Aims & Objectives

BIPA: Aims, Objectives and Position statement

1. To act as a forum for psychiatrists of Indian origin in the UK for promotion of social closeness and cohesion.
2. To promote education and research in psychiatry in the UK, for improvement of mental health services for people of Indian origin.
3. To acknowledge and recognize contributions of Indian psychiatrists and make them known more widely.
4. To organize education and research events with Indian Psychiatric Society and other psychiatric organisations in UK or elsewhere.
5. To establish funds and awards to promote the cause of mental health in this country.
6. To be an advocate for the specific needs of our Association members in relation to Royal College of Psychiatrists and other governmental bodies.

POSITON STATEMENT

The British Indian Psychiatric Association (BIPA) and its relationships with other Associations and Groups.This position statement is issued by the BIPA Executive Committee to offer clarification and avoid confusion.

1. IPS and IAPA:
   
   BIPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) in India and Indo-American Psychiatric Association (IAPA) in USA. BIPA has taken initiative to organise mutually beneficial and shared programmes at conferences.


2. South Asian Forum:
   
   This organisation was formed in 2003. BIPA Executive Committee never endorsed its activities nor established official links with it. Individual members of BIPA may have attended meetings organised by the South Asian Forum and they have done so as individuals. Members are entitled to act in their own individual capacity. They were not representing BIPA or its Executive Committee.


3. 3. The Steering Committee of the Joint Conference of Associations (BIPA, British Pakistani Psychiatric Association(BPPA), Sri-Lankan Psychiatrists' Association(SLPA-UK), and British Arab Psychiatric Association(BAPA):
   
   This was set up in 2004 and BIPA has agreed to participate in its activities, such as the first Joint Conference that took place at the week end of 26-27th June 2004.The core group consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and General Secretary of each of the four Associations. A Secretariat will be formed by nominating a co-ordinator from each of the Associations if any conference is to be planned. The Secretariat functions under the guidance of the Steering Committee. The Terms of Reference of this Steering Committee and minutes of its meetings are available for scrutiny to any member of Associations on request. If any member has any questions related to the above matter, please feel free to contact any of the Office Bearers by phone or email. You can contact us through our website address www.bipa.org.uk.