Since 1965, the Indian Association of Paediatric Surgeons (IAPS) has grown steadily into an independent and vibrant association. The Association is officially registered and enjoys the status of Tax exemption from the Government of India. The association publishes its own scientific journal bimonthly from Calcutta.

The IAPS has recently approved the constitution prepared under the chairmanship of Dr. Gandhi. The Association is also credited with having prepared its own Curriculum for the M.Ch degree bringing uniformity to teaching and training throughout the country.

Presently, there are 22 pediatric surgical teaching centers offering M.Ch degrees and producing approximately 30 new pediatric surgeons each year. The IAPS has increased to approximately 600 members. The IAPS holds two scientific meetings each year; one annual meeting and an additional sectional meeting held in association with the annual conference of the Association of Surgeons of India. All the activities of the association are controlled and regulated by an eleven member elected body. Many of our members have won prestigious national and international awards.

The association remains academically active and holds workshops, symposia, seminars and regional conferences in different centers each year. There is a free exchange of views on many areas of practice and research. Members attend international congresses and workshops to present scientific papers and update their knowledge. Various state chapters and city clubs conduct scientific activities regularly in their respective states.

The Indian Association of Paediatric Surgeons celebrated 1998 as the Paediatric Laparoscopy year and held four workshops in four different parts of the country. A few of our members have already taken up the specialties of pediatric laparoscopy, pediatric urology and oncology as their career.

India has a need for approximately 4000 pediatric surgeons to serve a population of 400 million individuals under the age of 14. Neonatal surgical services are very limited and available only in metropolitan areas. Despite the need, the career opportunities for pediatric surgeons are very few. The bulk of pediatric surgical work is still being performed by general surgeons. Research facilities are also restricted and remain limited to only a few institutions. It is hoped the specialty will meet the expectations of the public in the next millennium.