BAPIO is pleased to announce the launch of its sixth arm-length body, The British Indian Allied Health Professionals Association (BIAHPA). BIAHPA was officially launched on the 10th of September, marking a significant milestone for diversity, leadership, and collaboration across the UK’s Allied Health Professions (AHPs).
BIAHPA has been established to support and advocate for all AHPs, including those of Indian heritage, working in the UK. The network will celebrate contributions, amplify voices, and create new opportunities for professional connection, mentorship, leadership development, and equitable representation across healthcare. By bringing together colleagues from across the country, BIAHPA aims to help shape the future of healthcare through shared expertise, innovation, and collaboration.
The association was launched by Dr Ramesh Mehta CBE (Founder and President of BAPIO) in the presence of senior healthcare leaders from both UK and India including Prof Suzanne Rastrick OBE (Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for NHS England), Dr Yagna Unmesh Shukla (Chairperson, National Commission for AHPs, Government of India), Prof Geeta Menon (Chair, BAPIO), Dr Satheesh Mathew (Vice President, BAPIO) and Coumarassamy Marimouttou (Chair, British Indian Nurses Association). Furthermore, the launch event brought together colleagues from across health and care, highlighting the importance of inclusive networks in advancing the AHP professions and, through them, improving care for patients and communities.
Dr Ramesh Mehta CBE said: “AHPs form the backbone of the NHS and I am delighted to launch the British Indian AHP Association, which will highlight the important role played by AHPs of Indian origin. By becoming part of the BAPIO family, BIAHPA will have the opportunity to amplify the voices of its members, support their growth and help the advancement of members’ careers”
Prof Suzanne Rastrick OBE, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for NHS England, welcomed the launch, saying: “This new UK-wide network will strengthen collaboration, celebrate diversity and create opportunities for Allied Health Professionals of Indian heritage to connect, share expertise and shape the future of healthcare.”
Vignesh Murali, Chair of BIAHPA, said: “We are proud to launch BIAHPA as a platform to support, inspire, and empower Allied Health Professionals of Indian heritage. Together, we will build stronger professional networks, nurture leadership, and ensure equitable representation across the healthcare workforce. This is the beginning of an important journey to celebrate heritage, strengthen belonging, and contribute to the highest standards of patient care.”