As the United States prepares for its presidential election in November, Satheesh Kathula, President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), has called on the next administration to prioritize immigration and healthcare reforms. He emphasizes the need to fast-track green cards for medical professionals from India, highlighting their vital role in underserved areas across the country.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Kathula pointed out that many Indian-origin physicians have been on H-1B work visas for over 15-20 years. “We must expedite their green card applications to allow them to continue their essential work without the anxiety of visa issues,” he stated. He noted that thousands of these physicians are serving in communities where local doctors are unwilling to practice, underscoring their importance to the healthcare system.
Founded in 1982, AAPI represents more than 120,000 physicians of Indian origin in the U.S. Kathula stressed that immigration and visa issues, healthcare access, technology in medicine, and anti-discrimination should be top priorities for the incoming administration. He lamented that physicians are often grouped with other H-1B visa holders from various fields, making it challenging for those in healthcare to receive the attention they deserve.
Kathula also addressed the pressing physician shortage in the U.S., predicting a need for approximately 125,000 additional doctors by 2030. He advocated for increasing residency positions and expanding medical education opportunities to meet this demand. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of international medical graduates and their contributions to American healthcare.
As the election approaches, with former President Donald Trump running against Vice President Kamala Harris, Kathula’s call for reform resonates with broader concerns about healthcare policy and immigration. He urged that any new administration should also focus on technology in medicine and ensure adequate funding for innovative care delivery models.
Highlighting the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora to both American society and India, Kathula remarked on how influential Indian-origin professionals have become across various sectors. He noted AAPI’s impactful initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it raised over five million dollars to support healthcare efforts in both countries.
With a strategic relationship between India and the U.S. at stake, Kathula believes that a fair immigration system is crucial for attracting skilled workers who can enhance healthcare delivery. As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 5, his message underscores the critical intersection of healthcare and immigration reform in shaping America’s future.
