South Australian Indian Medical Association

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (16:06): I move:

That this council—

(a) acknowledges the ongoing contribution of the South Australian Indian Medical Association in South Australia in the areas of health care and philanthropic activities, promoting social cohesion and fostering a strong community spirit;

(b) recognises the importance of the multicultural community in South Australia and their ongoing contributions to our state; and

(c) wishes the organisation all the best in its future endeavours.

I am pleased to rise today to move this motion to recognise the extraordinary contributions of the South Australian Indian Medical Association (SAIMA). This organisation has made an enormous contribution in the areas of health care and philanthropic activities, which have promoted social cohesion and community spirit since the association was incorporated in 2008. I note the excellent work of community groups and SAIMA deserve recognition for their work. It is also important to recognise the extraordinary contributions that those of Indian heritage have made in South Australia, and we are far better for it.

The history of SAIMA began in December 2007, when a group of interested members first came together. They were driven by a simple goal: to create a common platform for health professionals with an interest in the Indian subcontinent and to engage with other groups within the medical profession to help provide the highest quality health care and promote goodwill.

SAIMA should be proud of their work in striving to meet this goal and they have created a platform that they have sought to achieve since their inaugural meeting on 23 May 2008 at the Calvary Wakefield auditorium. I am told that from their first meeting, SAIMA's main objectives were to enhance the delivery of high-quality health care in South Australia by promoting educational and scientific events among their members and to encourage philanthropic activities to promote social cohesion, camaraderie and interaction amongst various community and professional associations.

Since their first AGM in 2009, the growth of SAIMA has been extraordinary, and they now have the largest membership base of any medical organisation in South Australia, with currently over 300 active members who are all health professionals, and this is certainly a fantastic achievement. The current committee is comprised of a president, currently Dr Nimit Singhal, past presidents being Professor Suren Krishnan, Dr Krish Sundararajan and Dr Arvind Sehgal, a vice-president, treasurer, general secretary and six other ordinary members.

Various portfolio positions are filled by board members in areas such as education, health, allied health, GP liaison, sports, human resources and student representative. These portfolios attest to the range of areas in which SAIMA contributes to our state. One key feature of SAIMA is its recognition of the importance of scientific research and discovery, which is vital to our public health system. Each year SAIMA recognises excellence in the fields of health and medicine. The recipients of these awards have been pioneers in many fields. The awards presented at its annual charity gala dinner include the SAIMA president's award, lifetime achievement award and the Sabapathy Krishnan Memorial Award for academic excellence. To date, the list of recipients for various awards is long. There are about 17 recipients of these awards.

Another important area of SAIMA's work is its support for charities, which are particularly impressive, with some extraordinary contributions over the years and with a charity supported each year at its gala dinner. Among the charities they have helped over the years are: the Australasian Palliative Link International, Eye Play Support, Maranatha Health, Doctors for the Environment Australia, Catherine House and the May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust.

Without a doubt, SAIMA is a success story for medical professionals who hail from the Indian subcontinent and who have established a group to support each other, improve professional standards and participate in philanthropic activities. On behalf of this chamber, it is fitting that we wish them every success with their future endeavours, and may they continue to thrive and make this state such a significant place in which to live.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. T.J. Stephens.