Beyond healthcare, Dr. Kathula highlighted the vital relationship between India and the U.S., emphasizing shared concerns over China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. He anticipates continued cooperation between the two nations, particularly in defense, trade, climate change, and technology, under the next U.S. administration.
As the U.S. prepares for its upcoming presidential election on November 5, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has urged the next administration to prioritize immigration and healthcare reforms, reported PTI.
AAPI, which represents over 120,000 Indian-origin physicians in the U.S., is advocating for the expedited processing of green cards for medical professionals from India, particularly those on H-1B visas.
Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI, emphasized the critical role Indian physicians play in the U.S. healthcare system. Despite many of these professionals having lived in the U.S. for 15-20 years, they continue to face visa-related challenges. “We must fast-track their green cards so they can continue to serve without visa concerns,” Dr. Kathula stated, underscoring that many physicians work in underserved areas where local doctors are scarce.
Dr. Kathula also stressed the importance of diversity, anti-discrimination efforts, and advancing healthcare technology. He believes the next administration should focus on healthcare reforms, affordable care, public health infrastructure, and immigration system improvements to ensure skilled workers, especially physicians, can contribute to the country’s growth
Dr. Kathula also pointed out the disparity in how physicians are grouped with other H-1B visa holders, such as those in the tech industry. He called for giving healthcare workers priority, highlighting the fact that one in seven patients in the U.S. is treated by a doctor of Indian origin. He further noted that failing to address this issue could lead to a collapse in healthcare access in certain rural areas.
In addition to immigration reforms, AAPI is pushing for healthcare improvements, including expanding residency programs, addressing the shortage of physicians, and enhancing the use of technology in medicine. Dr. Kathula projected that by 2030, the U.S. will require an additional 125,000 physicians to meet its healthcare demands.
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