AAPI Joins Global Medical Regulatory Body

India-West News Desk

OAKBROOK, IL – The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has been accepted as a Partner member of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA), marking a significant step in expanding its global reach.

With this inclusion, AAPI becomes part of a powerful international network that connects 116 organizations across 44 countries—including major U.S. medical boards and India’s top regulatory bodies like the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. IAMRA works to ensure public safety and improve global healthcare quality through effective medical regulation, collaboration, and shared standards.

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, AAPI President, called the membership “a major milestone” in elevating the role of Indian medical professionals worldwide. He emphasized that AAPI’s new global platform will help bridge professional gaps between Indian and international healthcare systems, enhance recognition of Indian qualifications, and foster cross-border collaboration in regulation.

Dr. Lokesh Edara, who spearheaded AAPI’s membership efforts, said the move aligns with AAPI’s broader goal to improve the quality of Indian medical graduates and increase their global competitiveness. “We now look forward to working closely with IAMRA to ensure that the voices of Indian-origin physicians are heard and respected,” Edara said.

To further this mission, AAPI has established an Ad Hoc Committee on Medical Regulation, chaired by Dr. Srini Gangasani, to assess and strengthen medical licensing standards in the U.S. The committee aims to promote consistency, transparency, and fairness in regulatory practices—reflecting AAPI’s commitment to high standards in global healthcare.

With Indian-origin physicians serving one in every seven patients in the U.S., AAPI’s inclusion in IAMRA strengthens its role in shaping international medical norms and advancing the interests of its growing diaspora, a press release said.