Indian American physicians lobby on Capitol Hill urging change in healthcare, visa, insurance issues

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The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, (AAPI @aapiusa.org) brought its major concerns  regarding the nation’s health care and particularly those affecting physicians and their patients during AAPI’s Legislative Day on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., on May 7-8, 2025. The AAPI Executive Team also met with India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra at the Embassy in Washington, D.C.

“Healthcare continues to be the center of the nation’s focus, especially with changes in policies on immigration, Medicare/Medicaid, and medical education,” Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI, is quoted saying in a press release. “AAPI’s annual Legislative Day comes to be a vital part of AAPI’s growing influence and having its united voice heard in the corridors of power.”

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Attended by several Congressmen, Congresswomen, and Senators from both the political parties, the event held at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, saw dozens of AAPI members from across the nation, who shared their concerns and offered solutions for the current healthcare delivery system impressing upon the need for change.

In a show of support for AAPI, Indian-American House members, Reps. Ami Bera, D-California, Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois; and Sri Thanedar, D-MI, were among those who addressed the AAPI delegates and listened to their concerns and promised support.

Some of the other lawmakers who addressed the gathering included: Representatives Rich McCormick from GA; Frank Mrvan from Indiana; and Dave Taylor of OH. AAPI delegates also met with Sen. John Boozman from Arizona, and Sen. Jon Ossoff from Georgia.

“AAPI is once again in the forefront in bringing many burning health care issues facing the community at large and bringing this to the Capitol and to the US Congress,” said Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Co-Chair of AAPI Legislative Affairs Committee. Dr. Parikh expressed appreciation to all “AAPI colleagues who attended this event and ensured that our concerns and needs are heard by our lawmakers and ensure that they act on them.”

Each and every lawmaker expressed appreciation for AAPI and its contributions to US healthcare and promised to take on the issues and to work toward an efficient system that benefits patients and physicians.

During the Legislative Conference which was part of the two-day event, the physicians sought support for reforms on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, Prior Authorization, immigration issues especially on various types of visas, increasing the number of residency slots, addressing physician shortage around the country, and the scope of medical practice issues.

“AAPI Legislative Day has been a flagship annual event that is eagerly awaited to rekindle and renew our energy in bringing up the issues that we need to bring to the attention of national policy makers and leaders of the US Congress on Capitol Hill,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, president-elect of AAPI. “It is a tradition of nearly three decades, which has brought many important transformations in national healthcare policies that have helped physicians of Indian origin. Now, it is the need of the day to renew our friendship with new leadership under President Donald Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance and brief the Congressional leadership on issues that are important to us.”

AAPI is one of the oldest and largest ethnicity-based medical associations and its influence is wide ranging as one in every 6th or 7th patient sees an Indian American doctor.

The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident also in the critical positions they increasingly hold in policy positions, academic institutions, research and administrative positions across the nation.

“We had a very fruitful discussion and we are very hopeful that Congress will act on the issues raised in our white paper,” Dr. Kathula, President of AAPI, summarized the day long event and the impact it has for the future of the growing Indian American community, healthcare providers and the healthcare industry.

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