History

The Story of API Maharashtra State Chapter (API MSC)

The Association of Physicians of India (API) is an institution with proud roots: nearly eight decades old, with a national strength of over 22,000 members. Over these years, API has grown into one of India’s most vibrant academic associations — not only organizing high-profile conferences, but also actively developing clinical guidelines, white papers, and research through its ICP and PRF wings. Its mission has always been to spread the best available medical knowledge across the nation, touching every corner with evidence-based practice.

In much the same spirit, API Maharashtra State Chapter (API MSC) has been born — to give voice to Maharashtra’s many physicians, to celebrate our regional strengths, and to bring the collective wisdom of our state to the national stage.

Maharashtra is a land of geographic and cultural diversity — from the coastal Konkan belt and Sahyadri ranges, to the Deccan plateau, Vidarbha, and northern border districts. With over 350 districts & many cities (major and small), each region faces its own health challenges, disease patterns, resource gaps, and patient demographics. It was long felt that the doctors across Maharashtra needed a common platform where local expertise could meet, ideas could be exchanged, and Maharashtra’s collective medical voice could be heard.

Just as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stood for uniting diverse Marathi lands under one vision of Swarajya, we too aim to unite Maharashtra’s physicians under one academic, progressive banner. Under the leadership of Dr. Nikhil Balankhe, we resolved to form API MSC. With over 7 active city branches already functioning, our vision is bold — to have at least 35 city branches in the coming years, giving every physician a local API MSC presence.

After many brainstorming sessions and virtual discussions, the first meeting of API MSC was held on 20th September, at HotelFairmont by Marriott at Mumbai. Shortly thereafter, on 29th September 2025, API MSC was officially registered with the Charity Commissioner’s office, Thane.

With its Secretariat located at Jupiter Hospital, the administrative structure was set up under an able team:

Dr. Amit Saraf as Secretariat
Dr. Rakesh Bhadade as Treasurer
Dr. Suhas Erande & Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar as Vice Presidents
Dr. Agam Vora as Joint Secretary
Patrons: Dr. Shanak Joshi, Dr. Milind Nadkar, Dr. Mahavarkar, Dr. Narayan Devigoankar
Advisory Board: Dr. S. N. Deshmukh, Mr. Sudhir Kulkarni

The inaugural executive committee brings in representation from all nine zones of Maharashtra. Among the members:
Dr. Aart Shahade, Dr. Aanand Kate, Dr. Balbirsingh Kohli, Dr. Deepak Bhansole, Dr. Kaustubh Salagre, Dr. Ketan Mehta, Dr. Mohini Ganu, Dr. Niar Mehta, Dr. Rajiv Gokhlae, Dr. Rohan Kate, Dr. Sandeep Rai, Dr. Shubhashree Patil, Dr. Sudhir Chafle, Dr. Tanuja Manohar, Dr. Yashpal Gogtate, Dr. Samee Verma — all generous enough to lend their time, energy, and vision.

API MSC aims to provide a thriving academic platform to every physician in Maharashtra, and would ensure that every physician feels proud of their API membership.

Over the coming years, API MSC will bring you:

Cutting-edge academic events
Practical clinical practice guidelines
Landmark certificate courses
Our own API MSC Journal — already in its nascent steps under the leadership of Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar — with a goal that within 3 years it will be indexed, giving you a stage to showcase your research

Already underway:

A first-ever Uniform Adult Immunization Guideline, being co-developed with 21+ associations
Updated Hypertension Guidelines, grounded in the latest evidence, slated to reach you in the next 3 months

Friends, the journey has started. History is being made. And I am excited — as your Joint Secretary — to walk this path with you. I invite you to be part of API MSC’s growth, to hand-hold this fledgling chapter, and to make Maharashtra proud in the API family.

Together — we rise.

Aims

Continuous Learning

To foster an environment of continuous learning among physicians.

Academic Mentorship

To guide and support medical students and resident post-graduate students in their professional growth.

Professional Empowerment

To empower future medical professionals with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career.

Global Contribution

To contribute to the global medical discourse and elevate the standard of healthcare in Maharashtra.

Public Engagement

To engage the public in understanding national healthcare needs and encourage active participation in their well-being.

Objectives

Knowledge Dissemination

To decipher and disseminate the most updated medical knowledge across Maharashtra.

Equal Access to Advancement

To ensure every physician, from metros to grassroots, has access to the latest medical advancements.

Addressing Clinical Challenges

To address real-world challenges faced in day-to-day clinical practice.

Promotion of Research

To actively promote research and publication through the Journal of Maharashtra API.

Public Health Awareness

To create widespread awareness about healthy living and preventive care among the public.

Vision

To build a robust, inclusive, and knowledgeable medical community in Maharashtra that advances medical knowledge, supports professional growth, and contributes to the health and well-being of society.

Mission

Establish a National Registry

Develop and maintain a comprehensive national registry for tracking various medical illnesses to enhance healthcare planning and policy-making

Promote Public Health Awareness

Conduct statewide public awareness camps across Maharashtra to educate citizens on prevention, early detection, and management of medical conditions.

Strengthen Local Chapters

Enrol and integrate city branches with the state chapter to foster collaboration, streamline communication, and provide consistent healthcare support across regions.

To Promote research activities.

Foster and promote cutting-edge medical research to improve understanding, treatment, and prevention of illnesses, contributing to a healthier future.