A prominent group of Indian-American doctors on May 7 urged the US government to release at least 30 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses to India to help meet its “acute and severe” shortage in the country, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the world.
The American Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin (AAPI), the largest representative body of Indian-American doctors in the United States, has also written letters to all the 100 senators, seeking their support in increased assistance to India.
AAPI said it has been working with the White House officials and urging the administration the importance and the need to send the much-needed vaccines to India to prevent and contain the spread of the virus.
At present, India is experiencing acute and severe shortages of the COVID-19 vaccines. AstraZeneca is releasing 60 million vaccines after due FDA approval this month. We urge the US government to release at least 30 million doses of the vaccine to India, said Dr. Sampat Shivangi, member National Advisory Council, SAMHSA, Center for National Mental Health Services, and currently serving as AAPI’s Legislative Wing chairman.
While providing all possible help and support that is essential at this critical period, AAPI recognises that in the long term, vaccination is still the best therapy and hope, he said.