Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know PHOTOS:GAPIO GAPIO Hosts Successful 16th Annual Conference; Padma Shri Recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh Elected President various categories. Centered on the theme “Advanced Healthcare: Addressing the Future of Global Health Challenges,” the con- ference focused on forward-looking strategies to anticipate emerging global health issues, integrate technologi- cal innovation, and redefine modern healthcare delivery systems. The scientific conclave on the open- ing day featured sessions ranging from Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, En- docrinology, Obesity and Vaccination, to Urology, Hepatology, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, and Integrative Healthcare. More than 50 Indian and in- ternational faculty members presented cutting-edge research, minimally inva- sive advancements, preventive strate- gies and multidisciplinary approaches, generating interesting academic discus- sions and knowledge-sharing among participants. The evening’s Gala Dinner and Healthcare Awards Ceremony celebrat- ed excellence in medicine and leader- ship. Honours were conferred across ten categories, recognizing outstanding clinicians, innovators, young achievers, and global con- tributors whose dedication continues to elevate standards of patient care. On the second day, parallel specialty summits in Nutrition and Physiotherapy highlighted the growing importance of preventive and rehabilitative care. The Nutrition Summit was led by Santosh Yadav, recipient of India’s National Adventure Award (1994) and Padma Shri (2000) awardee and the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest twice, who at- tended as Chief Guest. She drew parallels between physical endurance and preventive health, and emphasiaed the importance of discipline, resilience and holistic well-being in achieving both personal and public health milestones. The Nutrition Summit explored longevity science, obesity management, pediatric and renal nutrition, neuro-nutrition, and lifestyle strategies in the GLP-1 era, while the Physiotherapy Summit fo- cused on technology-driven therapeutic models, pelvic floor health and cardio- pulmonary rehabilitation. Past President of GAPIO Dr Anupam Sibal, stressed how the organization continues to serve as a powerful global bridge connecting Indian-origin physi- cians across continents to collectively shape the future of healthcare. He said the Indore conference symbolized the strength of academic diplomacy and collaborative excellence. Immediate Past President Dr Nanda- kumar Jairam highlighted the impor- tance of continuity in leadership and the sustained commitment of GAPIO toward ethical practice, academic excel- lence and policy advocacy. He noted that the scale and quality of participa- tion reflected the growing influence of the organization worldwide. Vice President Dr Ro- hini Sridhar underscored the increasing role of multidisci- plinary collaboration, espe- cially in preventive healthcare domains such as nutrition and physiotherapy, adding that integrated care models repre- sent the future of sustainable healthcare systems. Secretary General Dr Abhi- jat Sheth lauded the over- whelming delegate response and meticulous organization, affirming that GAPIO 2026 set new benchmarks in academic programming, global partici- pation and strategic dialogue. 15 COVER STORY February 20, 2026 Sections of the audience at the GAPIO 16th Annual Conference held in Indore, MP, Feb. 14-15, 2026. - Continued From Page 14 Several GAPIO Awards for excellence were presented during the Conference. Attendees at the GAPIO 16th Annual Conference at a booth. 2026 GAPIO Awardees DISTINGUISHED CLINICIAN CATEGORY: • Dr. I. A. Modi Award was pre- sented to Dr. CV Harinarayan, Director, Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Thyroid and Osteoporosis Disorders, SakraWorld Hospitals, Bangalore, Kar- nataka.. • GAPIO Surgical Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Vinay Ku- mar Kapoor, Surgical Gastroenterology (GI &HPB Surgery), Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (MGMCH), Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences & Technology (MGUMST), Jaipur. • GAPIO Excellence in Diagnos- tics Award was presented to Dr. Sub- hash Chandra Parija, Tropical Medicine and Microbiology, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), New Delhi.. • GAPIO Excellence in Radiol- ogy/Radiation Therapy Award was presented to Dr. Ravi Kapoor, Radio- Diagnosis, Director, City X-Ray & Scan Clinic Pvt. Ltd., Delhi. YOUNG CLINICIAN CATEGORY • Dr I. A. Modi Award was pre- sented to Dr. Rimesh Pal, Endocrinolo- gist, PGIMER, Chandigarh. • GAPIO Surgical Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Robinson George, Professor & Chief; Department of General & Laparoscopic Surgery - Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sci- ences & Research Centre, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India. • GAPIO Excellence in Diag- nostics Award was presented to Dr. Shilpa Rao, Neuro Pathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro- sciences (NIMHANS). • GAPIO Excellence in Radiol- ogy/ Radiation Therapy Award was pre- sented to Dr Rajat Jain, Consultant & Head Department of Radio Diagnosis, Shree Aggarsain International Hospital, New Delhi, Director - Doctors for You (DFY).