The Indian Panorama

Tag: GHS

  • AAPI’s Landmark Odisha Global Health Summit

    AAPI’s Landmark Odisha Global Health Summit

    Forging Partnerships, Celebrating Achievements, and Shaping the Future

    • Ajay Ghosh

    BHUBANESWAR (TIP): The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) organized its 19th annual Global Health Summit (GHS) from January 9–11, 2026, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which was attended by over 100 Physician leaders from the United States, along with nearly 500 participants from India.

    Organized for the first time in the state of Odisha under the leadership of AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, the Summit brought together leading physicians, researchers, educators, and public health experts from India and the United States, united in their mission to advance medical innovation, global partnerships, and community impact. Held across the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Mayfair Lagoon, and Swosti Premium, the summit showcased groundbreaking medical developments and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in India.

    Setting the Stage for Global Collaboration

    Dr. Amit Chakrabarty opened the summit by highlighting its transformative potential of the Summit: “Global Healthcare Summit 2026 reflects AAPI’s unwavering commitment to elevating global health standards. 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.”

    India’s Minister for Health, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, in a video message at GHS, commended AAPI’s role as a bridge between India and the United States: “AAPI stands as a powerful symbol of professional excellence, global leadership and dedicated service to humanity, representing over 100,000 Physicians of Indian origin practicing in the United States. Through sustained academic collaboration, knowledge exchange and capacity building, AAPI has significantly strengthened healthcare systems in both nations. Service beyond borders is the highest form of leadership.”

    Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, emphasized the university’s partnership with AAPI: “KIIT is one of India’s leading private universities, known for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impressive placement records.” He lauded AAPI, which represents over 100.000 Indian American physicians, playing a vital role as a bridge between India and the US through academic collaboration, research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.

    Welcoming AAPI delegates, Prof. R C Das, Dean and Principal of KIMS, said, “A hearty welcome to AAPI delegates to the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, which has redefined healthcare services in Odisha and neighboring states, anchored on a genuine desire to promote a healthy society and provide advanced medical care.”

    Others who addressed the audience during the inaugural ceremony were Prof. CBK Mohanty, Pro Vice Chancelor of KIMS; Dr. Atashu Nayak, President, Odisha Physicians of America; Dr. Ajit K Mohanty, Chair of GHS Host Committee.

    Rabi N. Samanta, Director of the GHS Host Committee, stated, “We are extremely happy to have the esteemed delegates of AAPI from the United States, join us here in Odisha with the objective of enhancing healthcare delivery in India.”

    During the gala on the first day of the GHS, AAPI recognized and honored Dr. Sita Kanta Dash for his contributions to society both in the USA and Odisha. Dr. Dash is the Chairman of Kalinga Hospital, a part-sponsor of this year’s GHS. Dr. Dosh rose from rural Odisha to global acclaim through education and innovation in the field of Probiotics.

    Dr. Santosh Dora, CEO of Kalinga Hospital, was also honored during the gala for his support in organizing the GHS.

    “Our community programs reflect AAPI’s heart. Beyond CMEs and conferences, we are committed to protecting and empowering the next generation,” emphasized Dr. Meher Medavaram, President-Elect of AAPI. “Our workshops and community collaboration are designed to strengthen frontline decision-making. These are the skills that save lives in the golden hour,”

    Clinical Excellence and Youth Empowerment

    Under the leadership of Dr. Chakrabarty, GHS prioritized youth engagement and medical education, drawing participants from both India and the United States. A diverse lineup of activities for medical students, residents, and early-career clinicians included poster presentations and hands-on skills workshops.

    Among the summit’s highlights, the AAPI-IMG Section Update provided a vital lifeline for international medical graduates. “We want to demystify the process for those seeking U.S. residencies—guidance on applications, interview strategies, and what to expect in a new healthcare system,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President of AAPI.

    “We aimed to create an inclusive and interactive learning environment, including the much sought after AAPI’s Poster Contest, where over 150 students could showcase their research, practice clinical skills, and network with global experts,” shared Dr. Priyanka Kolli, President of AAPI’s Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows section.

    “These workshops and mentoring sessions are investments in our collective future,” explained Dr. Abhishek Kashyap, co-coordinator of the student activities.

