AAPI Partners and Leads Healthcare Debate At US – India Leaders Summit In Washington, DC
(Washington, D.C: September 20, 2019) International Leaders Summit, a US-based think tank, organized and hosted the inaugural US-India Leaders Summit in partnership with The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Biocon Biologics, Sanford Saunders Enterprises, TiE DC, a chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs, and Kam Global Strategies, to advance public policies which strengthen the two nations’ ties on the economic, healthcare, trade and security fronts at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on September 18, 2019.
The summit’s agenda included panel discussions on critical topics, such as addressing barriers to trade and investments and how a bold US-India trade agreement can boost economic growth for America’s population of 330 million and India’s 1.3 billion citizens.
Addressed by Ambassador Amit Kumar, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Washington, DC, the Summit was attended by US lawmakers, policy makers, media leaders, corporate and healthcare industry leaders, and leaders of global financial institutions, who debated on ways to make healthcare affordable, accessible, and high quality. Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders, International Leaders Summit, along with Dr. Sampat Shivangi, Chair of the AAPI Legislative Committee, coordinated the efforts for the success of the Summit.
Keynote speakers at the summit included Dr. Christiane Hamacher, CEO of Biocon Biologics, a global biopharmaceutical company; Congressmen Michael Bost, Michael Guest and Mike Kelly; Former Congressmen Scott Taylor and Tom Garrett; Stephen Renna, chief banking officer, EXIM; Virginia’s State Senator Richard H. Black; Beth Saunders, president, Sanford Saunders Enterprises LLC; Dr. Smita Siddhanti, president, TiE Washington, DC; Dr. Derek Scissors, resident scholar, American Enterprise Institute; Joseph Brodecki, principal partner, Washington, D.C.-based Bernstein Global Wealth Management Group, and Dr. Suresh Reddy, among other distinguished leaders.
Led by Dr. Suresh Reddy, President of AAPI, the entire leadership of AAPI was present at the day long Summit, leading the discussions on ways to make healthcare delivery affordable, accessible and efficient, discussing policies addressing America’s skyrocketing healthcare costs, trade and security threats impacting both nations with a combined population of 1.6 billion people.
Joel Anand Samy, in his welcome address, set the tone for a more engaging relationship between the two nations. “Four million Indian Americans investing in America’s economy in the areas of education, technology and real estate, and providing patient care, are a natural bridge to building stronger economic, healthcare, and trade partnerships which benefit both the U.S. and India, This win-win concept is a 21st century strategic opportunity to reform the healthcare sector, create jobs and augment economic growth for both nations with a combined population of 1.6 billion people.”
In addition to focus on healthcare, the summit examined the state of the US-India trade, economic reforms and security challenges impacting both nations. “We look forward to the high-level timely discussions with distinguished leaders and decision-makers at the inaugural US-India Leaders Summit focusing on advancing principled ideas and solutions,” said Natasha Srdoc, in her opening remarks.
Dr. Sampat Shivangi, Legislative Committee Chairman, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, said, “We are here to highlight the important trade relations between the two greatest democracies in the world, which are closer to our hearts. The economy of the US, which is the top, and that of India, which is the 5th largest economy in the world, are thriving, and that we want them both to grow more and become the best allies in every field. We want India to be different from China, with whom US is in a bitter Trade War. Everyone is looking forward to the Summit between Trump and Modi and their unprecedented and historic joint appearance before a record 50,000 people in Houston this weekend. And our hope is that some very important Trade Treaties are likely to be signed between the two great leaders of the world.”
Ambassador Amit Kumar pointed out to the growing relationship between the two nations. U.S. goods and services trade with India totaled an estimated $142.1 billion in 2018. The trade talks leading to a potential deal signed next week by President Trump and PM Modi can begin the process of creating a level-playing field and the expansion of trade. A bold 21st century US-India trade deal has the potential to transform both America and India.
