• Saturday, July 27, 2024

Results for "nhs"

Karamjit Singh receives honorary doctorate for public service

A GRADUATE from the early days of Warwick Business School has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick. Karamjit Singh CBE, who began his career in 1971 as a research associate in the Industrial Relations Research Unit, now part of Warwick Business School, was named an honorary…

Family faces £30,000 NHS bill after mother suffers stroke

A family's joyous occasion turned into a financial and emotional ordeal when a mother suffered a stroke during a visit to the UK for her daughter's graduation. Maleeha Nadeem's mother, Bushra Khalid,66, travelled from Pakistan to Rochdale last September, marking her first trip abroad. However, a week before her scheduled…

New Barking centre to increase NHS scans by 50,000 annually

East London residents will benefit as the NHS will be able to carry out 50,000 more tests a year thanks to a new diagnostics centre, a health trust says. The community diagnostic centre (CDC) at Barking Community Hospital was formally opened today (25th July) and will serve patients from Redbridge…

Rotherham vows to ‘never be complacent’ about child safety

A SENIOR child safety investigator has said that Rotherham will ‘never be complacent’ about the threat of harm to its young people – 10 years after a damning report found that 1,400 children were sexually exploited from 1997 to 2013. It comes as Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, which was critisised…

Pregnant women face racist abuse at NHS trust, inquiry reveals

EXPECTANT mothers at a troubled NHS trust faced racist and discriminatory treatment, including staff mocking their accents and refusing to provide interpreters, the inquiry leader told the Guardian. Donna Ockenden's team is reviewing over 1,900 families' cases involving stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, or babies with brain damage at Nottingham…

Humza Yousaf praises newborn daughter as “wee warrior”

THE former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has expressed his gratitude and admiration for his newborn daughter, Liyana, who recently spent time in the hospital due to health complications. Yousaf shared the news on social media, describing Liyana as his "wee warrior" after she required treatment for high bilirubin…

In memoriam: Dr Kantibhai Parmar, NHS doctor and community leader…

A PIONEERING Asian doctor who served in the NHS for nearly four decades is being mourned by the community in the Midlands. Dr Kantibhai B Parmar, a much-loved GP in Rugby, passed away peacefully at his home last Thursday (18). He was 93. Kantibhai grew up in Navsari, Gujarat, where…

Trust to review monitoring for jaundice in minority babies

THE Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is set to review and potentially revise its monitoring practices for jaundice in newborns from minority ethnic backgrounds. This initiative stems from a broader study by the NHS Race and Health Observatory, which highlighted significant disparities in healthcare assessments for black, Asian, and…

Dementia diagnoses surge in England, reaching record highs

Record numbers of people are being diagnosed with dementia in England, NHS figures show. Latest data reveals that 487,432 people in England had a dementia diagnosis in June, the highest number on record. Dementia diagnosis rates have reached 65.0 per cent, the highest since the start of the pandemic. The…

Reeves mulls inflation-busting pay hikes for public workers

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves said she will consider giving inflation-busting pay increases for almost two million government employees later this month to avoid crippling public sector strikes. Two pay review bodies who advise the government have recommended a 5.5 per cent wage rise for 460,000 teachers and 1.4 million staff in…

UK activates crisis team in response to global IT outage

The British government activated its civil contingencies committee on Friday to address a global IT outage affecting its transport and health services. Cabinet secretary Pat McFadden said that ministers in the impacted sectors were collaborating with business leaders. He mentioned being "in close contact with teams coordinating our response through…

NHS reviews north-east London maternity services amid rising birth rates

The NHS is reviewing its maternity services in north-east London due to pressure from an increasing birth rate. Women are experiencing more complicated pregnancies and births, driving up the demand for adequate hospital care, according to a report by NHS North-East London (NEL). Concerns have also been raised over neonatal…

Nurse convicted of fraud charges also lied about being shot

Tanya Nasir, a former nurse from Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, was convicted of nine fraud charges at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, 16 July. Not only that, she also lied about having been shot twice while she was in the military, reported the Watford Observer. Gayle Ramsay from the Crown Prosecution…

