Apollo Hospitals marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its cutting-edge Digi-Smart Central Reference Laboratory (CRL) in Chennai — a 45,000 square-foot fully automated facility that promises to transform the future of diagnostics in India and beyond.
At the heart of this journey is a story of precision born out of necessity. Recalling the early days, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, shared a pivotal moment, “in 1973, when we conducted cholesterol tests, the results varied wildly. One would say R-300, another R-180 and still another R-120. It was inconsistent. A visiting friend, David from the southern USA, identified the issue and insisted, on the need for accuracy”. Since then a rudimentary but disciplined monitoring system became the foundation of Apollo’s diagnostic philosophy. “That was the beginning,” pointed Dr. Reddy.
Up to 1 lakh samples per day
The newly launched Digi-Smart CRL is equipped to process up to 100,000 samples per day. The lab currently handles 25,000 samples daily. The plan is to double that number in the near future. Featuring over 3,000 types of investigations — from advanced microbiology and molecular biology to genetic testing and immunohistochemistry — the CRL integrates five major laboratory disciplines into a seamless, digitally-monitored system.
Entering the realm of advanced genomics
“This lab isn’t just a facility, it’s a revolution,” said Dr. Reddy and continued. “we are entering the realm of advanced genomics. With this lab, we move from treating disease to preventing it. And, that’s how we will combat major health crises of our time: non-communicable diseases (NCD) ,” he added.
Citing WHO and UN forecasts from 2016 that predicted 80 percent of global deaths would be due to NCDs such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and cancer, Dr. Reddy emphasised the lab’s role in prevention. “Even a 2 percent drop from 80 percent to 78 percent means saving millions of lives. This lab is central to that mission,” he said.
Scalable hub for high quality diagnostics
The CRL’s infrastructure is powered by automation, robotics, AI-driven algorithms and high definition imaging. This enables a 60 per cent reduction in turnaround time while ensuring near perfect accuracy, making it a global benchmark in diagnostics.
“This isn’t just about Apollo,” said Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals. “This lab is a scalable hub for high-quality diagnostics that will support the broader healthcare ecosystem,” she added. Staffed by over 300 people, including 35 doctors, the lab integrates technology with human expertise.
Apollo Managing Director Suneeta Reddy emphasised how the CRL aligned with India’s healthcare goals and global needs: “We’re no longer limited to basic blood counts. We are shaping the future through genomics and redefining how disease is detected and prevented,” she added. “Diagnostics is foundational. A doctor can only be as good as the lab support he or she receives,” Dr. Prathap Reddy noted. “We spent the last six months meticulously planning this facility. Today, it stands as a symbol of what India – and indeed the global south – can offer the world.”
That’s all it takes to identify risks early
As Apollo Diagnostics steps boldly into this new era, its leadership is urging citizens to take charge of their health. “Just three hours every ten years for comprehensive preventive screening,” Dr. Reddy advised. “That’s all it takes to identify risks early – and change the course of your life.”
The laboratory will participate in stringent clinical laboratory proficiency testing (PT) programmes and routine quality control (QC) assessments, while also maintaining both national and international accreditations. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant leap forward in the healthcare sector, reflecting Apollo Diagnostic’s dedication to utilising advanced technology to improve patient care and optimise diagnostic efficiency.
