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“The need for preventing cancer and heart attacks through lifestyle modifications and technology is more than ever,” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) told the Members of the Indian Parliament during a meeting organized by the Consulate in New York. “In a world where chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular illnesses continue to pose significant health threats, where corrective mission has never been more urgent,” said Dr. Kathula.
Dr. Kathula was addressing a visiting Indian Parliamentary delegation consisting of Shri Birendra Prasad Baishya, Shri Vijayasai Reddy V, Shri Akshay Yadav, Smt. Sandhya Ray, Shri Tejasvi Surya , and Ms. Bansuri Swaraj were accorded a warm reception by the Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan and the Indian American community representatives at the Indian Consulate on November 20, 2024.
Dr. Kathula was invited by the Hon. Consulate General of India in New York, Mr Binaya S. Pradhan to participate and address the important meeting with distinguished Members of Parliament from across India, as well as prominent leaders of the Indian-American community. The meeting offered a unique opportunity for meaningful exchanges on a wide range of topics that are critical to both India and the Indian diaspora in the United States.
In his address, while highlighting that cancer and cardiovascular illnesses are among the leading health challenges facing both Indians and Indian Americans, Dr. Kathula called upon the Government of India to initiate efforts with greater emphasis on early detection, lifestyle interventions, and public health awareness campaigns to reduce the burden of these diseases. “Given the genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors prevalent within the Indian community, want to stress the need for culturally sensitive healthcare solutions to better serve this population,” he said.
During the discussions, Dr. Kathula highlighted the invaluable contributions of Doctors of Indian descent in the United States. “As a group, Indian American physicians play a critical role in shaping the healthcare landscape in the U.S., from providing high-quality care to advancing medical research and education. Their impact extends beyond patient care, as many Indian American Doctors are engaged in leadership roles, working to improve the healthcare system, contributing to policymaking, and participating in humanitarian efforts both in the U.S. and in India.”
Highlighting the critical role being played by AAPI, Dr. Kathula said, “Over the past four decades since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between the U.S. and India, especially in the realm of healthcare. AAPI has been actively involved in a wide range of initiatives, from providing medical aid and educational support for healthcare professionals, especially during the pandemic,” he added.
Hon’ble Members of the Indian Parliament had an engaging interaction with distinguished members of the Indian American community. They lauded the incredible achievements and invaluable contributions of the Indian Diaspora to the diverse fabric of the USA, celebrating their commitment to Indian heritage and their significant role in fostering a strong India-USA partnership.
Earlier, Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan welcomed the members of the delegation and the leaders of the Indian American community. He spoke about the Bharat ko Janiye campaign launched by the government of India to provide the youth of the Indian Diaspora with an opportunity to visit India and know the country of their origin. He invited the community to be part of and attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations from January 8 to 10, 2025 in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
Diaspora members who were part of the meeting included Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, Dr. Samin K. Sharma, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mr. Gaurav Verma, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Dr. Avinash Gupta, Mr. Rakesh Kaul, Dr. Hari Shukla, and Mr. Jatinder Singh Bakshi, who shared their perspectives on different aspects of the Indo-American relationship and expressed a strong desire to give back to the motherland, India.
Members of the Indian community applauded India for its remarkable progress across sectors, especially in areas such as technology, innovation, and economic development. The growing ties between the two nations, particularly in trade, diplomacy, and education, were also acknowledged as a major achievement, with a focus on how both nations can continue to build on these relationships for mutual benefit.
Among other things, the meeting discussed initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, and socio-economic mobility for Indian Americans, while also exploring ways to foster stronger cultural and community connections between the two countries.
Overall, the meeting was an invaluable platform for deepening our ties with India. The positive momentum generated by these conversations gives us hope for even greater collaboration in the future, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, and cultural exchange. The discussions were highly productive and centered around the continued growth and global influence of India, as well as the strengthening of the Indo-US relationship.
Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day, while several of them have risen to hold high-flying jobs, shaping the policies and programs, and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the world.
Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at the forefront, representing a conglomeration of more than 125,000 practicing physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin. For more details about AAPI, please visit its website.
