AAPI Global Healthcare Summit focuses on cancer and heart attack prevention 

The just concluded AAPI Global Healthcare Summit (GHS 2024) focused on preventing cancer and heart attacks through lifestyle modifications and technology with such chronic diseases continuing to pose significant health threats.

Dozens of physician leaders of Indian origin joined the Oct 19-20 summit, organised by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi to create awareness and establish effective systems on the need for ways to prevent diseases and help India’s 1.4 billion people live healthier lives, according to an AAPI release.

“AAPI has been engaged in harnessing the power of Indian Diaspora to bring the most innovative, efficient, cost-effective healthcare and preventable solutions to India,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, AAPI President,  in his inaugural address.

“This international health care summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI USA in 2007,” he said. “With the changing trends and statistics in healthcare, both in India and US, we are refocusing our mission and vision of GHS 2024, AAPI would like to make a positive meaningful impact on the healthcare in India,” Dr. Kathula said.

Indian Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda in a video address on national prevention strategies acknowledged that the world is staring at two most critical health challenges, cancer and cardiac diseases.

READ: AAPI to host first ever World Congress of Physicians (May 1, 2024)

“With aging population, changes in lifestyle and increasing urbanization, the incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart attacks, are on the rise,” he said.“Through the national program for prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke program, we are providing a framework for individuals across the country who access health education screenings and support services aimed at prevention and early detection.”

“We all know that AAPI has been playing a key role in the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of medicine between India and the US today,” Nadda said.“Together, we can harness the power of innovation and lifestyle modification to safety, frequently, reduce the burden of cancer and heart diseases, not only in India but across the globe.”

The CME sessions by eminent physicians from India and abroad offered a unique perspectives on prevention strategies for cancer and heart attacks.

Dr. Kathula also announced the introduction of the Fellowship of AAPI (FAAPI), for doctors as also healthcare administrators who have made substantial contributions in their respective fields.

In India, for the inaugural year, three eminent physicians and administrators — Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Bhasnji Kundaria, and Dr. Raman Kumar — were honored with this prestigious award.

Over 300 physicians and surgeons from abroad besides hundreds of physicians from India, who are very passionate about serving their homeland, attended the summit, according to Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair of AAPI BOT.

“GHS 2024 offered a unique forum for physicians of Indian origin to come together, share their knowledge and expertise in their respective medical fields with their fellow physicians from around the world, and to learn from one another,” said Dr. Anjali Gulati, Convener of GHS 2024.

Poster and Research Contest by over 70 medical students and Fellows from across the nation added value to the event with the new generation of Indian medical students showcasing their talents, skills and commitment to medical education, according to the release.

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President-Elect of AAPI says, “AAPI has a mandate to help disseminate our medical knowledge, our expertise and technological advances to the rest of the world, and to India in particular.”

Dr. Manoj Jain will lead an AAPI initiative for having a TB Free Tribal India as suggested by President of India, Draupadi Murmu, according to Dr. Chakrabarty. The Diabetes related efforts are being led by Dr. Smitha Joshi. The Ayurveda Consortium is being led by Dr. Amit Shah, Dr. Artin Prasad, and Dr. Dilip Sarkar.

Dr. Chakrabarty invited AAPI members to participate at the 19th edition of AAPI’s Global Healthcare Summit with focus on Tuberculosis, Ayurveda, and Diabetes, in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa from January 9-11, 2026.