Antigua/India: The Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), a non-profit organization, founded by Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Sanku Rao, Past President of AAPI and Dr. Ramesh Mehta, President of BAPIO organized its 9th Mid-Year Conference in collaboration with the American University of Antigua (AUA) and Antigua Medical Association (AMA) in Antigua.
His Excellency Mr V Mahalingam, High Commissioner to Antigua Guyana was the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony. The High Commissioner complimented the physicians of Indian origin for their contribution in enhancing the level of healthcare in several countries.
Sir Vivian Richards was the Chief Guest at the evening gala. Welcoming all the delegates to the land of the Sun and Sea, Antigua, Sir Vivian Richards highlighted the importance of discipline, exercise and right diet to promote good health.
Mr. Neal Simon, the President of American University of Antigua (AUA), ), Dr. Ramesh Mehta, President, GAPIO, Dr. Anupam Sibal, Vice President, GAPIO, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Joint Secretary of GAPIO and Dr. Sanku Rao, Past President of GAPIO, Mr. Vernon Solomon, Vice President AUA, Dr. Par Prem Kumar, Associate Director AUA for Special Projects and Dr. Alafea Stevens Secretary and Treasurer of the Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda were present.
Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder President GAPIO said, “Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a global pandemic, claiming 63% of all deaths. Globally, the NCD burden is set to increase significantly in the next ten years. GAPIO is focusing on prevention and early detection of NCDs and will enhance efforts to control NCDs”.
Dr. Ramesh Mehta, President of GAPIO added, “The scientific sessions on recent developments and advances in Cardiology, Metabolic Syndrome like Obesity and Diabetes were highly appreciated by the delegates”.
Dr. Anupam Sibal, Vice President of GAPIO and Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals Group said “GAPIO is the platform that brings together physicians of Indian origin from different countries. Indian doctors are recognized globally for their contribution to medicine. The high calibre of the presentations was reflective of this expertise”.
Dr. Nandakumar Jairam, Secretary General, GAPIO and Chairman, CEO & GMD, Columbia Asia hospitals, India Pvt Ltd, said, “GAPIO has organized 16 soft skills enhancement training workshops under Leadership Development Programs across India. Clinical Knowledge development program will be launched on 1st July 2019 at New Delhi”.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Joint Secretary of GAPIO and Chairman, Parikh World Wide Media, and ITV Gold highlighted “GAPIO now has representation from 34 countries. In the coming year, plans will be created to expand the presence of GAPIO. Social media will be used effectively to break geographical barriers. A resource centre is being created.”
About Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO)
Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) is a non-profit organization, founded by Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Sanku Rao and Dr. Ramesh Mehta in January 2011 to bring together 1.4 million physicians of Indian origin in the world on one professional platform. This substantial workforce of physicians is a valuable resource, which can help to mobilize significant developments in the healthcare globally. GAPIO has representation from 34 countries.
GAPIO is dedicated towards its vision, Improving Health Worldwide, by organizing various community service projects in different parts of the country. These community service projects are held to provide free basic healthcare to poor, needy and deserving and include health check-up camps and charitable clinics, free vision screening, free medicines, and free surgeries.
GAPIO has assisted in creation of a web portal ”swaasthindia.gov.in” in collaboration with MOH Government of India, BAPIO and AAPI.
There is a big pool of distinguished doctors in multiple specialties and super-specialties, who are GAPIO members working at renowned and reputed institutions overseas as well as in India. GAPIO also has more than 20 BC Roy awardees as members. Many GAPIO members are Padma awardees.
GAPIO has a vision to train the medical fraternity to become effective leaders and conducts various Leadership Development programs including Soft Skills Training Workshops and Clinical Knowledge Development programs to enhance clinical knowledge of young medicos
The GAPIO resource centre is being created an online resource centre with recorded videos that can be watched by doctors from the comfort of their homes. Live webinars will also made available to doctors in India and overseas.
GAPIO enables mentors to guide the mentees about career adoption in a foreign country.
