Provides 3,200 Concentrators, 100 Ventilators And 100 High Flow Nasal Canula Machines To
45 Hospitals In India
Chicago, IL: (Samajweekly) The deadly Corona virus has claimed millions of lives and it has
placed the entire healthcare sector both in India and the United States under tremendous stress.
While the Indian American medical fraternity has been at the frontlines of the fight against the
pandemic, American Association of physicians of Indian origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic
medical organization in the USA representing the interest of more than 100,000 physicians in the
USA, has stepped up to the plate to deal with the crisis of India.
“The generosity of the members of AAPI has been unprecedented,” says Dr. Anupama
Gotimukula, President of AAPI. “I want to thank the AAPI fraternity, for not only contributing
$5 Million towards Covid Relief Funds, but has spent hundreds of hours in coordinating and
disbursing the vital medical supplies to the most needed hospitals across India.”
“Thanks to the overwhelming support of its members that AAPI has raised almost $5 million in
the past few months,” said Dr. Kusum Punjabi, Chair of AAPI BOT, who has dedicated her
services at the Emergency Department, serving thousands of Covid patients in the New Jersey.
“During my entire year of presidency, impacted by the deadly pandemic, AAPI has initiated
several efforts to help our Mother India,” recalls Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Immediate past-
president of AAPI. “Aptly so, the annual Convention last month in Atlanta was a tribute to
frontline healthcare professionals who have devoted their lives and work serving humanity
during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Many parts of India continue to face the deadly second wave of COVID-19. Number of reported
Covid positive cases seems to be on the rise and thousands reportedly die daily. Hospitals and
medical facilities face shortage of oxygen and ICU beds, with patients lacking in adequate care.
“We have been working very hard in sending oxygen concentrators and ventilators to India, to
deal with the calamity in India and are in the process of helping to set up oxygen generator plants
in different hospitals in India,” added, Dr. Ravi Kolli, President-Elect of AAPI.
Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, AAPI’s Regionasl Director, who has been one of the many AAPI leaders
who has been coordinating the efforts said, “Thus far, AAPI has provided 3,200 Concentrators,
100 Ventilators and 100 High Flow Nasal Canula Machines To 45 Hospitals In India as part of
the Covid Pandemic Relief Efforts.”
As some predict a 3 rd wave of the pandemic in India, AAPI has been planning and collaborating
with several agencies and the government of India to help reach the much needed care and
supplies to the remotest places in India. “AAPI will continue to use the remaining funds in
preparation of the impending Covid 3rd wave,” said Dr. Anajana Samadder,” President-Elect of
AAPI.
Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Secretary of AAPI said, “AAPI has been coordinating several efforts,
including tele-health to patients and Doctors in India. Thanks to the overwhelming support of its
members that AAPI has raised over $5 million.” “The outbreak of Covid 19 has caused
significant health-related social, political and economic consequences worldwide. AAPI
members been working very hard in sending medical equipment to India,” Dr. Krishan Kumar,
Treasurer of AAPI pointed out.
“We are discussing about coordinate efforts to make available the much needed vaccines in the
Slum areas in Delhi And Hyderabad where compliance is very low and apart from life saving
equipment for severe Covid patients management in ICUs,” said Dr. Anil Tibrewal, who has
been in the forefront leading AAPI’s efforts to help India during the Covid.
As AAPI cannot direct its resources to specific areas and relies on government of India to
distribute its supplies, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, past Secretary of AAPI and several other AAPI
leaders have been working outside of the umbrella of AAPI for direct transfer of the essential
material, focusing mainly on the peripheral hospitals who do not get aid readily. HELP INDIA
BREATHE is a part of ApShiNi ventures' endeavor by a group of Doctors in helping individuals
to donate Oxygen related supplies to India during this unprecedented calamity.
“The past year, while posing major challenges have also provided opportunities for AAPI to
continue to work together in helping realize the mission of AAPI,” said Dr. Gotimukula. “We are
proud that several Indian American physicians are recognized globally for their contributions to
combat the deadly pandemic. AAPI will continue our efforts and give our best to our Motherland
in her fight against the deadly pandemic.” For more information on AAPI, please visit:
www.aapiusa.org
Ajay GhoshChief Editor, www.theunn.comMedia Coordinator, American Association of Physicians of Indian OriginPhone # (203) 583.6750
