Better Apollo or Fortis Hospital for Heart Surgery – When you or your loved one is facing a serious heart condition that needs surgery, choosing the right hospital can feel overwhelming. In India, Apollo Hospitals and Fortis Hospitals are among the biggest names in cardiac care. But which one should you trust for your heart surgery?
This detailed guide compares Apollo vs. Fortis on critical aspects — expertise, infrastructure, success rates, patient care, affordability, and what real patients say — so you can make an informed decision for yourself or your family.
India: A Global Hub for Cardiac Surgeries
Before diving into Apollo vs. Fortis, it’s worth understanding why India has emerged as a top destination for heart surgeries:
- Highly qualified surgeons trained at top institutes in India and abroad.
- State-of-the-art technology matching international standards.
- Cost-effectiveness, often 1/5th the cost of similar surgeries in Western countries.
- Minimal waiting times, especially for life-saving procedures like bypass surgeries or valve replacements.
Both Apollo and Fortis have contributed significantly to this reputation. But let’s see how they stack up against each other.
A Quick Look: Apollo vs. Fortis
| Aspect | Apollo Hospitals | Fortis Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1983 | 1996 |
| Flagship | Apollo Hospitals, Chennai | Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi |
| Number of Hospitals | 70+ | 30+ |
| Key Specialization | Multi-specialty with strong focus on cardiology | Leading cardiac super-specialty hospitals |
| International Patients | 200,000+ annually | 100,000+ annually |
| Average Heart Surgeries Per Year | 10,000+ | 7,000+ |
(Source: Annual reports, official websites, and patient reviews.)
1. Medical Expertise and Team of Cardiac Surgeons
Apollo Hospitals
Apollo’s cardiac program is headed by some of India’s most renowned cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, like Dr. M. R. Girinath (Apollo Chennai), Dr. Naresh Trehan (formerly with Apollo, now with Medanta), and many more.
Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is recognized for pioneering open heart surgeries and minimally invasive cardiac surgeries in India.
Strengths:
- Over 1.5 lakh successful heart surgeries to date.
- Wide range of procedures: CABG (bypass), valve repairs/replacements, pediatric cardiac surgeries, robotic-assisted heart surgeries.
- Use of cutting-edge techniques like beating heart surgery.
Fortis Hospitals
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI) in Delhi is legendary for cardiac care. It was started by Dr. Naresh Trehan and remains one of the top destinations for complex heart surgeries.
Strengths:
- Over 1 lakh cardiac surgeries done.
- Strong expertise in pediatric heart surgery, electrophysiology, and heart failure surgeries.
- Well-known surgeons like Dr. Ashok Seth, one of Asia’s top interventional cardiologists, lead the team.
Verdict:
Both Apollo and Fortis have world-class cardiac surgeons with decades of experience. Fortis Escorts has a slight edge for complex interventional cardiology and pediatric cardiac care, while Apollo’s vast network gives you more location options.
2. Infrastructure and Technology
Apollo
Apollo invests heavily in technology:
- Hybrid cardiac cath labs.
- Advanced Heart-Lung Machines.
- 3D mapping for arrhythmia treatments.
- Robotic cardiac surgeries at select centers.
Notable Centers:
Apollo Chennai, Apollo Delhi (Indraprastha), and Apollo Hyderabad are renowned for heart care.
Fortis
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute was one of the first in India to have:
- Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) technology.
- Robotic-assisted angioplasty.
- State-of-the-art electrophysiology labs.
- Dedicated Pediatric Cardiac ICU.
Notable Centers:
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla (Delhi); Fortis Malar (Chennai); Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurgaon).
Verdict:
Both chains use cutting-edge cardiac care equipment and constantly upgrade their ICUs, OT infrastructure, and cath labs.
3. Heart Surgery Success Rates
Success rates can vary based on procedure type, patient condition, and comorbidities. On average:
- Apollo: Claims 99% success rate for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries; similar rates for valve replacements.
- Fortis: Fortis Escorts Heart Institute reports a 98–99% success rate for CABG and 95%+ for pediatric surgeries, which is excellent.
