Tanzanian doctor receives Indian government’s prestigious award

INDIA: TANZANIA’S Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kaushik Ramaiya has been honored with the esteemed Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to healthcare, particularly in the field of medicine, and his invaluable service to the community.

The award was presented by the President of India at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Friday.

Dr Ramaiya’s nomination was recommended by a distinguished Jury-cumAwards Committee, chaired by the Vice President of India and including the External Affairs Minister as Vice-Chair.

The Tanzania’s Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama recently congratulated Dr Ramaiya on this remarkable achievement.

“This honour recognises your outstanding contributions to the medical field and your commitment to advancing healthcare in Tanzania and beyond,” she said.

Dr Ramaiya, a Tanzanian citizen of Indian origin, is a well-respected physician and endocrinologist who has made significant strides in medical research, focusing on non-communicable diseases, glucose tolerance, and cardiovascular disease risk factors, especially among Indian communities across Africa.

Dr Ramaiya’s medical journey began in India, where he earned his medical degree from the University of Bombay in 1981.

He later pursued postgraduate studies in Internal Medicine at the University of Dar es Salaam from 1986 to 1989 and completed advanced training at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, from 1990 to 1991.

With a career spanning several decades, Dr Ramaiya has become a global authority on diabetes research and management, particularly within the African context.

His research has focused on the prevalence of diabetes, ethnic disparities in the disease and related cardiovascular risks.

He has also led pioneering studies on the economic and social impacts of diabetes in low-income countries, contributing to transformative global health policies.

Dr Ramaiya’s influence extends beyond clinical practice. He serves as the Honorary General Secretary of the Tanzania Diabetes Association (TDA) and the Tanzania NCD Alliance (TANCDA).

He is the President-Elect of the East African NCD Alliance and sits on the board of the Global NCD Alliance.

In 2018, his contributions to medical education and global health were recognised with his appointment as Honorary Professor of Medicine and Global Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

His leadership has inspired countless healthcare professionals and supported the integration of non-communicable disease (NCD) management into Tanzania’s healthcare system. Dr Ramaiya has addressed critical health challenges, including Type 1 diabetes in children, gestational diabetes and complications related to HIV/AIDS treatments.

His efforts to integrate communicable and non-communicable disease models have significantly advanced Tanzania’s national NCD programmes. As a staunch advocate for equitable healthcare, he has worked tirelessly to eliminate disparities in access, ensuring underserved communities receive quality medical care.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honour bestowed by the Indian government on overseas Indians, celebrates individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond.

Dr Ramaiya’s recognition not only highlights his exceptional work in healthcare but also strengthens the bond between India and Tanzania.

His accomplishments are a testament to his dedication to global health, his pursuit of excellence and his enduring impact on healthcare systems worldwide.

This milestone serves as an inspiration for professionals aspiring to create a meaningful global impact in medicine and community service.