Dr. R.V. Asokan served as the National President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) for the year 2023-24, providing direction and advocacy on critical healthcare issues in India. A practicing physician in Punalur, a small town in the Kollam district, of Kerala, Dr. Asokan runs a 43-bed hospital and has dedicated his career to both clinical practice and organizational leadership.
Dr. Asokan has held various leadership positions within IMA, including State Secretary and State President for Kerala. He played a key role in conceptualizing and establishing IMAGE, a biomedical waste management project that serves the entire state of Kerala, overseeing it for six years.
On a national level, he facilitated the implementation of a ₹100 crore Global Fund project to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM) and served as its National Coordinator for six years. His work extended to international health policy as a member of the Strategy and Technical Advisory Group for Tuberculosis at WHO Geneva, contributing to the development of international standards for TB care.
Dr. Asokan has also been actively involved in shaping healthcare policy in India. He chaired the IMA’s Action Committee during its campaign against the National Medical Commission (NMC) and served as National Secretary and Chairman of the IMA Hospital Board of India.
His contributions reflect a commitment to improving healthcare systems, addressing public health challenges, and representing the voice of the medical community at both national and international levels.