APPNA Attends AAPI Legislative Day at the Hill in Washington DC
Washington DC: On January 27th 2018, the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), largest expat Pakistani medical organization, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and the Bangladesh Medical Association of North America (BMANA). Together the three organizations deliver 15% of health care in the USA.
Dr Iqbal Zafar Hamid of APPNA, DrGuthamSamadder of AAPI and DrRiaz Chaudhary of BMANA were present at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding. APPNA is thankful to Dr Iqbal Z Hamid for his leadership role in the organization of this landmark event.
All organizations agreed to work in a cohesive manner in dealing with healthcare delivery to US citizens, strive towards the common goal of having less visa issues, and aim at the betterment of minority healthcare issues.
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin held a Legislative Day at the Hill in Washington DC on April 12, 2018. They invited APPNA and BMANA to the event. The APPNA delegation was led by President-Elect APPNA, DrNaseemShekhani, who in his remarks addressed three issues that are common to APPNA, AAPI and BMANA:
1. In rural areas, international graduates provide 60% of primary healthcare. These physicians provide exceptional care and work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of their patients. However, there continue to be difficulties in the conversion of J-1 to H-1visa, green cards and finally becoming citizen of this great country. By combining our resources, I believe we can make a difference. We must urge Congress to help expedite the issues of physicians on getting pathway to citizenship.
2. Implement strategies to continuously improve on the delivery of better patient care. APPNA has already established a committee to give tools to our membership to have better evidence base practices. Additionally, steps need to be taken to minimize the pressure of insurance companies and hospital systems. I feel if we combine their resources, we can collectively address this issue by establishing Federally Qualified Health Care Centers and working with independent Accountability Care Organizations.
3. Be proactive and progressive in addressing the needs of our young physicians. We continuously hear that our kids are not coming into our organizations. One of the most challenging situations we see is recruiting our children who are born and raised in the US and who become physicians. We need “fresh and innovative” ideas from young physicians to fill what they may perceive as voids to attract them to our respective organizations.”
DrShekhani thanked the AAPI leadership for inviting APPNA to the Legislative Day.
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