The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic medical organization in the US with over 80,000 members, is facilitating interaction between US and Indian doctors to advise them about the treatment of COVID-19 patients through evidence-based protocols based on their own experience in dealing with the Covid surge in America last year. 

The doctors’ body is also collaborating with organizations like UNICEF to reach money and medical equipment to India, said its president Sudhakar Jonnalagadda.

“AAPI is facilitating interaction between US and Indian doctors to advise them about the evidence-based protocols to treat COVID-19 patients. We evaluated 3 HIPPA compliant telehealth platforms to treat patients in India,” Jonnalagadda said.

AAPI has identified and facilitates the following platforms/links to those who want the telehealth established platforms: http://Mdtok.com/dr/Covid and www.eGobalDoctors.com

Jonnalagadda said AAPI was assessing the situation on the ground constantly and coordinating with various local task forces and teams.

AAPI is also working on relaxing the restrictions on US physicians to treat patients in India

However, a Times of India report said the Indian government has turned down AAPI’s effort to seek "blanket immunity and indemnification" for offering virtual or in-person Covid-19 services in view of the possibility of shortage of physicians in the country due to the pandemic.

The blanket immunity and indemnification would have spared physicians from most legal liabilities.

 “Educating the public and the physicians in India is vital to combat the virus,” said Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, president-elect of AAPI.

Dr. Sajani Shah, chair of AAPI BOT, said, “We have a team of volunteers and support and guidance of experienced leaders, who have come forward to enable and empower our efforts to curtail this crisis.”

(SAM)