Introduction: Professor Channi Kumar (1938-2000).

who died in September 2000. who died in September 2000. Channi was a key figure in the develop-Channi was a key figure in the development of perinatal psychiatry as a specialty, ment of perinatal psychiatry as a specialty, and his research into the causes, conse-and his research into the causes, consequences and treatment of postnatal mental quences and treatment of postnatal mental illness gained him an international reputa-illness gained him an international reputation. One of his greatest achievements was tion. One of his greatest achievements was in raising awareness – in public, medical in raising awareness – in public, medical and academic arenas – about postnatal and academic arenas – about postnatal mental illness and its impact not only on mental illness and its impact not only on the women who suffer from it but also on the women who suffer from it but also on their babies and other family members. their babies and other family members. Along with Ian Brockington and James Along with Ian Brockington and James Hamilton, Channi launched the Marce Hamilton, Channi launched the Marcé Society (the international society for Society (the international society for research into mental illness associated with research into mental illness associated with childbearing) and became its second presi-childbearing) and became its second president , from 1984 to 1986. During this time, dent, from 1984 to 1986. During this time, the society became a leading forum for a the society became a leading forum for a diverse group of researchers and clinicians diverse group of researchers and clinicians involved in the treatment of postnatal psy-involved in the treatment of postnatal psychiatric illness – midwives, health visitors, chiatric illness – midwives, health visitors, obstetricians, psychologists and paediatri-obstetricians, psychologists and paediatricians , as well as mental health specialists. cians, as well as mental health specialists. Over the years, with Channi's encourage-Over the years, with Channi's encouragement , the society has had a substantial ment, the society has had a substantial impact on routine clinical practice for impact on routine clinical practice for mothers and their infants. mothers and their infants. Channi was a dedicated clinician with Channi was a dedicated clinician with real concern and respect for his patients. In real concern and respect for his patients. In 1981 he was appointed consultant to the 1981 he was appointed consultant to the newly opened mother and baby unit at the newly opened mother …