The British Pakistani Psychiatrists Association hosted the Summer Gala 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel
Derby: The British Pakistani Psychiatrists Association hosted the Summer Gala 2023 with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) centered around the theme “Is Mental Health Everyone’s Business?” The event took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport and also featured Mushaira, Music and Dinner.
Dr. Asad Malik, Dr. Saima Niaz, and Dr. Ali Mehdi commenced the event with a welcome speech, providing an overview of the event and its purpose. Dr. Shahid Latif, Chairman of BPPA, provided a comprehensive overview of the organization’s annual projects and programs. Dr. Lade Smith, the newly elected President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, commended BPPA’s contributions to the field of psychiatry. Prof. Afzal Javed, President of the World Psychiatric Association, emphasised the potential for advancements in psychiatry and highlighted the international support for reforms in this area. Dr. Derek Tracey, Chief Medical Officer of West London NHS Trust, shed light on the impact of over 800 modern drugs on mental development. Dr. Hashim Reza, Special Adviser in MH Informatics at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, discussed the application of artificial intelligence in mental health. Prof. Subodh Dave, Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, elaborated on the importance of data and digital literacy as critical skills in the field.
Representatives from the Pakistan Psychiatric Society stressed the need to raise awareness about mental and psychological development in Pakistan, given the scarcity of psychiatrists and the high number of patients.
They emphasised the importance of collaboration with medical professionalism the UK and Europe to bring about improvements in this field. The event also featured renowned poetry by famous local and Pakistani poets, including Iftikhar Arif, former head of the Pakistan Academy of Letters and the National Language Authority, and Khalid Masood who is well known to his humour poetry. Towards the end of the day, well-known British Pakistani classical singer, Mubarak Ali, captivated the audience with his performance. Dr. Rais Ahmed, the General Secretary of BPPA, expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests and participants as the event concluded.
Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.
