Mukesh Haikerwal - Background

Background

Mukesh Haikerwal was born in Lucknow, India, to Indian-born parents, who were British citizens based in London and working in Nigeria at the time. At the age of six he was sent to a boarding school in England. His parents returned to England when he was ten years old. He was subsequently educated at Eltham College, London, and at Leicester University.

Mukesh Haikerwal was employed for some time as a doctor at Leicester General Hospital, working 72-hour weeks, then more on weekends.

He lobbied for better conditions: "If you want someone to work hard, pay them properly and give them good conditions. If you've got doctors that are working and happy, they'll do a better job. And the patients will benefit at the end of the day, too."

Mukesh Haikerwal travelled to Australia in 1982 to visit his family and the country. Eight years later, he emigrated permanently and set up practice in Melbourne's western suburbs, where he still works.

Mukesh Haikerwal is married to Dr Karyn Alexander. They have three sons: Ajaya, Suresh and Jeevan. He is also the oldest of his 3 brothers.

On 27 September 2008, Mukesh Haikerwal nearly died after being bashed and robbed by 5 males near Dennis Reserve in Williamstown, Victoria.Mukesh Haikerwal sustained serious head injuries in the attack and was in a coma for 24 hours and remained in hospital for 2 months. He underwent emergency brain surgery to remove a blood clot and has suffered minor brain injury.

He had to re-learn how to walk and talk. Mukesh Haikerwal has had an amazing recovery and is now back to full and normal health.

As the result of this near fatal assault Dr Haikerwal opened a dialogue regarding Youth health, the care and provision and services for adolescents and young adults with mental health issues, and exploring the provision of social and support services to this sector.