AAPI, Govt. of India help launch Global Physicians Alliance

Dr. Sanku Rao, AAPI President

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) played a leading role in the formation of a global consortium of healthcare professionals launched on the sidelines of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Chennai recently. Indian Cabinet Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi played a leading role in making the history in the global healthcare arena.

The world’s first comprehensive healthcare organization to be named as Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) consists of international medical fraternity such as American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). The Consortium is world’s first comprehensive healthcare organization with an emphasis on improving health provision and addressing health inequalities in India.

“The consortium will promote the contribution of approximately 1.2 million physicians and dentists of Indian origin to global health and to harness their skills and expertise to address healthcare issues in India. The Consortium will also work to enhance the knowledge and skills of Indian healthcare professionals, “Dr. Sanku Rao, AAPI President, said. “Indian physicians the world over have proved that they are second to none and their contribution to healthcare is exemplary.”

“I am very excited about the opportunities the global organization will create toward reducing inequalities in access to healthcare and enhancing the quality of care to those who are deprived and need the most. This is a great opportunity to Indian –origin physicians to give back to their motherland their skills and expertise.” Dr Sanku Rao said.

Vayalar Ravi observed in a meeting of the AAPI delegation that the Consortium would help improve image of India as a nation of highly educated professionals and the government would extend all support and encouragement for the growth of the organization. “The idea of bringing all the Indian physicians and dentists under one umbrella is a welcome move and India is sure to benefit from their expertise.”

“The formation of GAPIO offers an organized channel for coordinating exchange of knowledge and expertise to bring the best healthcare solutions to India. It also offers a unique opportunity for non-resident Indians to contribute their mite to India,” Dr. Ramesh Mathur, president of BAPIO said.

Dr. Pratap Reddy, chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, India, said GAPIO is fully backed by Government of India and founding members would be given membership free of charge for first two years and benefits include newsletters, access to educational programs, networking and right of access to fraternal associations and academic journal. Dr. Pratap Reddy was elected chair of GAPIO while Dr Sanku Rao and Dr. Ramesh Mathur were elected vice chairs. Anwar Feroz and Haresh Kaneriya of Johnson and Johnson, New Jersey, are honorary healthcare advisers.

AJAY GHOSH