The AAPI Health Summit 2026 in Bhubaneswar highlighted Indo-U.S. collaboration to enhance healthcare services in India through innovative initiatives and community engagement.
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) hosted its Global Health Summit (GHS) 2026 from January 9 to 11 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The three-day event showcased groundbreaking medical advancements, collaborative research, and community-focused initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare services in India.
Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, president of AAPI, described the summit as a pivotal moment for the Indo-U.S. relationship in medical collaboration. “GHS 2026 reflects AAPI’s unwavering commitment to elevating global health standards,” he stated. “When experts from two of the world’s most dynamic healthcare systems come together, the impact extends far beyond conference halls—it reaches communities, hospitals, and future generations.”
Chakrabarty emphasized that AAPI’s collective expertise and shared purpose would continue to guide efforts to enhance health systems and expand access to quality care. He noted that partnerships forged during the summit are expected to shape future initiatives benefiting patients in India, the United States, and beyond.
Indian Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda praised AAPI’s role in advancing healthcare delivery and education in both countries through a video message. He described the organization as a bridge between India and the United States, representing over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin practicing in the U.S.
Nadda highlighted AAPI’s contributions to public health, research, and training, noting that its work reflects a commitment to global service rooted in the philosophy of “vasudhava kutumba,” which means the world is one family.
The summit took place at various venues, including the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KITT), Mayfair Lagoon, and Swosti Premium. It featured leaders from Odisha’s academic and medical institutions, with KIMS officials discussing efforts to expand advanced care and medical education across eastern India.
During the opening gala, AAPI honored physicians Dr. Sita Kanta Dash and Dr. Santosh Dora for their contributions to community health and social service. The summit effectively blended continuing medical education with public engagement and hands-on training, beginning each day with yoga and meditation sessions led by Dr. Amit Shah and Dr. Arti Prasad, highlighting the growing role of integrative wellness in clinical practice.
Scientific forums addressed pressing health issues, including noncommunicable diseases, cancer prevention, advocacy, and emerging treatment strategies relevant to India’s health challenges. Advanced surgical techniques were showcased through live demonstrations of robotic and minimally invasive procedures transmitted between venues.
Parallel sessions focused on various topics, including Ayurveda, issues faced by international medical graduates, suicide prevention, and skill-building workshops for students. A mass CPR training program for students underscored AAPI’s emphasis on community preparedness and early intervention.
Technology and innovation took center stage on the second day, with discussions on the applications of artificial intelligence in medicine. Speakers explored topics ranging from radiology and patient education to the ethical challenges and future governance of AI-driven care.
Emergency medicine workshops provided updates on resuscitation guidelines, cardiac arrest research, and simulation-based training designed to strengthen frontline response. Additional sessions examined strategies for tuberculosis elimination, diabetes and obesity management, and rapid decision-making in emergency rooms and intensive care units.
Organizers noted that the practical focus of these workshops aimed to translate knowledge into measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
The final day of the summit emphasized women’s leadership and youth engagement, co-chaired by Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli, Dr. Bharati Misra, and Dr. Tapti Panda. Panels addressed gender equity in medicine, leadership development, and mentorship pathways. A featured session examined India’s Covid-19 vaccine journey, bringing together scientists and filmmakers to discuss the convergence of research, innovation, and storytelling during the pandemic.
The program also spotlighted inclusive health advocacy, featuring a session honoring visually impaired women cricketers from Odisha who contributed to India’s victory in the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025. Organizers stated that this recognition underscored the potential of sports and policy advocacy to advance disability health reform.
Community-focused initiatives were woven throughout the summit, including stem cell donor registration drives, HPV awareness and vaccination programs, and child welfare efforts. Cultural performances celebrating Odisha’s artistic traditions concluded the evenings, reinforcing the summit’s emphasis on connecting medicine with community and culture.
Overall, the AAPI Health Summit 2026 served as a significant platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in healthcare, with lasting implications for both India and the United States, according to The American Bazaar.