Apollo Hospitals Chennai Introduces Dedicated Institute of Pulmonology with Five New Screening Program to Combat Rising Respiratory Disease Burden
Apollo Speciality Hospital, Teynampet today announced the launch of its Institute of Pulmonology, a comprehensive program designed to provide structured care, early detection, and patient-centric education for respiratory health. India continues to face a significant burden of asthma, chronic lung diseases, and tobacco-related diseases, making timely assessment and preventive care critical especially for families in and around Chennai.
The Institute of Pulmonology offers a streamlined, evidence-based approach that simplifies patient care pathways. Individuals presenting with persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, sleep related breathing issues, or a history of smoking can now access a clear, guideline aligned entry point for diagnosis and management. The model emphasizes early evaluation, counselling, and coordinated follow-up, enabling appropriate referrals to allied specialties if needed and minimizing delays in care.
The new Institute of Pulmonology addresses a critical healthcare gap, as respiratory conditions remain among the leading causes of morbidity in Tamilnadu, with smoking, air pollution and lifestyle factors contributing to increased incidence rates across all age groups.
At launch, the Institute offers five thoughtfully designed screening and clinic offerings, focused on improving access to specialised respiratory care:
- Basic Asthma Screening
- Advanced Asthma Management
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Evaluation
- Quit Smoking program
- Pulmonary Hypertension program
Each screening panels prioritizes responsible, evidence-based practice, with additional tests and imaging conducted only when clinically indicated, ensuring patients undergo the right evaluation at the right time. Patients can book appointments through Apollo’s existing booking systems, with pathways designed to be accessible and comprehensive.
As the initiative rolls out, the hospital will continue to build community awareness about respiratory health, especially the value of early evaluation, importance of inhalers and correct inhaler use wherever applicable, trigger appropriate management, and evidence-based smoking cessation. The Institute will also engage with local physicians to support shared care, timely referrals, and consistent follow-up for chronic respiratory conditions.
Mr. Karan Puri, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Speciality Hospital Teynampet & Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “At Apollo Hospitals, our mission is to make quality healthcare accessible and patient-centric. The launch of the Institute of Pulmonology reinforces this commitment by offering a structured pathway from early symptoms to diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases. By integrating multidisciplinary expertise, evidence-based protocols, and patient education, we are empowering people to take proactive steps towards their lung health. This initiative is a critical step towards addressing the growing burden of respiratory illnesses in India.”
Dr. Srinivas Rajagopala, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead – Pulmonologist, Sleep Medicine & Lung Transplantation, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet, said, “With the Institute of Pulmonology, we are simplifying the patient journey at a critical time when respiratory diseases often go undetected or are mismanaged. Our screening and clinical programs are designed to provide clarity, early intervention, and consistent follow-up care. By standardising the pathway and focusing on patient education, especially around the correct use of inhalers, smoking cessation and focussing on correct diagnosis and management, we aim to help patients act early, understand their condition better, and remain engaged with their care.”