Neeraj Patil elected to Labour’s national executive committee

Dr Neeraj Patil, former mayor of the London Borough of Lambeth, has been elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the British Labour Party. This was confirmed by David Evans, the General Secretary of the Labour Party, in a letter dated 15 July 2024. Dr Patil, a consultant in…

Global tech outage disrupts airlines, banks, and media

A global technology outage on Friday disrupted operations in various industries. Airlines halted flights, some broadcasters went off-air, and sectors ranging from banking to healthcare faced system problems. The UK's largest rail franchise reported "widespread IT issues" affecting its four train lines, leading to potential cancellations. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)…

Asians should be ‘savvy on social media’ to combat identity…

SOCIAL media posts of south Asians expressing hatred for their brown skin and parts of their culture have triggered concern among experts. Videos on TikTok include an influencer who said he disliked being brown skinned, growing up as an Asian teenager due to the 9/11 terror attacks and revealed he…

Asians urged to exercise caution over low rates of physical…

BRITISH Asians are at a greater risk of health problems after government figures showed that they continue to do less exercise than other groups. The percentage of people from a south Asian background doing at least 150 minutes of moderate or intense physical activity a week was 55 per cent,…

Asian mother ‘treated like criminal’ after arrest over baby’s birthmark

AN Asian mother of a six-month-old baby said that she was treated "like a criminal" after her son's birthmarks were mistaken for bruises. Laxmi Thapa, a Nepalese national living in Basingstoke, was held in police custody until medical examinations confirmed she had not harmed her baby, reported the BBC. Her…

ANALYSIS: Asians shift allegiances

LOOK closely at last Thursday’s (4) general election results, and you’ll have noticed a political tremor when it came to south Asian voters. A tremor which could become an earthquake at the next general election, and all the mainstream parties should think the unthinkable. These polls have shown that even…

EXCLUSIVE: “Leicester voted along religious lines”

PEOPLE in Leicester East voted along religious lines which saw the country’s only Conservative gain, sources from several political parties have told Eastern Eye. They have also warned that the city is “sitting on a religious powder keg just waiting to explode” following tensions in August and September 2022. The…

Sikh, Hindu and independent MPs in class of 2024

The 2024 UK general election results saw a significant influx of MPs from diverse backgrounds. The new MPs for the House of Commons this year include a good mix of Sikh, Hindu, and independent representatives who have made history with their victories. A record number of around 26 Indian-origin members…

Starmer’s coalition of everywhere

“Change”. That was what this election was about. Change, above all, from Rishi Sunak’s Conservative party. Fourteen million voted Conservative last time. Fewer than seven million did this time. The Conservatives lost a quarter of the vote to Reform on the right and another quarter to their left. The losses…

Starmer names Reeves finance minister, Shabana Mahmood justice minister

Keir Starmer, Britain’s new prime minister following Labour’s 2024 election victory, has appointed Rachel Reeves as the country’s first female finance minister and Angela Rayner as his deputy prime minister. Reeves, 45, a former Bank of England economist, aims to repair relations with the business community, while Rayner, 44, known…

Sonia Kumar says trust was a big part of her…

DUDLEY’s new Labour MP says being a frontline NHS worker helped show voters she was someone they could trust. Sonia Kumar regained Dudley for Labour by a majority of 1,900 to put another brick back in the red wall on a night when her party swept away their Tory opponents.…

Sojan Joseph makes history as first Keralite elected to British…

Sojan Joseph, a native of Kottayam district in Kerala, India, has made history by becoming the first Keralite elected to the British parliament. Contesting in the Ashford constituency in Kent, Joseph, a Labour Party candidate, triumphed over incumbent Damien Green of the Conservative Party with a majority of 1,779 votes,…

Dr Chintal Patel: Empowering families with food

A MISSION to transform cooking and eating led Dr Chintal Patel towards writing a newly published book with quick, easy, healthy meals for the whole family. With Dr Chintal Patel’s Kitchen, the London-based NHS GP with over 20 years of experience has created a cookbook that aims to empower families…

Labour will focus on legal migration and tackle worker inactivity:…

A future Labour government would have a greater focus on legal migration while also tackling inactivity among British workers in order to reduce net migration to the UK, the party’s chair, Anneliese Dodds, said at an election debate hosted by Eastern Eye in London on Monday (1). In its election manifesto launched…

