Townsville-based endocrinologist Dr Kunwarjit Singh Sangla has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division for his service to endocrinology and to rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland.
Dr Sangla is Medical Director of Medical Services at Townsville Hospital and Health Service and a senior specialist in internal medicine, obstetric medicine and endocrinology. His career has combined clinical practice with senior leadership roles across Queensland Health, reflecting a long-standing commitment to improving access to care in regional and remote settings.
His appointments have included deputy executive director of medical services and medical director of rural services, alongside senior governance roles covering board safety and quality, stakeholder engagement, medication management, credentialing, and human research ethics. He has also served as an adjunct professor of medicine at James Cook University and as a visiting specialist across a wide network of services, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health organisations, regional hospitals, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service in places such as Camooweal, Burketown and Dajarra.
Dr Sangla’s professional contribution extends to education, research oversight and clinical standards, including his work as a senior examiner with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and his long-standing involvement in statewide diabetes and medication safety networks. His service has been recognised over many years, including the Rural Services Medal in 2015 and multiple recent awards for innovation and quality in healthcare delivery.
The national recognition acknowledges a career shaped by sustained service to communities where specialist care is often hardest to reach, and by leadership that has strengthened clinical governance and patient safety across Queensland’s health system.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