    The Scientific Forum featured high-impact CME sessions, addressing metabolic syndrome (Dr. Prasun K. Jalal), advances in hemoglobinopathy treatment (Dr. Arun Panigrahi), healthcare gaps in India (Dr. Lokesh Edara), and cervical cancer updates (Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nayak). The sessions on PSA Tightrope Balancing (Dr. Amit Chakrabarty), New Data and Techniques in Management of Carotid Stenosis (Dr. Uttam Tripati) and Navigating the Thin Red Line in The ED & ICU (Dr. Ajit Kayal).

    Live robotic and minimally invasive surgical demonstrations, broadcast live from the United States by internationally renowned experts exemplified advances in surgical technology. The session on “Cutting Edge Developments in Urology” was chaired by Dr. Ashok Hemal and was Co-Chaired by Dr. Amit Chakrabarty,

    A parallel breakout star studded session on Ayurveda Consortium was headed by Dr. Amit Shah and Dr. Arti Prasad, which featured luminaries, including Mr. Rajesh Kotecha (Secretary, Union Ministry, AYUSH, India) and Dr. Charles Elder, Executive Director, Maharishi International University.

    The session on Physician, Heal Thyself: Mental Health, Suicide Risk, and the Implementation of Prevention Programs, presented by Dr, Tarak Vasavada highlighted the very important concerns experienced by the medical fraternity around the world.

    A large-scale Mass CPR Training Event for students under the leadership of Dr. Vemury Murthy reinforced AAPI’s dedication to community empowerment.

    Artificial Intelligence and Emergency Care Innovation

    This Summit spotlighted Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, with a pioneering session on “AI in Global Medical Practices,” and was led by Dr. Suresh Reddy, and Dr. Inderpal Chhabra. Panelists, Kinjal Saxena (CTO, AIG), Dr. Vidhur Mahajan (CEO, CARPL.AI), Dr. Suvrankar Datta, and Dr. Priyaa Jain shared insights into the transformative role of AI.

    “AI is transforming medicine at a pace we’ve never seen before. AAPI is committed to ensuring that Indian and U.S. physicians lead this transformation with responsibility and vision,” said Dr. Seema Arora, Secretary of AAPI.

    The Resuscitation & Emergency Medical Care Workshop, led by Dr. Vemury Murthy and Dr. Anjali Gulati, covered the 2025 AHA Resuscitation Guidelines, sudden cardiac arrest research, and the National Emergency Life Support Program, with hands-on simulations and AI-based clinical case discussions.

    Dr. Krishan Kumar, President-Elect of AAPI noted, “A major objective of the GHS has been providing education on current trends in medicine, cutting edge technologies and on relevant policies. These discussions are not just academic, they are actionable. Our goal is to bring evidence‑based solutions to the forefront of India’s healthcare landscape.”

    Recognizing the dire need for an increased donor pool amongst people of Indian origin across the globe, the Stem Cell Donor Drive in the United States was launched in 2024, by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, the immediate past president of AAPI. This noble initiative achieved remarkable success under the leadership of Dr. Shahi Kuppala, Chair of the Stem Cell Drive.

    With the objective of enhancing the stem donor pool, Dr Chakrabarty launched the Stem Donor Drive during the Global Healthcare Summitt in Odisha, in collaboration with the Global Association of Indian Medical Students.

    “We received 238 Stem Donors who registrations at our Stem Donor Registry during the Global Healthcare Summit,” said Dr. Sashi Kuppala. “To put it in context, we would have had to do 20 drives to get those many registrations in the United States. Thanks to Dr. Amit Chakrabarthy, we successfully launched the project in India.”

    Dr. Chakrabarty expressed his “deep gratitude to the many AAPI members, and the students and staff at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, who have overwhelmingly supported and participated at AAPI’s Stem Cell Drive during the GHS in Orissa.

    Prof. R C Das, Dean and Principal of KIMS stressed the importance and urged the medical students at KIM to come forward and register for Stem Donorship. The students were then led to pledge and commit to encourage Stem Donorship among the patient population they are committed to serve.

    Parallel CME collaborative educational forum focused on TB elimination, led by Dr. Manoj Jain, and Dr. Smita Joshi: Diabetes and Obesity, led by Dr. Dibyajiban Mohapatra; and, Critical Care Skills, led by Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli and Dr Siddhatha Mishra.

    “GHS 2026 was truly memorable. The hosts were exceptional, setting a gold standard for collaboration and hospitality,” said Dr. Soumya Neravetla, Treasurer, AAPI. “This summit strengthened Indo-U.S. partnerships, inspired young clinicians, and advanced community impact.”