Former Asian nurse accused of stealing charity money

AN ASIAN-ORIGIN woman accused of lying about her nursing qualifications to get employed in a hospital had also stolen charity money, Cardiff Crown Court has heard. Tanya Nasir, 45, who had earlier worked as the manager of a neonatal unit in Bridgend, has been accused of stealing £860 donated by…

Kingsbury Temple a beacon of compassion: Starmer

LABOUR leader Keir Starmer visited the Sree Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingsbury, London on Friday (28) and interacted with the local British Indian community. In his address, Starmer described the Kingsbury Temple as "a beacon of care and compassion" and lauded the way it treats all people, irrespective of their backgrounds,…

British Medical Association faces new sexism controversy

THE British Medical Association (BMA) is facing fresh sexism allegations after conference chair accused members of 'condescending' and 'belittling' behaviour towards women, the MailOnline reported. Dr Latifa Patel, who chaired this week’s BMA annual conference in Belfast, said that she had been disrespected and subjected to 'poor behaviours'. Addressing delegates,…

Who could hold top roles in a Labour government?

With the Labour Party widely expected to win next month's UK general election, speculation is growing about who leader Keir Starmer might appoint as senior ministers. Here are the contenders for the most prominent positions: Deputy prime minister: Angela Rayner Angela Rayner, 44, stands out in a political landscape often…

Amateur boxer’s death an accident: Coroner

THE DEATH of an Asian-origin amateur boxer after sustaining injuries during a charity fight in Nottingham last year was an accident, the coroner has ruled. Jubal Reji Kurian (23) died four days after he was knocked unconscious during a boxing competition in Bilborough on 25 March 2023. He suffered a…

Akshata Murty and Tory wives hit election campaign trail

THE wives of Rishi Sunak, Jeremy Hunt and James Cleverly hit the election campaign trail in Suffolk last Wednesday (19) in a bid to bolster the Conservative party’s sagging fortunes. The prime minister’s wife, Akshata Murty, was joined by Lucia Hunt and Susie Cleverly, for a day of canvassing in…

Four people arrested after protest at Sunak’s home

POLICE arrested four people on Tuesday (25) on suspicion of trespassing after they entered the grounds of prime minister Rishi Sunak's property in northern England, a statement said. The arrests come during a general election campaign where Sunak is battling to overcome the centre-left Labour party's large lead in the…

It is citizens who vote, not communities

“Who will speak for Kashmir in parliament? Will it be me, or Labour Party Parliamentary candidate Sonia KUMAR?” That was the question addressed to “Voters of the British Pakistani/Kashmir community in Dudley” by Marco Longhi, their Conservative candidate seeking re-election. Longhi claims to be baffled by criticism. He defends it…

Tory candidate Marco Longhi under fire for ‘divisive’ letter to…

A TORY candidate has been criticised for allegedly sending letters to British Pakistani voters, implying they should support him over his Labour opponent because of her Indian surname. Marco Longhi, seeking re-election in Dudley North against Sonia Kumar, has faced accusations of employing dog-whistle politics and aiming to "marginalise British…

NHS doctor’s suspension extended for third time

AN ASIAN-ORIGIN doctor, who was facing disciplinary proceedings for disrespectful remarks in the presence of female colleagues, has been suspended for a third six-month period, for failing to 'engage appropriately' with the disciplinary process, according to media reports. Dr Muhammad Siddiqui, a senior anaesthetist who has worked in Bury and…

NHS records theft: Government weighs action against hackers

The government is considering retaliatory action against Russian hackers for stealing confidential data from several London hospitals after a cyber attack on a blood testing lab, The Guardian reports. The Russian cybercriminal group Qilin had on June 3 carried out a cyber attack on Synnovis, a lab company that provides…

NHS probing claims hackers published stolen patient data

NATIONAL Health Service said on Friday it was investigating claims that hackers had published confidential data stolen from several London hospitals in a cyber attack on a blood testing lab. Services at large London hospitals including Guy's, St Thomas' and King's services were still being disrupted following the attack by…

