NEW YORK: Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has announced the holding of the three-day meet of the combined AAPI Legislative Day and Spring Governing Body in Washington, DC from Thursday March 26 through Saturday March 28.
A number of influential US lawmakers would address the Indian American doctors at the meeting where the AAPI members are expected to raise issues related to immigration and health care. The venue is the Cannon Caucus Room.
Dr Sudhir Sekhsaria with his Legislative Committee has arranged a brainstorming program in league with the local Chapter GWAPI. AAPI is the largest ethnic organization of physicians, representing over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin, who want to make their voice heard on Capitol Hill and around the nation, particularly on issues relating to healthcare.
“AAPI is once again in the forefront in bringing many burning healthcare issues facing the community at large and bringing this to the Capitol and to the US Congress,” indicated Dr Sudhir Sekhsaria. He urged AAPI colleagues and everyone interested in or connected with providing healthcare to attend this event.
Healthcare continues to be at the center of the national debate, especially after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which affects almost everyone in the country.
One out of every seven doctors serving in the US is of Indian heritage, providing medical care to over 40 million in the country. Just as their services to the community in the healthcare arena is vital, so is the need for due representation to them, to listen to their voices, expressing of their concerns and meeting their needs.
Dr Ajeet Singhvi, Chair, Board of Trustees said the Legislative Day would have panel discussions on topics of importance to AAPI members including how they could be part of the process in the implementation of healthcare reform in this country. “While medical school enrollment has climbed 2% annually over the past five years through new schools and expansion of existing schools, the number of residency slots funded by Medicare has been capped at about 100,000 since 1997.
Increasing GME positions will help to address access issues in United States,” Dr Jahagirdar pointed out.
As part of comprehensive immigration reform, AAPI urged the Congress to fast-track international medical graduates also for Green Cards along with international students graduating with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This proposal will enable highly-skilled workers to remain in the United States after receiving their higher education in America. Among the areas where AAPI had sought US lawmakers to support their agenda included increasing 15,000 more Residency Positions.
With participation from dozens of key Congressmen and Senators, the event will be a unique opportunity for AAPI to be part of the decision making process on matters related to healthcare.
AAPI Governing Body Meeting will be held on Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm at the Marriott Gateway Crystal City, VA. The event will conclude at midnight with a Banquet hosted by the Local GWAPI (Greater Washington Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) at Marriott Gateway Crystal City, VA.
India Post News Service
