With a view to bring together the vast media diaspora to work towards improving the healthcare delivery across the world, the physicians of Indian origin from across the globe have come together to float a platform named the ‘Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO)’.

The organisation formally held its first meeting in Delhi on January 5 and made a commitment to improve the healthcare worldwide with active contribution. The meeting was addressed by the office-bearers 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 has been formed.

“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,’’ said Dr Reddy.

There is a vast number of physicians working globally and having 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.

The society would work towards providing a platform to empower the members 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

The association is also holding a conference with the participation from 150 key opinion leaders from across the world where various issues would be discussed spread across nine sessions ranging from research, education, and healthcare policy to application of health information technology and global health.