Zia Yusuf emerges biggest donor to Reform UK campaign

BRITISH ASIAN entrepreneur Zia Yusuf has emerged as the biggest donor to Reform UK's election campaign. Yusuf, co-founder of the luxury concierge app Velocity Black, has donated a substantial amount to Reform UK. He criticised the Tory government's immigration policies and advocated for stronger border control, reported The Telegraph. He…

Sharp increase in child obesity in England: Report

Obesity among 10- and 11-year-olds in England has increased by 30 per cent since 2006, indicating a decline in children's health, according to a report published Wednesday. The study by the charity the Food Foundation called the rise in children struggling with their weight "deeply worrying." The report also noted…

Wives of Tory leaders hit campaign trail

RISHI Sunak, Jeremy Hunt, and James Cleverly’s wives hit the election campaign trail in Suffolk on Wednesday to help bolster the Conservative party's sagging fortunes. Almost all pollsters have been forecasting a rout for the Conservative party in the July 4 general election. Prime minister's wife Akshata Murty, was joined…

Rajesh Agrawal: Championing change and community cohesion

Our editor-at-large, Barnie Choudhury, meets Rajesh Agrawal, one of the hopefuls to take a seat usually regarded as a Labour stronghold. Leicester is one of those cities in middle England which gets ignored in general elections. No big-name politicians really grace us with their presence – no Rishi, no Keir,…

Labour candidate shocked by Tory opponent’s letter

LABOUR party candidate for Dudley Sonia Kumar has expressed shock over the letter sent by her Conservative opponent to British Pakistani voters on the occasion of Eid. The NHS physiotherapist told the BBC she is “disappointed and shocked” by a “divisive” letter sent by Marco Longhi, who is seeking re-election…

‘We will take bold action to deliver for British Asians’

THERE are approximately 5.5 million British Asians in the UK. From serving in our NHS and community pharmacies, to flying the flag for Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit – they make a wonderful contribution to our national life. Indeed, British Asians help make Britain the most successful multi-ethnic democracy in the world.…

Is UK ready for next pandemic?

A leading disease specialist has questioned whether Britain is ready to tackle the next global pandemic. Kamlesh Khunti, professor of primary care diabetes and vascular medicine at the University of Leicester, was one of several south Asian doctors who alerted the government to the disproportionate deaths among communities of colour…

Therapy to heal and find answers

LIFE has many unexpected ups, downs, twists, and turns. It can bring joy, sadness, adventure and loneliness. Even if you have the most wonderful support system, life can often be a struggle and we just need a little help.   That is where therapy, which I really believe in, helps.…

Cyber attack: NHS warns patients of blackmail risk

THE NHS has warned nearly 150,000 patients that following a ransomware attack their health records have been exposed and they could be targeted by criminals, The Telegraph reports. NHS Dumfries and Galloway, which covers an estimated 149,000 people, plans to send leaflets to all patients to advise them of the…

Labour redoubles efforts to win back Muslim voters

While Labour party may be leading in the opinion polls for the upcoming general election, it appears uncertain about its performance in areas with sizeable Muslim populations. The party has redoubled its efforts by directing activists to campaign in these seats over fears that some voters have been alienated by…

Poll shows Starmer did better than Sunak in TV election…

Labour leader Keir Starmer performed better than his election rival Rishi Sunak in live television debate broadcast by Sky News on Wednesday, a snap poll by YouGov showed. According to YouGov, 64 per cent thought Starmer performed better, while 36 per cent thought prime minister Sunak had done better. Sunak…

Ethnic gaps in genomic medicine affecting health outcomes: Study

BLACK, Asian, and ethnic minority communities are “significantly underrepresented” in precision and genomic medicine research, leading to adverse health outcomes, a study has revealed. Inadequate ethnic representation in datasets also hinders the development of AI-based risk prediction tools used to estimate the likelihood of diseases or conditions, a report by…

Labour MP impressed by Sigma Pharmaceuticals operation

SHADOW chief Secretary to the treasury, Darren Jones, visited Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Watford’s largest employer, last Thursday (6). A Labour team comprising of Jones and Matt Turmaine got a tour of the new Watford site and were shown how the drugs and medication prescribed from by doctors are processed, packed and…

Trust deficit in UK politics, election system widens: Survey

An analysis by polling expert Sir John Curtice shows that the trust and confidence in the UK's politics and election system is at its lowest and needs improvement, according to media reports. In his report for the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), based on a survey done between September…

