Apollo Hospitals has launched new initiative - Ask Apollo, which promises to connect billions of patients to Asia's most advanced healthcare network via video, voice call and email.

Health Minister of Karnataka Mr U T Khader inaugurated Ask Apollo in the presence of eminent personalities including Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr Naresh Parmar, CEO of Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals, Ron Gutman, Founder and CEO, HealthTap, Guy Ellena, Consultant, Former Director Health and Education, IFC and Dr K. Ganapathy, President, Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation.

This initiative by Apollo Hospitals is claimed to be an interactive patient-centric service that gives its patients the option to consult a doctor anywhere and anytime at their convenience. Through Ask Apollo, one can also book an appointment, avail instant consultation by a family doctor, diet and nutrition related advice, consultation with a specialist/board of specialists based on the criticality of the ailment.

Commenting on the launch, Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, "Through Ask Apollo, we continue Apollo Group's legacy of setting industry benchmarks & contributing to elevate the standard of healthcare to the next level. Apollo Hospitals aims at revolutionizing personal technology with the introduction of Ask Apollo where a patient can even select the doctor of their choice and schedule a time they require consultation. Ask Apollo is a 100% virtual service and hence eliminates all hassles of travelling to the clinic or hospital and waiting in long queues."

U T Khader said, "We need to take proactive steps in improving the quality healthcare in India. This initiative by Apollo Hospitals is a step to improve accessibility to healthcare and the services of world-class, credible doctors."