India is today the 5th largest economy in the world and many Indian Companies continue to invest in the US economy, he said. “Our presence here is a reflection of the convergence of the strong and growing bilateral relationship between the two greatest democracies in the world. Both the nations engage in almost all areas of cooperation, terrorism, energy, trade, technology, defense, information exchange, IT, healthcare, pharma sectors, investments and collaboration, naval, air force exercises, reflecting the growing trust and friendship between the tow nations. Several Governors and lawmakers visit India for greater collaboration. It’s the defining partnership of the 21st century. The U.S.-India relationship is anchored by shared strategic interests. Trump’s presence at the Houston rally is a “recognition of the importance of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. and definitely a recognition of Prime Minister Modi as a global leader, he said.
Congressman Michael Guest (R-MS) recognized that India is a growing international power. “We need to work together to enhance more areas of collaboration, where India can contribute in areas where US needs India’s participation. I am excited about trade opportunities between the nations.
Congressman Michael Bost (R-IL) a keynote speaker, said, his state has the largest export economy in Mid-West, with $855 Million goods exported to India alone, while $1.63 Billion imported from India. Expansion of trade is beneficial to both the nations. He advocated for Immigration Reform and removing the cap on per country quota. He said, it’s extremely important to have good trade policies based on the basis of values of the two great nations.
At the panel discussion on healthcare policy, Dr. Suresh Reddy stated that the United States has the best quality healthcare in the world. Accessibility of high quality care is the best in the US. He pointed to access to stroke treatment, which is not available anywhere in the world. Dr. Reddy, said, “Nowhere in the world is Medicare and Medicaid that makes healthcare accessible to millions as it is being done in the United States. He pointed out how without money and insurance, millions of people are denied life-saving medical treatment, while in the United states, they get the treatment first and financial ability is addressed after the patient is given the treatment that saved one’s life. According to him, the problems faced by the healthcare sector include, high cost, abuse of services, insurance and defensive medicine.
Dr. Sampat Shivangi reminded the delegates of the concerted efforts with several US senators, on the need to pass the Bill 260 in Senate, which was introduced and is awaiting acceptance by the Senate members. He said, the US House has overwhelmingly passed an immigration Bill which places them apart from the H1B category, enabling them to get Visas to work without the limitations of H1B.
Dr. Seema Arora, Chairwoman of AAPI’s BOT, said, “Market based system improves opportunities and risks. Business models that we have today work towards cost cutting and downsizing, which affect quality, affordability and accessibility.” Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, President-Elect of AAPI, highlighted the role of government in 10 areas in improving health care quality and safety in the United States. Dr. Ravi Kolli, Secretary of AAPI, advocated for increase in Med school and Resident slots to go up, while working on the scope of Tele Medicine and encouraging of alternate practiceners to make healthcare holistic and affordable to all.
Dr. Udaya Shivangi spoke about the ways to lowering the cost of medications. She pointed out that many pharma companies are overcharging customers for new drugs while not using the cheaper drugs that already in the market. Dr. Radhu Aggarwal urged for the “need to control the cost of drugs. Lower the malpractice insurance,” he said. Dr. Anil Yallpagadda advocated for popularizing Telemedicine, which can be a crucial solution to rural needs. Among others who were part of the discussion included Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, Dr. Raj Bhayani and several other AAPI leaders.
Christiane Hamacher said, “Access and affordability are the two pivotal points around which health economics revolves. Biocon Biologics can be an enabling partner for the US to address the grave threat of spiraling healthcare costs for chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes by expanding access to high quality, yet affordable, biosimilars. We have enabled patients across many countries to effectively manage their diabetes at a fraction of the price they pay for originator drugs.”
Stephen Renna, chief banking officer, EXIM, keynote address, shared about the concerted efforts of US administration to enhance trade with India through Advocacy Center and EXIM Bank, whose mission is to enhance US exports by helping US companiess to help communicate and advocate for them with foreign governments. EXIM Bank provides guarantee to US companies who want to borrow money from international banks to do business abroad. He said, while the US seeks and wants India to be a strong partner in trade, it’s challenging to do business sin India due to crippling delays, bureaucracy red-tapism, and lack of transparency. US needs the help of Diaspora to smoothen trade relations.
