China

AAMH hosts delegation from Guangdong

March 8, 2010

On 1st to 5th March 2010, Asia Australia Mental Health (AAMH) hosted a high level delegation from Guangdong province, China.  The delegation consisted of senior mental health practitioners and hospital directors from across the province of Guangdong.  The week-long visit allowed the delegation to see key components of the Victorian mental health system, and develop a deeper understanding of how it works.

Site visits to St Vincent’s mental health units, the Mental Illness Fellowship, and the Cunningham Dax collection, were combined with sessions led by high level Victorian government representatives, Dr Ruth Vine, Chief Psychiatrist, Mental Health, Drugs and Regions Division, Department of Health, and Mr Martin Turnbull, Assistant Director, Mental Health and Drugs Strategy, Mental Health and Drugs Division.

A gala dinner was also held in honor of the delegation visit on Thursday 4th March at the University of Melbourne.  Professor Bruce Singh (former Chair of AAMH) welcomed the delegation to the evening and introduced Dr Jia Fujun who gave a short snapshot of the community mental health system in Guangdong.  Professor Ian Everall (current AAMH executive) gave his thanks on behalf of AAMH.

The delegation was led by Dr. Jia Fujun, President of the Guangdong Mental Health Institute.  Dr. Jia Fujun is also a key partner of AAMH in the Asia Pacific Community Mental Health Development Project (APCMHP).

Also, listen to an interview with Dr Jia Fujun, who talks about his experiences during the week-long visit and the growing relationship between Victoria and Guangdong.