Key Priorities:
Representing South Asia—the most populous and culturally diverse region in the world, I believe Family Medicine must be at the heart of resilient and equitable health systems. As a candidate for Member-at-Large of the WONCA World Executive Committee, I envision a world where Family Medicine is central to achieving health for all. My goal is to contribute actively to building strong, inclusive, and people-centred primary care systems across all regions—rooted in equity, continuity, and community trust.
With over three decades of service—first as a senior medical officer in the Indian Armed Forces and later as a founding leader of the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI)—I bring a unique blend of disciplined administration and community-rooted healthcare leadership. As the current National President of AFPI, I have helped shape India’s Family Medicine movement from the ground up, influencing education, policy, and practice.
1. Strengthening Primary Care Systems Globally
Family Medicine is pivotal to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the WHO's vision of health system resilience. Yet, many nations lack policy recognition, investment, and structured training for Family Physicians. I will advocate globally for integration of Family Medicine into national health policies and curricula—drawing on AFPI’s success in India, where our persistent advocacy has influenced key health reforms and training pathways.
2. Building on Proven Commitment to WONCA
My journey with WONCA spans over a decade—starting with the WONCA SAR 2011 conference, followed by core leadership roles at SAR 2014 and WONCA World Rural Health Conference 2018. Most recently, I served as Organizing Chairperson for the WONCA SAR Conference and Global Rural Health Summit 2025 in Bengaluru. These platforms have helped raise global awareness of the potential and challenges of Family Medicine in South Asia. As Member-at-Large, I will bring this continuity of commitment and operational experience to the global stage.
3. Promoting Cross-Regional Collaboration and Learning
WONCA thrives through shared learning. I will champion inter-regional collaboration—connecting innovation from Europe, task-shifting from Africa, digital transformation from the Americas, and policy models from Asia-Pacific. I will facilitate documentation and exchange of regional best practices, with adaptability for varied health system contexts.
4. Advancing Equity, Inclusion, and Next-Generation Leadership
Equity is both a moral imperative and a strategic priority. As a member of the WONCA SAR Organizational Equity Committee, I have championed gender balance, rural inclusion, and young doctor leadership. I will support emerging leaders and amplify underrepresented voices, ensuring WONCA’s governance reflects its global community.
5. Strengthening WONCA’s Voice in Global Health
WONCA must assert itself as a technical and policy voice in multilateral spaces. I will work to align our advocacy with the WHO’s Declaration of Astana, Primary Health Care Framework, and the WHO-WONCA Memorandum of Understanding. We must be visible and influential in global forums, especially on matters of NCDs, pandemic preparedness, and integrated care.
In sum, I offer proven leadership, operational strength, and a deep commitment to Family Medicine—grounded in national achievement and dedicated to global collaboration. Together, we can build a future where every person, everywhere, benefits from the care of a trusted Family Physician.