Udaipur, India: December 30, 2016: The ground breaking 10th annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2016 organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) concluded here on Friday, December 30th, with identifying tangible ways to develop more efficient and cost effective healthcare delivery in India, and secured commitments to invest in the state of Rajasthan by Physicians of Indian origin.
While welcoming the nearly 500 delegates from the US, India and abroad to the GHS 2016 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Udaipur, Dr. Ajay Lodha, President of AAPI, gave a brief introduction into the making of the Global Healthcare Summit. “Global Healthcare Summit held annually in India across the states in partnership with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and Medical Council of India (MCI), with the cooperation from the Ministry of Health and Overseas Indian Affairs, has come to be recognized for the many initiatives it has given birth to and the numerous joint recommendations of the standard of care for major diseases affecting the people of India,” he said.
“Let us develop a structural relationship between AAPI and the government of India,” Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, India’s Minister for Health, told the hundreds of international delegates, while inaugurating the GHS 2016 at the American International Institute of Medical Sciences in Udaipur, India by lighting the traditional lamp.
The Summit was packed with seminars, workshops and symposiums on modern research and topics. The scientific program of GHS 2016 was developed by leading experts with the contributions of a stellar Scientific Advisory Board and International Scientific Committee, said, Dr. Gautam Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI.
The GHS offered educational and training programs on areas that need special attention, including high priority areas such as Cardiology, Maternal & Child Health, Diabetes, Oncology, Surgery, Mental Health, HIT, Allergy, Immunology & Lung Health and Gastroenterology, Transplant and impact of comorbidities, and AYUSH by world leaders in the field of medicine, said Dr. Naresh Parikh, Vice President of AAPI.
The Conference in collaboration with several professional associations from all over the world, accredited from Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education for 12 hours of credits will be applied for, Dr. Manju Sachdev, Treasurer of AAPI, reported.
GHS 2016, a three-day event began on December 28th by Hon. Minister for Health, Rajasthan, Shri Kali Charanji Saraf with inauguration of the first ever international Research & Poster Contest, which had a record 294 participants from across the world competing for cash prizes and recognition.
“For the very first time, we are doing an international Research Project in India as part of the Global Healthcare Summit,” Dr. Ajay Lodha, president of AAPI, said. said. “Encouraging young medical researchers of Indian Origin, AAPI has organized a first ever AAPI International Research Competition in collaboration with Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, RNT Medical College, Udaipur and AIIMS Delhi,” Dr. Lodha added.
The Research Paper Competition was conducted under five categories: Clinical Sciences and Patient Based Research; Basic Science/translational research; Innovations in Healthcare; Hospital and Healthcare Management; and AYUSH, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Secretary of AAPI, said.
“I am willing to invest two hundred crore Rupees in Rajasthan,” Dr. Kiran Patel declared at the prestigious CEO Forum and Leadership Meeting. With additional investments from the banks, Dr. Patel said, the total investment could be upto Rs. 1,000 crores in the state of Rajasthan. With the state requiring more trained personnel to support the growing healthcare needs, he is willing to establish a Medical College in Rajasthan.
The CEO Forum was represented by CEOs of major hospitals, teaching institutions and healthcare sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices and technology from around the world, exploring potential opportunities for collaboration. More than 50 opinion leaders and expert speakers drawn from major centers of excellence, institutions and professional associations from across the globe addressed the delegates at the Summit.
Healthcare CEO’s shared their experiences and best practices generating a white paper for recommendation to MOH and GOI for broader implementation. Areas of ongoing skill training, investment in infrastructure, modernizing healthcare delivery, and private-public collaboration specific to the state of Rajasthan in the healthcare sector were discussed and specific plans were laid, which will be sent in a White Paper report for follow up in the coming months.
“Man has muscle but woman has heart. I can be anything that a man can be, but a man cannot a mother.” Kiran Bedi, Lt. Governor of Puducherry, told AAPI delegates at the prestigious Women’s Forum, which had a galaxy of successful women, who shared with the delegates their own stories of growing up and facing challenges with conviction and courage, and have today become role models for other women around the world.
Sonal Kalra, Chief Editor of Hindustan Times, Entertainment Magazine, moderated the Forum. Dr. Madhu Aggarwal, AAPI’s BOT Chair, shared of her experiences growing up in a family with her three sisters, all of them, having worked hard and have been able to become Physicians. “My parents insisted on the need for education and that paid off.”
Hon. Home Minister, Rajasthan, Shri Gulab Chandji Kataria applauded the achievements and contributions of Indian American physicians in the healthcare field in the United States and for their love for their motherland, which has made them come back to make a positive difference in the healthcare delivery system in India.
Hon. Minister for Health, Rajasthan, Shri Kali Charanji Saraf, presented an overview of the healthcare needs of the state and suggested ways AAPI could collaborate with the government of Rajasthan. “I pledge my support and commit myself towards the achievement of AAPI’s worthy goals. I am quite certain that with your expertise and the skills that you possess we shall be able to achieve many goals that we have set forth.”
A welcome reception and a scintillating cultural program with Gulabo and International, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the state of Rajasthan was a treat to the hearts and souls of all delegates. The cultural events by talented artists displayed elegantly how the culture of the times embodying the essence of art and culture of their respective times in history.
Dr. Ajay Lodha said, “The past Summits have helped develop strategic alliances with various organizations. It is these learning and relationships that have now enabled us to plan ahead and prepare for this outstanding event that has already received confirmation from very passionate Indian Americans who are very passionate about serving their homeland, Mother India.”
Dr. Gautam Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI, while proposing vote of thanks, stated that “AAPI is taking on the many challenging issues and will work together and do all that we can to make healthcare delivery more efficient, affordable and modern in India.” He urged all AAPI members and guests to be part of the next Global Healthcare Summit to be held in Kolkotta from January 1st to 4th, 2018. For additional information on AAPI and its Global Healthcare Summit, please visit: www.aapiusa.org; www.aapighsindia.org
