American Association of Physicians of Indian Descent congratulated Biden-Harris on historic victory
New York:
Leading Indian diaspora and defense organizations in the United States hail the victories of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, saying they are encouraged by their plans to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, including putting in place a working group that will be co-chaired by former Indo-American surgeon general, Dr Vivek Murthy.
The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (APPI), the country’s largest ethnic medical organization, congratulated Biden and Harris on their historic victory.
AAPI President Dr Sudhakar Jonnalgadda said the current times are “critical” for the nation and that “members of the medical fraternity are encouraged” by Biden’s plans to create a federal task force on COVID-19 and by its promise to set up a pandemic testing committee “to produce and distribute tens of millions of tests”.
Murthy was appointed on Monday as one of three co-chairs of the COVID-19 advisory board that will guide Biden in handling the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 236,000 people nationwide.
Indians for Biden National Director Sanjeev Joshipura described the victory as a remarkable moment in American history.
“Biden-Harris’ victory, which sees the overthrow of an incumbent president, saw unprecedented turnout and nationwide celebrations this weekend, showing how much he was up for in this election “said Joshipura.
He said Indians at Biden’s National Council had the privilege of contributing at this historic moment.
“It is clear, even from early figures, that our community has played a vital role in changing states, both as part of the electorate and with hard-hitting electoral mobilization efforts,” he said. declared.
Indians in Biden’s National Council made between 7,000 and 8,000 appeals to “Desi voters” in battlefield states by teaming up with South Asians for Biden in the critical weeks before the election.
AAPI President-elect Dr Anupama Gotimukula said Harris had “made history by being elected to be the first woman to become Vice President of the United States.”
Referring to his Indian origins, Gotimukula described Harris’s election as “a source of inspiration and immense pride for all Native Americans.”
While expressing his appreciation for Biden’s plan to set up a national contact tracing program, AAPI Vice-President Dr Ravi Kolli said it was encouraging that Murthy, a “esteemed” member of AAPI, the co-chair of the Presidential Panel. on COVID-19.
The AAPI said deaths in the United States from COVID-19 continue to rise and are likely to worsen as colder temperatures push Americans inside and the number of cases rises.
“At AAPI, we will continue to work hard to provide the best care to all who need it,” said Dr Amit Chakrabarty, Secretary of AAPI.
There are approximately 80,000 practicing Indo-American doctors who are at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. In addition, there are around 40,000 medical students, residents and scholars of Indian origin in this country who are supporting many hospitals affected by the pandemic.
“Doctors of Indian descent have been on the front lines during the pandemic, risking their lives every day and we look forward to continuing to serve the nation under the new presidency led by Biden,” said Dr Satheesh Kathula, treasurer of the ‘AAPI.
Jonnalagadda said AAPI has helped and continues to help communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AAPI had written letters to the current president’s office for universal masking, social distancing and to lock down the country or to have a “ shelter in place ” during the initial phase of the pandemic to prevent its spread.
AAPI also raised funds to purchase personal protective equipment and donated to several AAPI chapters across the country. The organization organized nearly 100 webinars to educate physicians and community members about CVOID-19.
