Indian docs, govt launch portal to share healthcare expertise

Indian-origin doctors across the globe have joined hands with the Indian government to launch a web portal for sharing expertise, skills, knowledge and resources with those in need of such services in India.

The initiative has been described as a "match maker" between public and private medical institutions in India and from around the globe, who want to provide medical service to people in their "Janmabhoomi" (birth place).

The website -- www.swaasthindia.gov.in -- is a collaboration between Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, American Association of Physicians of India-origin USA (AAPI), Global Association of Physicians of Indian-origin (GAPIO), the British Association of Physicians of Indian-origin, UK, and the Apollo Hospital.

"In this system, there, will be an input from both sides, the central and state governments, as well as private organisations and hospital systems in India that will identify and upload all forums like meetings and Conferences, medical camps and workshops from the India end," said Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, AAPI president.

"From the Global side, the healthcare provider currently limited to physicians, will register on to the website with their individual details.

Similarly institutions worldwide can also offer their services through AAPI," he said.

Dr Seema Jain, president-elect of AAPI, said Swaasth India provides an online platform, offering information on requirements of government or NGO-run health and wellness programmes in India to physicians of Indian-origin from around the world, enabling them to enroll and support healthcare needs in villages, districts and states of their choice in India.

The genesis of Swaasth India was during the Pravasi Bharitya Diwas (PBD 2010) in Jaipur.

Most physicians of Indian-origin are passionate about doing something meaningful, about contributing towards the continued growth and advancement of India, AAPI said in a statement.