    Women’s Leadership and Community Initiatives

    The final day centered on women’s leadership in medicine, with the Women in Healthcare CME co-chaired by Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli, and Dr. Tapti Panda. Sessions addressed gender equity, leadership pathways, and the evolving role of women in global healthcare. “The Real and the Reel,” led by Dr. Priya Abraham (Director, ICMR–National Institute of Virology), celebrated the story behind India’s COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, with panelists Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri discussing the intersection of science and storytelling.

    “From Pitch to Policy” honored four visually challenged cricket champions from Odisha, members of India’s victorious women’s blind cricket team at the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Colombo.

    Other community health initiatives during the GHS included the launching of the first AAPI -HPV Vaccination Drive India at the MKCG Medical College, where 100 girls were vaccinated. Dr. Chakrabarty said, “The HPV Project by AAPI will continue for the next several years with the objective of vaccinating 5,000 girls.”

    Faculty from MKCG Medical College, including Dr. Bharati Mishra and Dr. Suchitra Das, expressed gratitude for AAPI’s flagship event and advocated continued collaboration in healthcare and mentoring. Dr. Chakrabarty expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his Alma Matter for hosting the AAPI delegation.

    In addition, during the GHS, AAPI launched the AAPI Child Welfare Initiative India, chaired by Dr Sunitha Pollepalli. AAPI will continue the efforts, where AAPI has adopted Four Orphanages and Schools for the Blind, donating blankets, clothes, and other essential equipment in Cuttack, Odisha.

    Describing GHS as “Truly an exceptional experience,” Dr Hetal Gor, AAPI BOT Chair, said, “Not only we interacted with local physicians, residents, & students, and judged poster presentations, but it was a spiritual and cultural experience, visiting several holy Temples and cultural sites.”

    The mesmerizing cultural spectacular on Jan 9th was performed by talented artists from the Orissa Dance Academy. On Jan 10th at the Rose Garden, KITT, led by Saswat Joshi, who has popularized Odisha’s Culture, Music, Dance and Handlooms across the globe, the GHS delegates were presented with live performances, depicting the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Odisha through captivating live dance and music performances.

    AAPI’s Vision Forward

    As GHS 2026 drew to a close, AAPI leadership reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Indo-U.S. medical collaboration. Dr. Chakrabarty summed up the summit’s spirit: “AAPI’s strength lies in our unity, our expertise, and our purpose. Together, we are shaping a healthier future for India and the world.” For further details, visit: www.summit.aapiusa.org

    (Report by Ajay Ghosh, Media Coordinator, AAPI, in consultation with Dr. Amit Chakrabarty)

  • AAPI’s 17thGlobal Healthcare Summit Announced During Curtain Raiser in Delhi

    AAPI’s 17thGlobal Healthcare Summit Announced During Curtain Raiser in Delhi

    NEW DELHI / NEW YORK (TIP): “After the highly successful Global Healthcare Summit in Visakhapatnam last weekend, I am happy to announce that the 17th annual Global Healthcare Summit will be held in New Delhi from January 2nd to 4th, 2024,” Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) announced here during a Curtain Raiser held at the prestigious Constitution Club in New Delhi on January 9th, 2023.

    Organized under the leadership of Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Women’s Forum Chair of AAPI, the kickoff event and press conference was attended by nearly 50 journalists from the nation’s capital and several leaders of APPI, who had come all the way from the United States to be part of this important ceremony. Prominent among those who attended the event included Dr. Seema Arora, past BOT Chair of AAPI, Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, vice chair of AAPI BOT, Dr. Gautam Samadder, past president of AAPI, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Dr. Raj Bhayani, and Dr. Joseph Chalil. Dr. Sampat Shivangi, Chair of AAPI’s Legislative Chair joined the meeting through a message of felicitation sent to the media and AAPI leadership.

    In her address, Dr. Anjana Samadder said, the theme for the next global healthcare summit will be “Maa Bachao,” meaning, protecting the mother, which will be a great way to strengthen families and humanity as a whole.

    Dr. Sushi Singh, chief guest at the event said, saving the mother and giving her due respect and honor is essential today more than ever. She pointed to the high infant mortality rate in India and urged all sections of society to work together to save girl children.

