Indian-origin doc receives Dr Nathan Davis International Award

Washington, Apr 2 (UNI) The American Medical Association has presented Dr Subramaniam Balasubramaniam of Orange County the Dr Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine for his work in India.

This award is given annually to honour physicians who further health information and medical practice worldwide.

Dr Balasubramaniam, who was presented the award on March 31 here, is the Chief Physician at the Department of Health Services in Los Angeles County and the Medical Coordinator of the Utilisation Review.

Apart from his work in the US, Dr Balasubramaniam has worked extensively in health care services in India, where he established fully operational trauma/EMS systems in Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi, earning him the nickname ''father of emergency medical services''.

He also provided on-the-ground relief following the Gujarat earthquake. Dr Balasubramaniam was able to save millions of lives by developing a master disaster management plan for India.

Upon receiving the award during the Associations's annual awards ceremony and dinner, Dr Balasubramaniam thanked Representative Ed Royce (R-California) for his support.

''I would like to thank my Congressman, Ed Royce, for being here with me tonight. He led a Congressional delegation to Gujarat in 2001 following the earthquake, and was able to secure funds in Congress to provide for 250 trained administrators in the Command and Control sector for reconstruction,'' he said.

Rep Royce, the former Chairman of the India Caucus, travelled to India and met with Dr Balasubramaniam in the aftermath of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake.

''I've known Dr Balasubramaniam for many years, and I can attest to not only his esteemed medical career, but also his dedication to humanitarian causes. Like so many in the Indian-American community, Dr Bala worked tirelessly to bring relief to the millions affected by the Gujarat earthquake and other natural disasters. I can't think of a worthier recipient,'' said Rep Royce.

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