It’s important to note that both hospitals have world-class infection control and post-op rehab to improve outcomes.
4. Patient Experience and Support Services
Apollo Hospitals
Apollo’s international patient program is robust:
- Dedicated coordinators.
- Visa and travel support.
- Accommodation tie-ups near the hospital.
- Post-surgery follow-up via telemedicine.
Patients often appreciate the personalized care and relatively short waiting times.
Fortis Hospitals
Fortis also provides:
- International patient lounge.
- Translator services.
- Custom diet plans for cardiac rehab.
- Cardiac support groups for lifestyle modification.
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has received several JCI accreditations, which speak to its high standards in patient safety.
5. Cost Comparison: Apollo vs. Fortis for Heart Surgery
This is a major factor for many families.
| Procedure | Apollo (Approx.) | Fortis (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| CABG (Bypass Surgery) | ₹2.5–4 lakh | ₹2.5–4 lakh |
| Valve Replacement | ₹3–5 lakh | ₹3–5 lakh |
| Pediatric Heart Surgery | ₹2–6 lakh | ₹2–5 lakh |
Note: These are average estimates for self-paying patients. Costs may vary by city, surgeon, room type, and complexity.
Insurance and government health schemes may cover part or all of the costs in both hospitals.
6. Insurance and Cashless Facilities
Both Apollo and Fortis:
- Accept major health insurance policies.
- Offer cashless treatments for empanelled insurers.
- Are empanelled under various government schemes like CGHS, ECHS, and Ayushman Bharat at select centers.
Always confirm coverage details with your TPA before admission.
7. What Real Patients Say: Reviews and Testimonials
- Apollo: Patients often highlight the clean environment, polite staff, and transparency in billing. Some reviews mention delays during peak periods, which is common in popular hospitals.
- Fortis: Patients appreciate the dedicated cardiac care and the time doctors spend explaining conditions. Escorts is especially popular for pediatric cardiac cases.
Tip:
Always check the hospital’s Google reviews, Practo profiles, or personal referrals from trusted patients.
8. Locations and Accessibility
Apollo:
Has major cardiac centers in Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata — giving patients multiple options across India.
Fortis:
Has strong presence in North India, especially Delhi NCR, Gurgaon, Mohali, and Mumbai for cardiac care.
If travel distance is a concern, Apollo’s wider reach may be more convenient.
Which is Better: Apollo or Fortis for Heart Surgery?
Verdict: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Legendary heart care reputation in North India | Fortis Escorts Heart Institute |
| More centers across India for accessibility | Apollo Hospitals |
| Pediatric cardiac expertise | Fortis Escorts |
| Robotic heart surgery options in multiple cities | Apollo Hospitals |
| Comparable pricing, top cardiologists, modern facilities | Both are equally strong |
Tips to Choose the Best Hospital for Your Heart Surgery
- Consult Multiple Surgeons: Don’t hesitate to get second opinions to confirm your diagnosis and surgery plan.
- Check Surgeon Credentials: Look up your surgeon’s experience, patient reviews, and success rates.
- Understand Total Costs: Request a detailed estimate for surgery, ICU stay, medicines, and follow-ups.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Confirm which hospital is empanelled under your insurance.
- Ask About Post-Surgery Rehab: Recovery is as crucial as surgery. Good hospitals offer cardiac rehab programs and lifestyle counseling.
Final Takeaway
When your heart is on the line, both Apollo and Fortis stand tall with decades of experience, advanced technology, and some of India’s best cardiac surgeons.
- Apollo Hospitals: Best if you want multiple location choices and robotic surgery options.
- Fortis Hospitals: Best if you want North India’s top heart hospital with a legacy of pediatric and interventional cardiac care.
In the end, your choice should be based on your condition, doctor’s recommendation, travel convenience, and budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hospital for heart surgery is a decision that can transform lives. Take your time, ask questions, and pick the center where you feel confident in the doctors, treatment plan, and post-operative support.