Dr. Alexander Thomas Wins the Waterfalls Global Award
Dr. Alexander Thomas, President of the Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI), has been awarded the Waterfalls Global Award (Healthcare Sector) by the Government of the United Arab Emirates. The award is presented to those who served the health profession with distinction when called upon during times of adversity. Dr. Thomas was recognised for his efforts and contributions in protecting the safety and health of the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Waterfalls Global Award Ceremony was held recently at the Qasr Al Bahr Majlis (Sea Palace) in Abu Dhabi, where the winners were presented to His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The award is part of UAE’s contributions to the global efforts in recognising and appreciating health workers. The first edition of the Waterfalls Global Award in 2022 honours 15 healthcare professionals around the world for their dedication and commitment to service.
Sheikh Mohammad, President of the UAE, with the winners of the Waterfalls Global Awards
Dr. Thomas is an orthopaedic surgeon and healthcare policy leader who has served the health sector for 43 years, contributing significantly to the provision of quality healthcare at the grassroots in India. As the Director of the Bangalore Baptist Hospital from 2006-2014, he upgraded the institution into a nationally-awarded multi-speciality Centre of Excellence. He is now the President of AHPI, and advises the Association of National Board Accredited Institutions (ANBAI) and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organisations (CAHO), among others. He played a major role in involving the private sector in establishing Covid-19 testing centres and setting up courses for the training and certification of frontline Covid Warriors with NSDC. He lobbied with the Government and private sector donors to provide funds for families of healthcare workers who died while treating Covid patients.