollo’s 100,000 family members are dedicated to bringing you the best care and leaving the world better than we found it.
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