By Keerthi Ramesh
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI)’s Global Health Summit (GHS) 2026 showcased cutting-edge medical advancements, collaborative research, and community focused initiatives aimed at strengthening the healthcare services in India.
The Jan. 9-11 event in Bhubaneswar, Odisha brought together leading physicians, researchers, educators, and public health experts from around the world.
AAPI president Dr. Amit Chakrabarty described the summit as a defining moment for the Indo-U.S relationship in terms of medical collaboration, according to an AAPI release.
“GHS 2026 reflects AAPI’s unwavering commitment to elevating global health standards,” he said. “When experts from two of the world’s most dynamic healthcare systems come together, the impact extends far beyond conference halls—it reaches communities, hospitals, and future generations.”
Chakrabarty said AAPI’s collective expertise and shared purpose would continue to guide efforts to improve health systems and expand access to quality care. Partnerships forged during the summit are expected to shape future initiatives benefiting patients in India, the United States and beyond, he said.
Indian Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda praised AAPI’s role in advancing health care delivery and education in both countries through a video message.
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He described the organization as a bridge between India and the United States, representing more than 100,000 physicians of Indian origin practicing in the U.S.
Nadda highlighted AAPI’s contributions to public health, research and training, noting that its work reflects a commitment to global service rooted in the philosophy, “vasudhava kutumba” that the world is one family.
Held at multiple locations including the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KITT), Mayfair Lagoon, and Swosti Premium, the summit featured leaders from Odisha’s academic and medical institutions.
KIIT Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta emphasized the value of sustained collaboration between Indian universities and global physician networks. KIMS officials briefed on the institution’s efforts to expand advanced care and medical education across eastern India.
During the opening gala, AAPI honoured physicians Dr. Sita Kanta Dash and Dr. Santosh Dora, for their contributions to community health and social service.
The three-day summit blended continuing medical education with public engagement and hands-on training. The morning began with yoga and meditation sessions, led by Dr. Amit Shah and Dr. Arti Prasad underscoring the growing role of integrative wellness in clinical practice.
Scientific forums addressed noncommunicable diseases, cancer prevention, advocacy and emerging treatment strategies relevant to India’s health burden. Advanced surgical techniques were showcased through live demonstrations of robotic and minimally invasive procedures transmitted between venues.
Parallel sessions focused on Ayurveda, international medical graduate issues, suicide prevention and student skill-building workshops. A mass CPR training program for students highlighted AAPI’s emphasis on community preparedness and early intervention.
Technology and innovation took centre stage on the second day, with a series of discussions on artificial intelligence in medicine. Speakers explored applications ranging from radiology and patient education to ethical challenges and future governance of AI-driven care.
Emergency medicine workshops followed, offering updates on resuscitation guidelines, cardiac arrest research and simulation-based training designed to strengthen frontline response.
Additional sessions examined tuberculosis elimination strategies, diabetes and obesity management, and rapid decision-making from emergency rooms to intensive care units.
Organizers said the practical focus of these workshops was intended to translate knowledge into measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
Women’s leadership and youth engagement shaped the final day of the summit, co‑chaired by Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupalli, Dr. Bharati Misra, and Dr. Tapti Panda.
Panels addressed gender equity in medicine, leadership development and mentorship pathways. A featured session examined India’s Covid-19 vaccine journey, bringing together scientists and filmmakers to discuss how research, innovation and storytelling converged during the pandemic.
The program also spotlighted inclusive health advocacy through a session honouring visually impaired women cricketers from Odisha who helped India win the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025. Organizers said the recognition underscored the potential of sports and policy advocacy to advance disability health reform.
Community-focused initiatives ran throughout the summit, including stem cell donor registration drives by Sashi Kuppala, HPV awareness and vaccination programs, and child welfare efforts.
Cultural performances celebrating Odisha’s artistic traditions concluded the evenings, reinforcing the summit’s emphasis on connecting medicine with community and culture.