The Indian Academy of Pediatrics was established in 1963, at Mumbai with a little more than 150 Pediatricians as its members.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics is committed to the improvement of the health and well-being of all children. For this purpose, the Academy dedicates its efforts and resources. At present, there are over 40,000 members across the country. It is well structured in 5 Zones having 30 State Branches and some overseas branches. Which are again distributed in 329 District / City branches. The Academy has promoted different specialities in the field of Pediatrics through its 20 Subspecialty Chapters and 8 Subspecialty Groups.
IAP is the largest and most representative association of Pediatricians in India as compared with other organizations of medical specialities that are often fragmented and segmented. This indicates the unity that the association has been able to maintain among its members over the past 57 years.
One of the major activities undertaken by the IP since its inception has been to organize Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs by holding conferences, symposia, lectures, and other meets all over the country.
Even in the year 2020, during the COVID 19 pandemic, IAP did a commendable job. IAP organised webinars, virtual conferences, educational talks, scientific program and community awareness program for Pediatricians as well as for parents and student.
Many of the best international speakers have attended and guided the academy over many years. It has greatly benefited all the Pediatricians as well as the community. Pediatrics as a subject was relatively underrepresented in the undergraduate curriculum in the 1950s but IPs efforts resulted in the subject receiving more importance and being recognized as a separate discipline.
The Government of India recognized the strength and unity of the IP and has, over the years, invited the participation and critical appraisal of Child health programs initiated by Central and State Governments.
IP's head office is in Mumbai, while Delhi is the seat of its official publication - Indian Pediatrics, an indexed journal. Another journal - Indian Journal of Practical Pediatrics, is published from Chennai and has become a popular source of scientific information.
The Academy shall strive for the achievement of the optimum growth, development, and health in the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual realms of all children irrespective of diversities of their backgrounds. The Academy shall fulfil the mission through the following activities.
Provide and promote ethical and professional standards among the members and provide and promote education and training for the improvement of the knowledge, attitude, and skills of members in pediatrics in its widest sense.
Provide a forum for promoting the role and opportunities of pediatricians as the best- equipped professionals for the care of sick children and to maintain the health and well-being of all children. Remain as the spoke medium of appropriate training of medical and related supportive professionals involved in the care of children in different settings.
Provide services, benefits, and recognition to assist and support the members for meeting the needs and challenges inherent in pursuing our missions.
Design and conduct programs and efforts for the education of parents, the public and policymakers on their role in the promotion of health and well-being of children at home, in school and in other situations.
The Academy offers its expertise and scientific inputs to the individuals, organizations, institutions and the government and its agencies in the areas of child health. The Academy represents at the Consultative Committees / Task Forces / Boards constituted by the Government and/or its agencies in matters related to child health and offers scientific inputs.
