Pics by: Jeevan Dcosta

Daijiworld Media Network – Manipal (JD)

Udupi, Jan 5: The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) - Manipal Global Health Summit was inaugurated on January 5 at Manipal. The conference is organized in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Over 100 AAPI USA physicians, predominantly alumni of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Mangalore, convened to discuss. The summit featured CME lectures, a CEO forum, and a women’s forum, highlighting India's dedication to healthcare progress and innovation.

Dr HS Ballal, pro chancellor – MAHE Manipal addressing the gathering on the occasion said, “We are delighted to organize this summit herein Manipal. The summit has chosen the ‘Future of Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence’ topic to discuss. Change is constant and we have to update ourselves for the global changes. The Manipal education and healthcare was established by our Founder Dr T M A Pai with an aim to provide quality and affordable healthcare for the rural people. Indian demography consists of 70% in the rural areas. Rural education and healthcare facilities in the rural areas are of prime importance. There is a need to bring these rural people to the mainstream to be provided with good education and healthcare facilities. AAPI is taking a lot of interest in this regard. Dr TMA Pai started an academy of general education to provide skill-based training for the SSLC failed students. Now in present times the new education policy 2020 is also aiming at the same. T M A Pai established the first self-financing medical college in Manipal under PPP model in 1950’s today the government is initiating the setting up of medical colleges in every district on the same principle".

A lifetime achievement award was presented to Dr Ramdas M Pai, chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, on his behalf the award was received by Vasathi R Pai, the first lady of Manipal and Dr Ranjan R Pai, president, Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

Dr Aarathi Krishna, deputy chairman NRI forum government of Karnataka on inaugurating the summit said, “AAPI has done a lot of work in growing medical practices. Karnataka is in the forefront of cutting-edge technology and medical sphere. It is a hub for healthcare and especially tech-based healthcare facilities. Karnataka emphasizes on research and conventions. Several healthcare companies and start-ups involved in healthcare are coming up in the state. The state is an emerging leader in healthcare. We have initiated a QR code based patient registration system in government hospitals. Health technology lab is coming up in the state. AAPI is a powerful and influential organization. It has also contributed immensely for the bilateral relations between India and USA. We are in process to setup a separate dedicated ministry for NRI’s.”

Lieutenant general Dr M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor MAHE Dr Anjana Samaddar, president AAPI Sampat Shivangi, chair AAPI global health summit was present on the occasion.

Komal Jenifer D’Souza compered the programme.