‘’Maternal and infant mortality is one of the areas which will have emphasis and focus on malnutrition’’

Is AAPI planning to launch its Maharashtra (Mumbai) chapter in 2015, tell us about its objectives?

American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) US leads an international effort to collaborate with medical (physicians) experts from all over the world, including India, to discuss and develop solutions for the most common challenges in India to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all people of India. This is achieved via the Global Health Summits organised every year for the past eight years. AAPI has not yet decided on opening a chapter in Maharashtra.

What are the new therapeutic areas that you plan to focus on in Mumbai and why?

Our main areas of focus are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, maternal and child health, cancer, application of HIT. These are the areas which impact a large number of people. Non communicable diseases can be prevented and better managed by creating awareness, early intervention and education. Our local experts have guided us in selection of these areas.

So far, how many private hospitals have tied up with AAPI and how closely would both the parties work? Are there any partnerships in the pipeline with hospitals and NGOs?

We are in discussions with several leading institutions, both government and private. We have met with deans of all the leading medical colleges like GMC, Sion, KEM, Nair etc. and all have agreed to collaborate. Details have to be finalised. We are also in conversation with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences.

AAPI’s pilot projects are at district levels. Tell us why aren’t you getting into the zonal/taluka level?

AAPI is investigating in enabled channels to expand its reach and deliver programmes at the district level. Cost and finding committed volunteers is one of the limitations. We would love to get to the taluka level. We believe in taking one step at a time and build upon our success.

Tell us about your work to reduce malnutrition in the rural areas of the Maharashtra?

Maternal and infant mortality is one of the areas that will have emphasis and focus on malnutrition. There are several initiatives, and extremely good work is being done by several organisations like Indian Academy of Paediatrics, or the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, the Indian Medical Association, Governments of India and Maharashtra. AAPI will work together in lending its support, expertise and resources to compliment these efforts.

How will the 9th annual conference on ‘Global Health Summit’ be different from its predecessors?

Key areas of difference will be: clear focus, all plenary sessions, no overlaps or competing sessions as this will allow delegates to attend all key seminars and not miss any opportunities. Live streaming and e-enabled content. Pre and post GHS 2015 series of lectures to reach beyond the GHS 2015 sessions and provide the rich content to several thousand healthcare professionals who may not be able to attend the live meetings. Stronger collaboration between, professional societies, medical colleges, hospitals, government (both Union and State) and NGOs.

u.sharma@expressindia.com