NEW YORK: Healthcare is a fundamental right of every citizen and more of a civil right, a human right and a constitutional right for all in this country, said Dr Ramanathan Raju, President and CEO of New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation.
“The Only way to improve health for all is to provide adequate access not only to healthcare but also equal opportunities in education, wealth, housing, jobs and pursuing happiness,” he added
Dr Raju was addressing an investiture ceremony of America Tamil Sangam that bestowed its highest honor Tamil Ratna (Jewel among Tamils) at a function attended by leading Indian-American physicians in Hotel Madras Woodlands in New Hyde Park recently. John Joseph, Executive Vice President of America Tamil Sangam presided over the meeting.
Dr. Ramanathan (Ram) Raju heads the largest municipal health care system in the nation. Dr. Raju was appointed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in January 2014 to lead the 37,000 employees of this $6.7 billion corporation, which includes 11 acute care hospitals, five nursing homes, six large diagnostic and treatment centers, more than 70 community-based health centers, and a large home care agency.
Prior to accepting the role of President and CEO at HHC, Dr. Raju was the Chief Executive Officer for the Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS) in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Raju attended Madras Medical College to earn his medical diploma and his Master of Surgery degree. He underwent further training in England and was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He is also a physician executive, having obtained an MBA from the University of Tennessee and CPE from the American College of Physician Executives.
“I have chosen a profession which brought me so much joy and my work in the last decades to eliminate the health care disparities that exist in our country has been very fulfilling.
The people from Tamil Nadu are always at the forefront of social justice issues in this country and this is because of the rich traditions we carry in our social fabric and greatness we carry in our service. As we continue our mission to bring our greatness and our service to all New York, organizations like America Tamil Sangam have a special place in our minds and hearts,” he said.
“I want to thank President of America Tamil Sangam Prakash and other officers for spearheading efforts to awaken the civic responsibilities amongst Tamils across this country,” Dr Raju said.
Dr Madan Raj, a leading pain management physician of Long Island and officer of Madurai Medical College Alumni Association, praised Dr. Raju for helping people.
“Mayor Bill de Blasio hired him to run the largest health care system in the country or even in the world because of his unique credentials as a surgeon trained in three continents – Indian sub-continent, Europe and North America – for years and skill set of a business leader with a heart to help others,” he added.
Dr. Robert D’Esposito, president of Nassau County Medical Society, who presented the Tamil Ratna Award to Dr Raju, praised his spirited public service and a zeal to provide healthcare to the uninsured.
Capt Stanley George, the highest ranking Indian-American officer of NYPD, in his remarks praised the role of America Tamil Sangam for honoring one of its illustrious sons of Tamil Nadu. Dr Raju’s work on preventing an outbreak of Ebola could go down in the history of New York City.
America Tamil Sangam also honored Dr Karthik Ramasamy, a leading plastic and cosmetic surgeon in Chennai, for his fight against obesity, especially childhood obesity in schools.
Eminent Indian-American physicians such as Dr Dattareyudu Nori, a world-renowned oncologist and others attend the event. Josh Joseph in his remarks said America Tamil Sangam stood in the forefront of honoring and recognizing prominent Tamils both in India as well as the US. Jaya Sundaram, Secretary welcomed the gathering and Koshy Ommen, Treasurer proposed a vote of thanks.
PM Swamy
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
