Rakesh Yadav 

I am honoured to stand for election as a Member-at-Large of the World Heart Federation Board. I bring over 30 years of unbroken service, in department of Cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi ,India’s premier public medical institution. As an Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, I have treated over 100,000 cardiac patients, performed 10,000+ coronary interventions and 3,000+ electrophysiology procedures, and currently head the Department of Emergency Medicine. I am a part of the various cardiological societies in India, mainly Cardiological Society of India (CSI) were from last 16 years I was at various posts including Editor of Indian Heart Journal and currently Senior Vice President. My motivation arises from my longstanding work and commitment to improving cardiovascular health through clinical excellence, professional leadership, education, collaboration, policy making and focus on equitable access to health care even in remove area.

India is facing a particularly difficult situation, combination of rapidly increasing cardiovascular disease burden, delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialists and advanced therapies, and substantial socioeconomic barriers. In India there is huge gap between guideline-based therapy vs practice, even in urban area. My vision for the World Heart Federation is of an inclusive, influential, and action-oriented organisation that connects global priorities with regional and national realities. It is now well understood that it is not just healthcare but, urban and rural planning, serious and logical environmental health policies and using current technology even to remotest part, can only improve country health.

I would strongly advocate cardiovascular health education and surveillance (for primordial and primary prevention) especially in school going children. My advocacy for risk factor prevention by screening and early detection, for affordable essential medicines and technologies, and the development of sustainable cardiovascular care systems is in sync with WHF vision. The guideline to actual practice gap needs to be reduce and it is the need of the hour. I would also advocate for greater attention to emerging challenges, especially RHD, air pollution, climate change, population ageing, and persistent inequalities in healthcare.

Education and capacity-building must remain central to this vision. Which is also the vision of WHF. The Federation can further strengthen its impact by supporting young clinicians and researchers, expanding opportunities for women and professionals from under-represented regions, encouraging multicountry research, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge between organisations with differing resources and experiences. Digital education, responsible innovation, and partnerships among professional societies, governments, patient organisations, and civil society can help to communities that need them most.

As a cardiologist from India and a second-term Vice President of the Cardiological Society of India, I bring experience in professional governance, consensus-building, scientific education, and engagement with a large and diverse cardiovascular community. Serving twice in this leadership position has strengthened my understanding of institutional continuity, accountability, and the importance of converting collective priorities into practical initiatives for improving cardiovascular health care. It has also given me direct insight into the challenges faced by clinicians and patients across settings ranging from highly specialised centres to resource-constrained communities in India

I would bring to the Board the perspective of our country experiencing both rapid scientific advancement and major disparities in cardiovascular care among population, will also support and help in implementing WHF’s advocacy on access to essential cardiovascular medicines, devices, and affordable interventional therapies globally.

If elected, I will work with integrity, energy, and a strong sense of shared purpose to advance the World Heart Federation’s mission and help ensure that better cardiovascular health becomes an achievable reality for all.

Prof. Rakesh Yadav
Professor of Cardiology, Head, Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi