Asia Pacific Aged Care Hub
The Asia Pacific Aged Care Hub (APACH) is an initiative led by the Flinders University College of Business, Government, and Law, the Caring Futures Institute, and the Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia. Supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, APACH is a capacity-building effort to enhance aged care across the Asia Pacific region. The program aims to facilitate collaboration among individuals in the aged care sector, fostering the sharing of insights and best practices at both systemic and grassroots levels.
About us
Chief Investigators
Madhan Balasubramanian BDS MHSM (Hons) PhD
Madhan brings a public health and health services background, with a focus on the future design and sustainable development of core health system components and developing integrated systems to address sustainable development goals. He has published over 50+ scientific publications and has won over $1.35 million AUD in nationally/internationally competitive funding. He also serves as an Editorial Board Member of BMC Health Services Research and Associate Editor in Frontiers in Public Health (Ageing Section) – both top-tiered Q1 journals in Health Policy and Public Health.
Dr. Jyoti Khadka, an accomplished academic researcher, specializes in patient-reported outcomes, health economics, aged care, and health services research. Nationally recognized, two of his tools, QOL-ACC and QCE-ACC, are implemented by the Australian government to assess aged care quality. Leveraging the Registry of Senior Australians' databases, he investigates older individuals' interactions with healthcare systems, analyzing costs to inform national policies. With a notable portfolio of over 90 publications and five research reports, including contributions to the Royal Commission into Aged Care, he has secured substantial Category A grant funding, exceeding $6 million. Dr. Khadka's work significantly influences aged care practices and policies in Australia.
Associate Professor Angie Shafei
Dr. Angie Shafei, holding a Doctorate in Business and Clinical and Chemical Pathology, serves as the Director of Healthcare Management at Flinders University and Co-founder of InnovateInn. Bridging healthcare, business, and academia, she influences accreditation and industry collaboration. With extensive consulting experience, Dr. Shafei contributes to regional health network development and international strategic planning. As a seasoned lecturer, she impacts education at institutions like the Australian Institute of Business and Cairo University Hospitals. Proactively integrating research, teaching, and practical experience, Dr. Shafei significantly contributes to healthcare management, business consultancy, and academia.
Dr Sue Gordon, a research leader, secured substantial grants, including $34,442,800 for ARRIA's Phase 1 & 2 and a $2,962,655.00 Australian Research Council grant for the Industrial Transformation Research Hub. With a $7 million grant, she tested the Single Assessment Tool for Aged Care and led the My Smart Home initiative with $370,432 funding. Addressing social isolation, Connected Communities and a $20,000 Flinders University grant for a high-support chair showcased her commitment. Nationally, $286,151.00 was secured for Everybody's Game under the National Disability Research Program. Co-author of the Aged Care Technology Roadmap, Dr Sue actively shapes the field, participating in the Aged Care Royal Commission Technology Workshop. At the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, she contributes to assessing, developing, and overseeing national aged care projects with a digital technology focus.
As the Interim CEO at Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA), Mr. Reuben Jacob is a seasoned leader with a unique blend of technical acumen and commercial insight. His diverse experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors has honed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excelling in leadership, management, negotiation, relationship building, and networking, he brings a holistic perspective with meticulous attention to detail. His background includes roles in commercialization, clinical trials, and a venture capital internship, demonstrating proficiency in operationalizing initiatives, corporate governance, and stakeholder management. With a proven track record in evaluating business opportunities and creating reporting tools, his extensive networks nationally and internationally position him for success in various environments.
APACH Fellows
APACH Fellows have distinguished themselves with their exceptional contributions to aged care health system strengthening. They demonstrate a steadfast commitment and fervour towards enhancing aged care systems in their respective home countries. This includes 15fellows from six different nations. These include India (6 fellows), Nepal (2), Bangladesh (1), Malaysia (2), Indonesia (2), and the Philippines (2).
A short summary of the fellows is provided below:
India
Dr Acharyulu has is Professor in Operations & Supply Chain, Program Advisor – MBA (Healthcare & Hospital Management), School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, India. He has 10 years of industry experience and more than 20 years of academic experience. His research is involved in Healthcare, Supply Chain and Sustainability, and collaboration with health service providers. He has also published ten books and 23 research papers in national and 25 international journals. He has presented research papers at National & International conferences.
Teddy Andrews J J is the Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Social Work Program at the Department of Social and Health Innovation, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. With a Master's in Social Work, a Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontology, and a PhD in Social Gerontology, he specializes in Ageing, Mental Health, Adolescents' Well-being, and Social Work Education. Before academia, he worked as a practitioner in mental health and adolescent health promotion projects.
Thriveni S Beerenahally is a seasoned Medical and Public Health professional with 25 years of expertise in healthcare, strategic planning, and implementation. Specializing in health systems research, she focuses on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), elderly care, advocacy, data-driven decisions, Corporate Social Responsibility, and organizational transformation within large, global organizations. Thriveni is the founding member of Feel@Home Senior Care Centre, overseeing two aged care homes. Her work explores the functioning of care homes in India and incorporates global best practices.Top of Form
Dr. Lakshmi Balraj, an oral medicine and maxillofacial radiologist, serves as the Chief Officer and Head of Research at APJ ERIC, Indian Dental Association in Mumbai. Currently pursuing a PhD in International Health at Maastricht University, Netherlands, her research focuses on understanding oral health policies and their implementation in developing economies. She contributes as an oral oncology consultant in multiple Mumbai hospitals and has received the IADR award, led various research projects, reviewed for journals, is a Lifetime member of IAOMR, and is a trained classical vocalist.
Professor Meghashyam Bhat, a dental academic with a Ph.D. in Dentistry (Oral Epidemiology) and a Masters in Community Dentistry and Public Health, boasts over two decades of experience in academia. As the Professor of Public Health Dentistry at Sharavathi Dental College and Hospital in Bengaluru, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, he is deeply involved in teaching and research. Dr Bhat's research interests include Oral Epidemiology, Public Health, and Ageing.
Dr B.S. Nanda Kumar is an accomplished medical professional and researcher with an MD in Community Medicine, DNB in Community Medicine, and a Post Graduate Health and Hospital Management Diploma. As the Associate Dean of Research at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences and Head of Research & Intellectual Property Rights at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, he focuses on primary healthcare, telemedicine, public health informatics, and health technology development. Dr Kumar has made significant contributions to academia, healthcare policy, and international research projects.
APACH Online Conference | Jul 2023
The conference schedule for the Asia Pacific Aged Care Hub (APACH) featured a series of presentations from fellows representing different countries in the region. The agenda included introductions, presentations, and discussions with a focus on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Each presenter had a strict time limit of 5 minutes, followed by a dedicated session for questions and discussion. The conference aimed to facilitate a comprehensive overview of aged care initiatives, experiences, and future plans across the Asia Pacific, contributing to the program's goal of enhancing collaboration and capacity-building in the aged care sector. The schedule was meticulously organized, allowing for efficient time management and ensuring a productive and informative conference experience.
APACH Australian Program | Aug 2023
During the Fellows' visit to Adelaide, they were hosted by Aged Care Research & Industry Australia (ARIIA) at the Flinders University Tonsley site. The schedule was diverse and included presentations, panel discussions, cultural tours, and industry visits. On Day 1, the program kicked off with welcomes, introductions to ARIIA and Flinders University, and a discussion on fellows' interests. Day 2 focused on workforce and delivery challenges, consumer panels, and discussions on innovation and technology in aged care. Days 3 and 4 involved industry visits in rural South Australia and metropolitan Adelaide, respectively. The program concluded with discussions on palliative care, multicultural aging, triaging for aged care, and a free day before their visit to Canberra. In Canberra, the Fellows engaged in panel discussions, tours, and meetings with national representatives and the Department of Health. The comprehensive schedule aimed to provide a holistic understanding of aged care practices, challenges, and innovations in Australia.
APACH Online Conference 1 | February 2024
APACH International Symposium | May 2024
Asia Pacific Map
India | Nepal | Bangladesh | Malaysia | Indonesia | Philippines | Australia
Find out more
Contact details
Dr Madhan Balasubramanian
Phone: +61 8 7421 9157
Email: madhan.balasubramanian@flinders.edu.au
Flinders University | Bedford Park
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
Flinders University uses cookies to ensure website functionality, personalisation and a variety of purposes as set out in its website privacy statement. This statement explains cookies and their use by Flinders.
If you consent to the use of our cookies then please click the button below:
If you do not consent to the use of all our cookies then please click the button below. Clicking this button will result in all cookies being rejected except for those that are required for essential functionality on our website.