    Shri Karthikeyan, a decorated former IPS Officer, in his keynote address,  shared of the many sacrifices and contributions by the fraternity of doctors, and lauded them for their services to humanity, especially during the covid pandemic. He shared with the audience his personal experiences working with the most vulnerable people across society and urged everyone to work compassionately towards the poor and help uplift their lives.

    At the Delhi Press conference. From L to R: Dr. Anjana Samadder, Shri Karthikeyan, Dr. Sushi Singh , Dr. Udaya Shivangi

    In a message, Dr. Ravi Kolli, president of AAPI said, “The Global Healthcare Summit held annually in India across several states, has become a major contributing factor, where Indian American Doctors focus on various programs and policies in their efforts to make a huge difference in the delivery of healthcare in India.”
    “Coming from a nation that has given us so much, today Physicians of Indian origin have become a powerful influence in healthcare across the world,” said Dr. Shivangi.  “Nowhere in the world is their authority more keenly felt than in the United States. The overrepresentation of Indians in the field of medicine is striking – in practical terms, one out of seven doctors in the United States is of Indian Heritage. We provide medical care to over 40 million of the US population.”

    During an interactive session with the media persons who had filled the meeting venue, the leaders of AAPI shared with them of the numerous initiatives taken up by AAPI during the course of the past four decades in India as well as in the United States.

    “We the physicians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, our adopted land, the US, and in a very significant way to the transformation of Indo-US relations and help India to have a cost-effective, efficient and advanced healthcare delivery benefitting India’s 1.4 billion people,” they pointed out.

    The Global Health Summit held annually in India has been a major contributing factor by Indian American Doctors, focusing on various programs and policies, and making a difference in the delivery of healthcare in India.

    In addition to educational seminars/workshops on current topics, the GHS includes a well-organized CEO forum with a panel of eminent healthcare leaders from the US and India, reinforcing the need for preventive care rather than disease management, to control the non-communicable diseases which are the biggest silent killers.

    Areas of ongoing skill training, investment in infrastructure, modernizing healthcare delivery, and private-public collaboration specific to each state in the healthcare sector are discussed and specific plans laid out, which are sent in a White Paper report for follow up in the coming months.

    Over the past 17 years and beyond, AAPI leadership has been able to establish Collaboration and multiple medical organizations – ACP – FSMB – ECFMG – NMC (India) – IMA (India) – GAPIO – UNICEF – Red Cross Society – CWC – Lifestyle Medicine – MDTok – Apollo Groups, only to name a few. These connections and collaborations are vital for us to stay connected and make a powerful impact on our communities.

    Through AAPI’s charitable activities with service to our motherland as the motto, AAPI has several programs in India and the United States.  Despite the Covid challenges of Delta and Omicron waves, in spite of limited resources, AAPI blood donation drives were done in several cities with several of them organizing multiple events.

    Journalists at the press conference

    Among several other initiatives, AAPI’s “Adopt a village” Rural Preventive Healthcare Screening Initiative in India, where free health screening camps with free physician consultations were done in several Indian rural villages in the middle of Covid pandemic.

    Continuing the efforts towards the Covid-19 Fund – Post-Covid Relief Activities, AAPI has raised over $5 million during the delta wave in India. The ongoing Covid-19 relief work in India is in progress, donating lifesaving equipment to support critically ill patients – Biochemical Analyzers, Ventilators, Oxygen Flow Meters, and Oxygen Plants. The funds will continue to support Covid patients in rural hospitals. Since its inception 40 years ago, AAPI has served as a link to foster stronger US-India relations and has been lauded by the governments of both nations for their great achievements and contributions.

    “We urge you to be part of this event in January 2024 and help create awareness and reach our services to the neediest in India and the United States,” said Dr. Anjana Samadder. For more details about AAPI and its many noble initiatives, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

  • AAPI Organizes Cervical Cancer Vaccine Camp in Hyderabad

    AAPI Organizes Cervical Cancer Vaccine Camp in Hyderabad

    HYDERABAD/CHICAGO (TIP): “We at AAPI, in keeping with our efforts and initiatives to educate, create awareness and provide support on disease prevention, I am pleased to announce that API organized a Cervical Cancer Vaccine Camp On January 9th at Tanvir Hospital in Hyderabad as part of the ongoing APPI’s 15th annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2022 being held at the Hotel Avasa in Hyderabad, India,” Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) said here today. “I am grateful to Dr. Meeta Singh and Dr. Naunihal Singh, who led the Vaccination camp in Hyderabad,” she added.

