Indian-American doctors to host health summit in Mumbai

A leading body of Indian-American physicians plans to hold its 9th annual Global Healthcare Summit aimed at bringing accessible, affordable and quality world-class healthcare to India in Mumbai from Jan 2-4.

The Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), one of the largest ethnic professional bodies, is organizing the summit at Trident Oberoi Hotel in collaboration with the Indian Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Overseas Indian Affairs.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), Indian Surgical Association and several other national and international organizations are also collaborating in the venture, according to an AAPI media release.

The summit, which is expected to have participation from some of the world's most well-known physicians and industry leaders, will focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and share ways to truly improve healthcare transcending global boundaries.

"The coming together of so many of us today is to share our responsibility to the entire community, and help to give support and comfort particularly in the time of despair," said AAPI president Ravi Jahagirdar.

An AAPI Team is on its way to Mumbai to coordinate efforts with local organizers to deliver outstanding programmes geared towards enhancing skills, providing training and enabling exchange of ideas and best practices between leading international experts.

"AAPI USA has been engaged in harnessing the power of Indian diaspora to bring the most innovative, efficient, cost effective healthcare solutions to India," said Seema Jain, President-Elect of AAPI.

"We are refocusing our mission and vision of GHS2015 to make a positive and meaningful impact on the healthcare in India," she said.

"For the first time, clinical practice workshops and Research Competition will be held at this summit."

"As part of the CEO Forum in Mumbai, CEOs from around the world from hospitals, teaching institutions and major healthcare sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices and technology, will join to explore potential opportunities for collaboration," Dr. Naresh Parikh, treasurer of AAPI said.

"This international health care summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI USA in 2007," said Dr Ajeet Singhvi, chairman, AAPI board of trustees.

Since then, AAPI has organized seven Indo-US/Global Healthcare Summits and developed strategic alliances with various organizations.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)