The Respiratory Chapter of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics was established in 1987 under the chairpersonship of Dr. M. D. Shah, Mumbai. Dr. H. Paramesh, Dr. N. Somu, Dr. Keya Lahiri and Dr. L. Subramnayam and many others were involved in articulating the foundation stones of this branch.  Dr. Jagadish Chinnappa, Dr. A. Balachandran, Dr. T. U. Sukumaron, Dr Raju Khubchandani, Dr. Krishan Chug, Dr Sushil Kabra, Dr G. R. Sethi, Dr Varinder Singh, Dr D. Vijaysekharan, Dr Atul K Gupta, Dr S. N. Kamath, Dr. Suresh Babu and Dr. Mahesh Babu and many others carried forward the torch of this chapter through the years which bestowed academic excellence and membership enrichment to this chapter. From over a 100 members in the beginning it has grown to about 1200 members at present and its strength is ever increasing. Apart from holding Annual Conferences (Respicon, 21st in 2009) regularly, numerous interactive seminars and workshops were regularly held in every year in all zones of India.

A training module for interactive learning was first launched in 2003-4 under the National banner (co-ordinator: Dr Raju Khubchandani) on ATM (Asthma Training Module) with a slide set and a book for about 3-4 hr training course for all doctors including pediatricians. It was a dramatic hit in all spheres and trendsetter. Interestingly, this was the first of its kind of training CD material by any branch or chapter of IAP. It followed numerous similar courses from all branches of IAP and finally in 2006 Dr. Nitin Shah, President of IAP, incorporated this program in IAP Action Plan 2006. Similar program called RTI-GEM (Respiratory Tract Infection-diagnosis and management in case discussion style) was initiated in 2006 (with Dr Rohit Agarwal & Dr Varinder Singh taking the initiative). It was also incorporated in IAP Action Plan 2006 because of its popularity. Another program called AWESOME (ACADEMICS WITH EXCELLENCE SCIENCE ONLY MINUS EXTAVANGAZA) Pulmonology was coined by Dr. Mahesh Babu, with guidance of Dr Y K Ambdekar, was held in every corner of India since 2007 with interactive sessions and case scenario discussions within delegates and faculties without ANY  SPONSORSHIP from any pharmaceutical companies.

As we take up the responsibility of this heritage chapter, with about 1200 members and so much scientific obligations, we need help, blessings and advises from all members and seniors of our beloved chapter.

Jay IAP—Jay Hind--- Jay IAP Resp Chapter—JAY HO !!!!

List of National Chairperson & Secretary of IAP Respirtory Chapter :  since 1987