    The Global Healthcare Summit 2002 was inaugurated on Jan 5th at Hotel Avasa in Hyderabad by Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu. In his address, delivered virtually he said, ““With numerous initiatives, AAPI has come a long way since its inception and has proved to be beneficial not only to Indian-origin American Physicians, but to Indian healthcare as well,” Mr. Naidu observed. He urged the medical fraternity and told them: “As you seek excellence in human health and well-being, do not forget the power of a kind human touch when treating your patients.” The Vice President complimented AAPI for its services in India – for raising $5 million during the second wave of the pandemic, for its ‘Adopt a Village’ program among its other initiatives.

    The Vice President of India noted that “AAPI, founded in 1982, is one of the largest groups that represent the interests of more than 80,000 practicing Indian-origin physicians in the United States and 40,000 medical students, residents and fellows of Indian origin.”

    Usually, cervical cancer develops slowly over time, and another powerful preventive measure is Pap test screening, a procedure during which cells are collected from the surface of the cervix and examined. The Pap test can both detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment outcomes tend to be better, and detect precancerous abnormalities, which can then be treated to prevent them from developing into cancers.

    “January is #CervicalCancer Awareness Month! In coordination with the local organizers of the GHS, AAPI donated the funds for the HPV Vaccination, a total of 200 doses of the vaccine for 100 children from the state of Telangana on January 9th,” said Dr. Meher Medavaram, an organizer of the program. “AAPI’s this new initiative through education and awareness programs, is aimed at helping save millions of lives in India,” she added.

    “GHS 2022, which has initiated several new programs benefitting India, has become an effective forum to educate and create awareness about these deadly diseases that are preventable,” Dr. Udhaya Shivangi, Chair of AAPI GHS 2022 said. “If vaccination programs are effectively implemented, approximately 90 percent of invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide could be prevented, in addition to the majority of precancerous lesions.”

    Patients being examined at the camp.

    Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect of AAPI, said, “Our theme for GHS 2022 is: ‘Prevention Better than Cure.’ Cervical Cancer is preventable through Vaccination and Early Pap smears and cervical examinations. Justifiably so, one of our preventive campaign goals this year is to provide education and prevention of Cervical Cancer in India.”

    While elaborating the objectives of the Summit, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI, said, “In addition to Cervical cancer, GHS 2022 has provided education on: Chronic diseases which can be prevented- notably diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, COPD, oncology, maternal and infant mortality, lifestyle changes, geriatrics, management of neurological emergencies, ENLS, a certification course”. Dr. Krishan Kumar, Treasurer of AAPI said, “Through Continuing Medical Education and non-CME seminars by experts in their fields, AAPI provides comprehensive and current reviews and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of various disease states to reduce morbidity and mortality and achieve cost effective quality care outcomes.” According to The American Cancer Society, Cervical Cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. Cervical cancer is among a number of cancers that can be caused by infections with pathogens – bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

    Cervical cancer could be the first cancer EVER in the world to be eliminated, if: 90 % of girls are vaccinated; 70% of women are screened; and, 90% of women with cervical disease receive treatment.

    Once a leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Today, screening and prevention have greatly reduced the impact of this form of cancer. Increasing screening and prevention are key components of the effort to eradicate cervical cancer. Since almost all cases of the disease are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaccines that protect against the virus could prevent the vast majority of cases. Moreover, regular Pap tests can catch – and lead to treatment of – the disease at the precancerous stage.

    There are several AAPI leaders who have worked hard to make the GHS a memorable event, said Dr. Gotimukula. “Among them, I want to recognize Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, US Coordinator, Dr. Dwarkananda Reddy, GHS Indian Coordinator; Dr. Lokesh Edara, Chair Global Medical Education; Dr. Prabhakar Sharma, CME Chair, Dr. Prabhat Sinha, Chair Sponsorships and Exhibits, Dr. Seema Arora, Chair of Women’s Forum; Dr. Joseph M. Chalil, Chair of CEO Forum; Dr. Belani Kumar, Chair of the Medical Students Research Poster presentations; Dr. Lakshmi Thirunagari and Coordinators of Medical Jeopardy. Expressing confidence, Dr. Gotimukula, the 4th ever Woman President in the four decades long history of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States, said, “Together we can all bring the awareness in the community to prevent Cervical Cancer in India which is 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in women!” For more information, please visit www.aapiusa.org/ https://summit.aapiusa.org