Welcome to the IAPA (Australasian) Homepage from the
National General Secretary
 As the National General Secretary of this although recently formed rapidly grown dynamic organization, it is my pleasure to invite you to browse through our website.
IAPA ( Australia ) formation was the consolidation globally with similar organizations in USA , UK and Canada . Together we are closely affiliated with the Indian Psychiatric Society. In this endeavour we are able to net work and form a fellowship with mental health professionals of similar ancestry caring and supporting the mental health and well-being of the global community. The organization has been blessed with dynamic leadership including the internationally eminent and respected Professor Bruce Singh the foundation president and Professor Perminder Sachdev the foundation vice president and comprises other eminent and respected academics, public, rural, private clinicians and administrators contributing significantly to the planning and delivering of mental health care at all levels of the population and to every area of this wonderful country of ours.
We have a national committee comprised of organising committees in all states and territories. This committee meets every 3 months and have been able to consolidate individual regions active participation and requirements on a national basis.
The presence of a National Scientific Committee chaired by an Eminent Professor of Psychiatry Prof J. Kulkarani have seen a rich scientific agenda including the advent of the Inaugural International Cultural Psychiatry Conference co sponsored by the World Psychiatric association and co organised by the similar organizations in UK and USA . We have had a number of scientific meetings held regularly. This has been addressed by visiting speakers from around the world.
The production of a national newsletter circulated 3 monthly is a feature of significance which is lead by Dr. Benson Elijah the National Editor of the News Letter. You will be able to visit the last couple of editions of this newsletter on our web site.
A well thought set of objectives have been drawn up and accepted by the national council. This reflects the many dimensions that the organization stands for.
Of importance is the Honorary Membership, which has indeed been availed by a number of colleagues in psychiatry. This is open to all
Psychiatrists / medical staffs that share our objectives and have close links and association with the organization and South Asia . Allied health professionals who are contributing to mental health and share ancestry from the Indian Subcontinent are also actively participating and comprise of the associate member category.
The New Zealand chapter is in currently being formed.
There are currently over 270 listed members and the potential membership of over 500 mental health clinicians of ancestry from the Indian Sub continent contributing to the care and well being of the Australasian community. This reflects both the contribution and the responsibility that this group of professionals share. Thus this organization is seen to contribute significantly to the Australasian and International Mental health and Psychiatry Scene.
Please contact any of us for further information. I welcome you to become a member in any the categories and support and participate in this exciting and rewarding journey that we have embarked on.
Dr. Russell F D'Souza |
