The India–Japan–USA Medical Seminar was held on 20th June 2025 at the ANA InterContinental Hotel, Tokyo, organized by the Indian Commerce and Industry Association Japan (ICIJ). The event saw a participation of around 120 attendees, including ministers, diplomats, senior doctors, and distinguished guests.

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A major highlight of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (India), the University of Chicago (USA), and the Institute of Science, Tokyo (Japan). This MoU brings together complementary strengths: the Sri Sathya Sai system contributes its extensive experience in free, high-volume tertiary care and growing research facilities; the University of Chicago offers expertise in global clinical collaboration and healthcare delivery science; while the Institute of Science Tokyo provides leadership in biomedical sciences, engineering, and translational research platforms.

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The signing of the MoU between India, Japan, and the USA will directly benefit the people of India by enabling access to cutting-edge cardiac and medical research, advanced surgical techniques, and innovative healthcare technologies. Through joint training programs

 

and scientific exchanges, Indian healthcare will be enhanced, improving patient care across the country. The collaboration will help Indian hospitals adopt world-class practices and cost-effective solutions, particularly in cardiac and vascular medicine, ensuring that high-quality treatment reaches larger patient populations, including underserved communities.

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As part of facilitating knowledge exchanges as per the MoU, Dr. Fujita Tomoyuki has been invited by the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS) to deliver a presentation on robotic surgery. This event is scheduled for September 27, 2025, at the Sai Hira Convention Center in Puttaparthi, India, during the Sri Sathya Sai Global Cardiovascular Symposium. The symposium, held in collaboration with the World Heart Federation and the University of Rochester, aims to foster international cooperation in cardiovascular care. Dr. Fujita's presentation will contribute to the exchange of advanced medical knowledge and practices between the two nations, aligning with the objectives outlined in the MoU.

 

 

The Medical seminar on June 20th featured three distinguished keynote speakers:

• Dr. V. Jeevanandam (Director, Heart and Vascular Center, University of Chicago Medicine)delivered the keynote address on the evolution of heart transplantation, tracing its transformation into a standard life-saving procedure.

 

• Dr. D.C. Sundaresh (Director, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield) spoke on the Sri Sathya Sai Medicare Mission, a pioneering model of free, compassionate healthcare. He recounted the history of Sathya Sai hospitals— Puttaparthi (1956), Whitefield(1976), and the Super Speciality Hospitals (1991 onwards)—and underlined their role as “Temples of Healing,” combining advanced technology with selfless service.

• Dr. Anil Kumar Mulpur (Joint Director and Senior Consultant in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prashanthigram) addressed the rise of cardiac surgery and medical tourism in India, the breakthrough of indigenously developed mechanical heart valves, and the success of public–private partnerships in enabling free cardiac surgeries. He reminded the audience that medicine’s true purpose is service, not profit.

The event was honored by the presence of several MP’s and other important guests including Finance Minister Hon. Mr. Kato Katsunobu; State Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Hon. Mr. Niki Hirobumi; Former Consulate General of Japan H.E. Tajima Hiroshi; Minister (Consular), Embassy ofIndia Mr. Dheeraj Mukhia; Counsellor, Embassy of India Mr. Karun Bansal; Director, Administrative Department, Tokyo University of Science Hospital Mr. Akiba Yasuki; Dr. Tomoyuki Fujita(Cardiothoracic Surgeon), and Dr. Shinnichi Nunoda (Vascular Specialist), among others.

 

Several goodwill messages were also received. Former Prime Minister of Japan Hon. Mr. Yoshihide Sugaconveyed best wishes, expressing hope for stronger India–Japan relations in healthcare. Hon. Ms. Seiko Hashimoto (Member, House of Councillors) congratulated the organizers and encouraged deeper exchanges. Hon. Mr. Tetsuo Saito (Member, House of Representatives) commended the success of the seminar, while Hon. Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi (Member, House of Representatives and Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry) reaffirmed his commitment to advancing healthcare collaboration between India and Japan.

During the dinner reception, speeches were delivered by Mr. Ryuko Hira (Chairman, ICIJ), who thanked theJapanese government for its medical assistance to India and highlighted the need for medical licensing reforms in Japan; Hon. Mr. Kato Katsunobu, who emphasized Japan’s interest in India’s generic medicines; Dr. Shinnichi Nunoda, who highlighted the challenges of transplantation; Mr. Akiba Yasuki, speaking on behalf of Dr. Yasuto Fujii, Director of Tokyo University of Science Hospital, who noted the urgent need for improving transplant access in Japan; Hon. Mr. Karun Bansal, who praised India–Japan healthcare partnerships; and Hon. Mr. Niki Hirobumi, who stressed Japan’s efforts to improve organ donation and transplantation systems.

In conclusion, the Medical Seminar strengthened India–Japan–USA cooperation, uniting compassion and science for healthcare. The program was made possible through the generous support of the Sai Hira India Foundation (SHIF).