Survey Overview

On the eve of World Heart Day 2026, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai released findings from a survey of more than 1,570 Mumbaikars conducted under its Har Ghar Hero initiative. The study aimed to gauge community confidence and preparedness for cardiac emergencies, specifically CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage.

Key Findings

  • Training vs. readiness gap: 36% of respondents indicated they would be unable to perform CPR correctly without assistance despite having received prior training, highlighting a confidence shortfall.
  • AED confidence and access gap: 46% said they would not feel confident using an AED even if it were immediately available, while 23% were completely unsure about intervening at all. Moreover, 68% did not know the location of the nearest public AED, underscoring a critical information deficit.
  • Community preparedness gap: 82% believed their neighbourhood, workplace, or housing society lacked sufficient trained individuals to respond to a medical emergency. A unanimous 100% advocated for compulsory CPR and basic life support (BLS) training in schools, colleges, and workplaces.
  • Misconceptions about who can act: 75% thought an AED is intended solely for doctors, 32% believed a medical licence is required to attempt CPR, and overall, 75% felt a medical degree is necessary to save a life during a cardiac emergency.
  • Fear of legal consequences: 32% were unaware of the legal protections afforded to Good Samaritans, suggesting that better awareness could reduce hesitation among potential by‑standers.

Fortis Commitment

Dr S. Narayani, Regional Director‑Operations at Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, described the findings as a “call to action,” emphasizing that willingness exists but confidence does not. Through the Har Ghar Hero initiative, Fortis pledged to train 200,000 (2 lakh) Mumbaikars in CPR by World CPR Day 2027, with the objective of having at least one trained responder in every household.

Dr Sandeep Gore, Director‑Emergency Medicine at Fortis Hospital Mulund, stressed that the issue is not merely a training gap but a confidence gap, urging regular practice to make response instinctive. Dr Amit Nabar, Director‑Emergency Medicine & Community Medicine at S.L. Raheja Hospital (a Fortis associate), highlighted the dangerous myth that only medically qualified individuals can intervene, noting that three‑quarters of respondents hold this belief. Dr Preetam Gaikwad, Head of Emergency Medicine at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, explained that while AEDs are voice‑assisted and designed for layperson use, unfamiliarity with the device and its locations fuels hesitation. Dr Sudhir Gore, Head‑Trauma & Emergency Services at Fortis Hospital Kalyan, described the situation as a classic by‑stander effect, where 82% feel insufficient numbers of trained people are around them, leading to inaction.

Company Background

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India, operating 36 facilities—including joint ventures and O&M sites—across 12 states and union territories, with over 6,000 operational beds and 400 diagnostic labs. The organization is part of IHH Healthcare, a multinational network spanning ten countries with more than 80 hospitals and a workforce of approximately 70,000.