Punjab’s pride- distinguished heart surgeon becomes new president of India’s VAI
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
It is a great honour for Punjab that one of its most distinguished Cardio-Vascular surgeons-Dr Harinder Singh Bedi, have been unanimously selected to lead the prestigious Venous Association of India (VAI) as its President.
The VAI is one of the largest superspeciality group in India of professionals dedicated to advanced management of vexing venous disease. The number of venous diseases cases in India is increasing exponentially and it has become clear that venous thrombosis, varicose veins, and other venous diseases are as problematic here as anywhere in the world. In fact – the basic cause of death in a number of cases of Covid 19 disease is a venous problem – ie thrombosis (clots) in the pulmonary bed. This was initially not known and patients would be put on a ventilator – generally with dismal results. Then on autopsy in Italy – it was realized that the lung was clogged with blood clots which prevented oxygen from reaching the circulation.
Even otherwise – the disease called Venous Thrombo Embolism (VTE) causes an estimated over 100,000 deaths each year year – which is the equivalent of the disappearance of a city the size of Cambridge, Massachusetts in USA. In the EU – the number of deaths per year from VTE exceeds the combined deaths from breast cancer, prostate cancer, AIDS and road accidents put together.
Mission of VAI –
The primary objectives of the Venous Association of India (VAI) are:
To promote the research and study of venous disease
- To help facilitate the active continuing education of its members
- To improve understanding about the prevention, investigation, and treatment of venous disease
- To encourage the development and dissemination of information about venous disease
- To promote collaboration between venous, phlebological, and vascular societies, health agencies, and health experts at national and international levels
- To award scholarships and stipends for research and training in the field of venous disease
- To cooperate with any other organization whose objectives are similar to those of the VAI
Dr Harinder Singh Bedi is one of the seniors most and respected Cardio Vascular surgeons in India with a number of innovations to its credit. Venous disease ….and its therapy ……is an integral part of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery.
Amid these unprecedented challenging times that we are witness to, the VAI Association has firmly engaged itself in providing continuum to education and guidance in better patient care. It is a brave new world – and the VAI has chosen to be the leaders of change.
Dr Harinder Singh Bedi thanked his peers for their support and said that all members would strive to attain the objective of improving our understanding, prevention and treatment of venous disease and promotion of research and collaboration with the rest of the world scientists. The VAI has pioneers in its group and some of its past Presidents have been instrumental in a number of original research work and in teaching young surgeons. Dr Bedi said that all this would ultimately improve patient care.
Dr Harinder Singh Bedi can be contacted at 9814060480 or [email protected]
February 14,2021
