President lauds professionalism, reputation of Indian Origin doctors working in US

New Delhi: The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 12th Global Healthcare Summit organized by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin in Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, the President acknowledged the professionalism and excellent reputation of doctors of Indian origin in the US.

"The professionalism and goodwill of Indian doctors in America has won them – won you, I should say – a well-deserved reputation. In fact, it has occasionally led to diplomatic gains for India for which your Association must be appreciated," he said

He said India and the US shared complementarities in the pharmaceutical field – in clinical research, drug discovery and manufacture. He said that both countries can work together to address common challenges posed by lifestyle diseases.

" In this regard, I am happy to note that your Association has collaborated with the Ministry of Health, Government of India, with state governments and with several medical and academic institutions to take forward the agenda of public health. AAPI and its members have helped in addressing diabetes, taking on the challenge of TB, development of management guide-lines for brain injuries, and rural health-care, among other themes," he told the AAPI members present

" I often liken public health and its provision to a perfect triangle of quality, cost and access. It is critical to get all three in place – for all must work together. There is no point having quality medicines and state-of the-art medical innovation if these are not affordable and available to those who need them most. Similarly, lowering prices is important but not at the cost of quality. Disease does not discriminate, and the practice of medicine and health-care must not discriminate either." he added

The President said that the goal of ‘Health for All’ must be integral to our programmes and policies. He noted the several initiatives of the Government of India, which he said were intended to make healthcare in the country more holistic and affordable for all citizens of the country.

Earlier in the day, the President addressed The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, which is celebrating its centenary. The President said that Yoga belongs to entire humanity and should not be associated with a specific community. Yoga is a means to living a healthy life. The President said that due to the initiatives were taken by India, the global community is showing enhanced interest in Yoga. He said that Yoga is an extremely important example of India’s soft power.