Background & History

It is estimated that there are 1.2 million physicians of Indian Origin working in India and most of the countries of the world. There are 125,500 Physicians of Indian Origin working in the English speaking Western world (USA, UK, Australia and Canada combined), with the major constituent being from USA and UK. Between 10-30% of the physicians working in USA, UK, Canada and Australia have their roots in India. There are also significant number of Indian Physicians working in Middle East, South East Asia and Africa.

This substantial workforce of physicians is a valuable resource, which can help to mobilize significant developments in the health field globally. This strong Diaspora of Indian doctors who are highly respected and powerful, need a common professional platform. There is a need for greater visibility and cohesion of these physicians. Their combined intellectual and technical strength can also be a vital force in the development of the Indian healthcare sector. It is with these objectives that Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) has been formed. This body will have representation from all the countries where physicians of Indian origin are present.

The idea of GAPIO was originally discussed in January 2009 at Chennai between Dr Prathap C Reddy, Dr Sanku Rao, Dr Ramesh Mehta & Mr. Anwar Feroz. Given considerable interest in India and internationally, and following further discussions it has been decided to formally set up GAPIO as a not-for profit society. In India, it is constituted under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with additional offices in the UK and USA.