A Panel Discussion moderated by Natasha Srdoc, asked why many Americans travel to Mexico or Canada to buy cheap drugs. The panel deliberated on how the process of making cheaper and quality medicines is a huge challenge in the US and how Biosimilars is working to make medications affordable to people across the world. Panelists discussed about reducing the barriers in allowing importing of pharma products which will make drugs market more competitive and more affordable.
The Panel on, Future of Public Policy Impacting America and India: The Economy, Trade, Investments and Technology, moderated by Derek Scissors, Resident Fellow at American Enterprise Institute, said, the key is the working of the Indian economy. There is a need for people having clear ownership of land and the staff can be hired and fired as per need, which are challenges in India. Governments tends to protect workers and does not allow new workers to be hired, which is a hindrance to the growth of the economy.
Smita Siddhanti, president, TiE DC, said, “America needs India to replace China and both are working towards enhancing trade partnership. India is more liberalizing than many other nations opening up manufacturing sector with Modi government’s “Made in India” policy. The role of TIE is making this collaboration happen, she said, and pointed out how TiE has grown over the years across the US and India as a model for enterprising.
Politician from New Zeland, said, until recently NZ was one of the worst performing, but now it is one of the best. “Ideal for Trade Agreement is Zero Restrictions on trade, abolishing all restrictions. US economy is the most dynamic because, US made policy that is capital incentive.” He advocated India open up and reduce restrictions?
Richard Black discussed on the current Role of US in Afghanistan. “Is the US negotiating with the right Taliban because there may be more than one Taliban. US needs to talk. Realistic expectations need to be created in our allies. Obama left a vacuum in Iraq, which is now filled by Iran led forces. He was critical of the lack of understanding of the underpinnings and dynamics of local traditions and cultures, before intervening in foreign countries.
Praising both the nations for the values-based foreign policy, he said, India is the perfect partner for US to do business with. “If Modi is trying to make India a Hindu Nation, that is the worst ever could happen to India,” he cautioned.
Joseph Brodecki stressed the importance of Synergy, and the need for Indo-Jewish Partnership. He said, “The ties between India and Israel are based on shared values and contributions. It comes from the ancient histories where Jews never faced anti-Jewish sentiments. We share common values, education, family and hard work. India and Israel both have democratic traditions. Both pride in free speech, free press and free democracy. Growing relationship between the two is good for the American Jews and Indian Americans. Both work together in technology, energy, healthcare, joint ventures between companies from both on Cyber Security and weapons system. We have concerns about rising intolerance towards minorities.
Tom Garrett, Former Congressman praised India to be so insightful. India is firmly committed to working with countries to stabilize the region. The outcome or the impact of wars is enormous. Political, economic and prestige and world standing. ISIS is a direct outcome of Iraq invasion. We are purging Christianity from the birth place of Christ.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Shivangi said, “Today’s event is the culmination of many months of preparation and planning by Joel Anand Samy, co-founder and president, International Leaders Summit and Natasha Srdoc, MBA, co-founder and CEO, International Leaders Summit, Dr. Suresh Reddy, the Dynamic Leader of AAPI, who rendered whole hearted support, and a host of other key players.”
International Leaders Summit, a US-based think tank, is dedicated to presenting principled public policies and pro-growth solutions based on the foundational rule of law which protects life, liberty and private property. The independent think tank leads a coalition of principled leaders within America and in partnering countries to strengthen the rule of law, advance economic freedom, address healthcare reforms, expand free and fair trade and to secure peace through strength. The Summit builds upon high-level events and meetings in Europe, the Middle East and United States with events hosted at the European Parliament in Brussels, Washington, DC, Jerusalem, London, Ljubljana, Prague and Warsaw.
The purpose of convening the Summit was to fill a void in the strategic policy discussions of strengthening US-India ties on strategic fronts with America and India’s real stakeholders — representing the key communities such as the Indian American leadership belonging to the healthcare and business arena and joined by leaders in government and the think tank network. It is a top-down and bottom-up approach engaging the grassroots of engaged networks.