With an endeavour to bring together physicians of Indian Origin from across the globe together on one platform, the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) today organized its inaugural press conference, with a vision to improving healthcare worldwide.

The conference was addressed by the Executive Committee of GAPIO including Dr Prathap C Reddy, President of the society (Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group), Dr Sanku Rao, Vice President (Consultant Gastroenterologist, USA), Dr Ramesh Mehta, Secretary General (Consultant Paediatrician, UK) along with other renowned names from Indian and global healthcare.

It is estimated that there are 1.2 million Physicians of Indian Origin working not only in India, but also, in most of the countries around the world. This strong diaspora of Indian doctors need a common professional platform. There is a need for greater visibility and cohesion of these Physicians. It is with these objectives that the society, Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) has been formed.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Prathap C Reddy, President, GAPIO, said, “Envisioned as an association by the Indian medical diaspora, of the medical diaspora, for the cause of global healthcare, GAPIO has the vision of improving health globally. A Google search for ‘Indian Doctor’ yields 35.7 million results in 0.1 seconds. ‘Indian Doctor’ today, stands tall. It is time for the Indian doctor to influence not only the health of individuals and communities but, global health.

Breakout sessions:
— Research – Global importance in health care,
— Education – International alliance and standards
— Healthcare Policy and Public health in India,
— UN MDG and Global Health (Women and Child Health, HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases)
— Role of medical students, Residents and Young Physicians
— Application of Health Information Technology
— Mental Health Project and Best Practices
— Quality Improvement and patient safety
— Therapeutic Interchange (Surgery, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease)

There is a plethora of Physicians of Indian Origin working globally who have their roots in India. Their combined intellectual and technical strength can also be a vital force in the development of the Indian healthcare sector. “Indian physicians both in India and abroad excel in their fields and have a passion to provide quality care. GAPIO will bring their collective power on one platform to help shape healthcare in underserved areas and work towards quality healthcare for all, especially in India,” said Dr Sanku Rao – Vice President, GAPIO.

The society would work towards providing a platform to empower Physicians of Indian Origin to achieve highest international standards and act towards engaging with policy makers in order to highlight the challenges faced in the healthcare system not only in India but across the globe. “Physicians of Indian origin have made significant contributions to healthcare systems worldwide. GAPIO will serve as a forum and an advocate for these clinicians to mobilise their collective experience and expertise to help address global health issues with focus on India; assisting development of quality health care with affordable access for all,” said Dr Ramesh Mehta – Secretary General, GAPIO.

The conference foresees participation from 150 key opinion leaders from across the world where various issues would be discussed spread across 9 breakout sessions ranging from Research, Education, and Healthcare Policy to Application of Health Information Technology and Global Health. The expert panellists of each breakout session would discuss the major achievements and challenges in the healthcare sector and the way forward.

About Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO)

— To participate in global health agendas by liaising with organizations in the public,  private and voluntary sectors.

— To promote initiatives that empowers individual physician.

— To liaise with appropriate statutory and registering bodies internationally.

— To promote greater understanding of challenges faced in addressing a range of healthcare issues.

— To actively contribute towards medical education, training and research.

— To encourage its members to support social and cultural organizations.

— To offer support and encouragement to statutory and non-statutory institutions.