Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare cooperation between India and Africa, Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar, Trustee of the Ramakrishna Group of Hospitals, Coimbatore, has been appointed as the Honorary Health Commissioner of the India Africa Trade Council (IATC). The appointment was conferred during an international diplomatic ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing together diplomats, healthcare leaders, policymakers, business executives, and institutional representatives from across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar received his certificate of appointment in the presence of diplomats from France, the Netherlands, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Türkiye, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Qatar, and delegates representing several other countries. The ceremony reflected the growing importance of healthcare diplomacy in strengthening international partnerships and highlighted the increasing role of healthcare professionals in advancing sustainable development across borders.
The appointment recognises Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar’s longstanding contribution to the healthcare sector through the Ramakrishna Group of Hospitals, one of South India’s leading multi-speciality healthcare institutions. Over the years, he has played an important role in strengthening healthcare delivery, supporting institutional excellence, and expanding access to quality medical services. His appointment as Honorary Health Commissioner acknowledges his commitment to advancing healthcare and his ability to contribute to international healthcare initiatives.
As Honorary Health Commissioner, Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar will work towards supporting the formulation and implementation of continental health policies while encouraging stronger institutional cooperation between India and Africa. His role will focus on facilitating dialogue among governments, healthcare institutions, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to advance collaborative healthcare initiatives.
The position also aligns with broader continental healthcare priorities by supporting initiatives that contribute to the objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063, which seeks to build resilient healthcare systems, improve healthcare infrastructure, and expand access to quality medical services across Africa. Strengthening public health systems through international partnerships remains an important component of achieving these long-term development goals.
Speaking on his appointment, Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar said:
“I am deeply honoured to accept this responsibility as Honorary Health Commissioner of the India Africa Trade Council. Healthcare has the power to unite nations beyond borders, and I look forward to working with governments, healthcare institutions, and professionals across India and Africa to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen public health systems, encourage medical research, and improve access to quality healthcare for communities across the continent.”
Healthcare has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of India-Africa cooperation, with partnerships expanding across pharmaceuticals, hospital management, medical education, digital healthcare, telemedicine, research, and capacity building. India continues to be recognised as a trusted healthcare partner for many African nations, while African countries present significant opportunities for collaborative healthcare development and institutional engagement.
The India Africa Trade Council has consistently worked to promote partnerships across healthcare, trade, education, agriculture, technology, investment, and policy through high-level diplomatic engagements and international forums. By bringing together governments, businesses, academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and development organisations, the Council continues to create meaningful platforms that support long-term collaboration and shared growth.
Congratulating Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar on his appointment, Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the India Africa Trade Council, stated:
“Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar’s appointment reflects our commitment to bringing experienced healthcare leaders into our growing India-Africa partnership. His expertise and dedication to healthcare will strengthen our efforts to promote policy dialogue, institutional collaboration, medical innovation, and sustainable health initiatives that contribute to the long-term well-being of people across Africa and India.”
The appointment of Dr. Ramakrishna Vijayakumar further strengthens the Council’s vision of building sustainable healthcare partnerships between India and Africa. His leadership and experience are expected to contribute significantly to advancing healthcare policy, fostering institutional collaboration, promoting medical research, and supporting initiatives that improve healthcare accessibility and public health outcomes across the African continent.
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