Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), stressed the urgency of addressing cancer and heart disease through lifestyle modifications and technological advancements during a meeting with Indian Parliament members at the Indian Consulate in New York. He highlighted that chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular illnesses are significant health threats, and preventive measures such as early detection and lifestyle changes are essential.
Dr. Kathula called for increased efforts from the Indian government to focus on culturally sensitive healthcare solutions tailored to the Indian community. He emphasized the importance of public health campaigns and early detection to reduce the prevalence of these diseases.
He also discussed the role of Indian-American physicians, noting their significant contributions to healthcare in the U.S. and their involvement in leadership, policymaking, and humanitarian efforts both in the U.S. and India. Kathula recognized AAPI’s role in fostering U.S.-India healthcare collaboration and its extensive efforts to support the healthcare sector, especially during the pandemic.
The meeting, attended by members of the Indian Parliamentary delegation, the Indian-American community, and Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan, provided an opportunity to discuss the growing ties between the U.S. and India in areas such as healthcare, trade, education, and socio-economic mobility. The gathering also touched on initiatives to strengthen cultural and community connections between the two countries.
AAPI, founded in 1982, represents over 125,000 Indian-American physicians and continues to be a powerful advocate for both healthcare improvements and policy changes in the U.S.