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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know Indian American Physicians Announce 2026 Global Healthcare Summit To Be Held In Bhubaneshwar T he American Association of Physi- cians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has unveiled plans for its 19th Annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS), scheduled for January 9–11, 2026, in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. The event is set to address urgent health issues including Tuberculosis (TB), Diabetes, and the role of Ayurveda in contempo- rary medicine, alongside showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence and healthcare technology. AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty stated that the summit aims to con- front some of India’s most significant healthcare challenges while encouraging collaboration and innovation among medical professionals. “This summit will bring together expertise from India and the global diaspora to tackle criti- cal issues and foster new research,” Dr. Chakrabarty said. SUMMIT PRIORITIES: TB ERADICATION, DIA- BETES, AYURVEDA, AND TECHNOLOGY The summit’s agenda spotlights three main themes: eradicating Tuberculo- sis, managing Diabetes, and integrat- ing Ayurveda into mainstreammedical practice. Following a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, AAPI pledged support to the national effort for a TB-Free Tribal India, led by Dr. Manoj Jain. Diabetes management initiatives will be directed by Dr. Smitha Joshi, while Ayurveda Consortium activities will be coordinated by Dr. Amit Shah and Dr. Arti Prasad. “AAPI’s Global Healthcare Summit is dedicated to making quality healthcare both affordable and accessible in India,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President of AAPI. This year, the summit also em- phasizes cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence as transformative tools for patient care. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND DISTINGUISHED PARTICIPATION The summit will feature keynote speeches and academic sessions led by top physicians and researchers from India and abroad. Topics will include new medical advancements, Continuing Med- ical Education (CME), Evidence-Based Learning (ELS), research methodology, and scientific writing. Medical Jeopardy competitions and research poster pre- sentations are expected to draw par- ticipation from leading Indian medical schools, with panel discussions led by international experts and officials from the National Medical Council Board. GLOBAL AND NATIONAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ON THE AGENDA GHS 2026 expands its focus to chronic disease prevention, rural health, climate change, and global health concerns. The CEO Forum will address equity, eth- ics, and physician burnout, while the Women’s Forum will discuss gender bias and leadership in medicine. Dr. Manoj Jain will present ongoing efforts of the CETI (Collaboration to Eliminate TB in India), with support from the CDC and USAID, offering updates on TB elimina- tion projects and strategies for future engagement. Additional activities include CPR training, mental health awareness campaigns, and initiatives to combat childhood obesity and non-communica- ble diseases. NETWORKING, COLLABORATION, AND STRA- TEGIC ENGAGEMENT The summit also provides opportu- nities for alumni networking, strategic engagement between AAPI and Indian partners, and recognition of outstand- ing contributions through AAPI Awards. Efforts in diabetes prevention and TB eradication will be highlighted, reinforc- ing AAPI’s commitment to public health initiatives. “AAPI GHS is an unmatched oppor- tunity to connect with leaders shaping the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Meher Medavaram, President-Elect of AAPI. “We look forward to launching new initiatives and continuing the legacy of our organi- zation’s leaders.” LEADERSHIP, LEGACY, AND INDIA’S HEALTH- CARE GROWTH AAPI’s membership includes promi- nent medical professionals holding lead- ership roles worldwide. Vice President Dr. Krishan Kumar noted, “Collabora- tive relationships fostered by AAPI have paved the way for an exceptional event, with over 300 Indian-origin physicians and surgeons expected to attend.” Secretary Dr. Seema Arora emphasized AAPI’s mission to advance healthcare delivery in both the US and India by promoting partnerships and shar- ing knowledge. Treasurer Dr. Soumya Neravetla highlighted the importance of support from international and Indian medical associations in driving the sum- mit’s evolution. India’s healthcare sector is under- going rapid expansion with growing investments and medical tourism. The summit’s international attendance and participation from hundreds of US-based physicians underscore the importance of global collaboration for advancing healthcare in India. Since its inception in 2007, the Global Healthcare Summit has been instrumental in building alliances and driving medical progress across the country. “We anticipate active involvement from international healthcare industry leaders in research, development, and philanthropy,” said Dr. Chakrabarty. “GHS 2026 will be a milestone event for exchanging ideas, influencing policy, and shaping next year’s healthcare agenda.” Registration and additional informa- tion are available at www.aapiusa.org . Physicians and healthcare professionals worldwide are invited to attend the sum- mit in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, January 9–11, 2026, to help define the future of global health. For more details, please visit: www/ aapiusa.org AAPI Press Release PHOTO:CourtesyAAPI 2024 photo of executives of AAPI at the Global Healthcare Summit on Cancer Risk and Heart Attack Preven- tion. Treasurer Of Cook County, Illinois, And Indian Consul General To Recognize Indian Community Leaders C ook County, Illinolis, Treasurer Maria Pappas and Indian Consul General Somnath Ghosh will host a Diwali celebration to honor Indian American community leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to the cultural, civic, and economic life of Cook County. The event us scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. onWednesday, October 8, 2025, in the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, Chicago. Honor- ees represent the vibrancy and economic vitality of the Indian American commu- nity across the region, Pappas’ office said. Pappas will present certificates of recognition to the honorees for making a meaningful impact in fields such as busi- ness, education, public service, advocacy and the arts. Honorees include Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, Sanjeev Kumar Pal, Indian Consulate Official, Sunil Shah, financial services professional, Lion Kishen, president, Chicago Indo-US Lions, Nick Gakhol, trucking executive, Smita Shah, business owner, Lion Avani, AUCI CEO, Lion Shina, mental health professional, Ajit Singh, commercial realtor, Thomas Abraham, lawyer, Brij Kukreja, entrepreneur, Parminder Singh Goldi, entrepreneur, Anu Malhotra, yoga instructor, Hitesh Ghandhi, medical spe- cialist, Brigesh Patel, Core Company CEO, Mercedes Kaltenecker, BCBS community director, Jay Trivedi, medical executive, Jiten Modi, finance executive, Vipul Patel, hotel owner, Sudhir Sakhuja, engineering sales, Subbu Iyer, developer, Sukwhinder Singh, business owner. “The Indian American community plays an essential role in shaping the identity of Cook County,” said Pappas.”It’s a time to come together and reflect on the good in the world—and to honor the individuals who bring light into the lives of others through their service, leadership, and accomplishments. PHOTO:Facebook @Cook CountyTreasurer’s Office Cook County, Ill., Treasurer Maria Pappas. By a StaffWriter 14 CITY VIEWS October 10, 2025