iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), said there’s need for preventing cancer and heart attacks through lifestyle modifications and technology and it is more than ever.
The AAPI president made the statement while meeting Members of the Indian Parliament during a meeting organized by the Consulate in New York on November 20.
“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, while meeting the visiting Indian Parliamentary delegation consisting of Birendra Prasad Baishya, Vijayasai Reddy V, Akshay Yadav, Sandhya Ray, Tejasvi Surya, and Bansuri Swaraj.
The delegation was accorded a warm reception by Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan and the Indian American community representatives at the Indian Consulate on November 20, 2024.
Dr. Kathula, who participated following an invitation by Consulate General of India in New York, Binay Pradhan, highlighted that cancer and cardiovascular illnesses are among the leading health challenges facing both Indians and Indian Americans.
Dr. Kathula urged the Indian government 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, (I) want to stress the need for culturally sensitive healthcare solutions to better serve this population,” he said.
During the discussions, he highlighted the invaluable contributions of Indian-origin doctors 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, the organization’s president 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.”
The visiting delegation lauded the 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 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, Rakesh Kaul, Dr. Hari Shukla, and 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 diaspora 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 the U.S. and India 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.
