Fortis Healthcare said on Wednesday cardiologist Naresh Trehan has quit its Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre. At a press conference held in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, Trehan announced that he would join Apollo Hospital.

"The executive director of EHIRC has decided to disengage himself from the institute with effect from June 1," Fortis and Trehan said in a joint statement.

It said that Trehan has decided to focus on bringing to 'fruition his new dreams'.

A Fortis official, however, said that the cardiologist would remain in Escorts as an investor.

On Trehan's resignation, Fortis Managing Director Shivinder Mohan Singh said the doctor has left a strong legacy and foundation that will continue to be built upon.

I'm the boss, is that clear?

"Trehan and Shivinder M Singh, who have enjoyed working together, look forward to building upon their relationship going forward," said the joint statement issued by them.

Last Fortnight, the rift between Trehan and Fortis Healthcare [Get Quote], which owns EHIRC, came out in the open with the management saying that it had sacked the cardiologist as executive director of the institute.

Trehan vehemently opposed the move and knocked the doors of Delhi high court and ultimately the two parties agreed for an out-of-court settlement.

Fortis had withdrawn unconditionally all the allegations it made against the cardiologist and reinstated him as ED of EHIRC.