GAPIO Backs Maharashtra’s TB-Free Mission
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, President of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), has pledged the organization’s support to Maharashtra’s campaign to eliminate tuberculosis, reinforcing collaboration between Indian American medical professionals and India’s public health system. The commitment was announced during a discussion with Sanjay Shripatrao Katkar, Commissioner of Health Services and Mission Director of Maharashtra’s National Health Mission, on ITV Gold, the television network of Parikh Worldwide Media.
The conversation focused on expanding efforts under India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which aims to eradicate the disease by 2030. The initiative has strengthened nationwide screening, free diagnosis and treatment, digital patient monitoring through the Ni-kshay platform, and community participation under the Ni-kshay Mitra program. Maharashtra has emerged as one of the key states driving the country’s TB-free mission through extensive outreach and healthcare innovation.
Speaking during the discussion, Dr. Parikh offered GAPIO’s resources and expertise to support the state’s ongoing efforts. Representing nearly 1.4 million physicians of Indian origin across more than 60 countries, the organization is prepared to contribute through medical education, knowledge sharing, telemedicine, and physician engagement. Dr. Parikh said the association is ready to help improve disease prevention, patient care, awareness campaigns, and access to the latest medical research and treatment strategies.
Katkar welcomed the offer, describing tuberculosis as a disease influenced by multiple social factors, including poverty, poor nutrition, and overcrowded living conditions. He explained that Maharashtra follows a comprehensive strategy centered on early detection, effective treatment, prevention, and capacity building. According to him, partnerships with global organizations such as GAPIO can strengthen these efforts by introducing advanced technology, clinical expertise, and innovative healthcare solutions.
The health official noted that India has made measurable progress in reducing tuberculosis cases over the past several years while significantly improving treatment success rates. Thousands of villages across Maharashtra have already achieved TB-free status, and the government continues expanding screening programs, mobile X-ray services, and digital patient tracking to reach remote and tribal communities.
Dr. Parikh also proposed organizing virtual continuing medical education (CME) sessions for physicians, distributing educational resources, and expanding telemedicine services to improve healthcare access in rural regions. He emphasized that tuberculosis remains both preventable and curable when diagnosed early and treated consistently. He added that GAPIO members visiting India are willing to volunteer on the ground while sharing the latest global advancements in TB research and patient care.
The collaboration reflects a growing partnership between India’s healthcare authorities and the global Indian diaspora, combining international medical expertise with local public health initiatives to accelerate progress toward a tuberculosis-free India.