Labour, Tory leaders clash over taxes, defence

THE SEVEN-PARTY BBC election debate saw a fierce clash between Tory minister Penny Mordaunt and Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner over taxes and defence policy Mordaunt repeated the controversial claim that Labour would raise taxes by £2,000 per household, which Rayner termed as "a lie". The UK statistics watchdog has…

Oldham council boss hits back at Nigel Farage comments

The boss of Oldham council has hit back at the ‘stupid and inaccurate’ comments made by Nigel Farage, after the Reform UK leader said there were streets in the borough ‘where no one speaks English’. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Nigel Farage defended his claim that…

Asian doctor who sexually assulted patient was let off with…

An Asian-origin NHS doctor who sexually assaulted a patient after promising he could cure her headaches with a 'specialist' massage was allowed to return to work with a written warning, Daily Mail reports. Dr Simon Abraham, 35, a Specialty Registrar in Rheumatology at Eastbourne District General Hospital, was suspended by…

Tan Dhesi worried over calls for block voting based on…

AN INDEPENDENT candidate standing to be Slough’s next MP has denied accusations that he is trying to ‘toxify’ Slough by asking Muslims to vote in a block. Labour’s Tan Dhesi, who is the MP for Slough, appealed last month for residents not to be “duped” by campaigners “going to people’s…

Tories instigating ‘culture wars’, Labour will deliver on pledges: Reynolds

THE Labour MP and shadow secretary of state for business and trade, Jonathan Reynolds, has accused the Conservative party of instigating “culture wars” to deflect from their failings as he insisted his party will deliver on its pledges. Ahead of the general election on July 4, Reynolds believes voters will…

Cyber attack forces hospitals to delay surgeries

SOME of the major London hospitals cancelled some operations on Tuesday after a cyber-attack on a key service supplier had a "major impact", particularly on blood transfusions, according to internal memos to NHS staff. The attack on pathology partner Synnovis hit King's College Hospital and Guy's and St Thomas' (including…

Tories propose NHS modernisation and pharmacy expansion

The Conservative party has announced a plan to modernise the NHS, focusing on expanding community care services. Key initiatives include the expansion of the Pharmacy First service to offer more treatments without a prescription, the construction of 50 new community diagnostic centres (CDCs), and the modernisation of GP surgeries. These…

‘We need foreign workers’: Businesses and GMB union tell Starmer

Business groups and the GMB union have warned Keir Starmer that Britain needs foreign workers after he pledged to cut immigration. Starmer stated that the UK has become too reliant on foreign workers to fill skill shortages and said a Labour government would train Britons to fill these gaps. Businesses…

Yvette Cooper hopes skills overhaul will reduce net migration

LABOUR has announced plans to cut net migration to the UK if it wins the upcoming election, without setting a specific target. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said that improving the training of British workers would reduce the need for overseas labour. Cooper argued that not having a target was…

Hackney shooting: Nine-year-old Indian girl still in critical condition

A nine-year-old girl, identified as a schoolgirl from Indian state of Kerala on a day out in London with her Birmingham-based family, remains in critical condition after being shot in a drive-by incident by a motorbike assailant in east London. The city's Malayali community has named the victim as Lissel…

Asian doctor died after botched procedure: Inquest

A DOCTOR of Asian origin died after a botched surgery for a rare condition that he was an expert on, a coroner has ruled. Professor Amit Patel (43), a pioneer in stem cell transplantation, was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital in August 2021 with flu-like symptoms suspected to be linked to…

Cleaner air in West Midlands could save lives: study

CLEANER air in the West Midlands has the potential to save approximately 2,000 lives annually, according to a recent study. Achieving the WHO air pollution standards in the region could prevent 2,000 new cases of asthma, 770 new heart disease diagnoses, 170 lung cancer cases, and 650 strokes each year,…

Hackney shooting: Police release image of motorbike

IN THE wake of the shooting incident in Hackney, the Metropolitan Police released an image of a motorbike on Friday (31) and appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the vehicle. Detective chief superintendent James Conway revealed crucial information about the perpetrator's mode of transport—a Ducati Monster motorcycle, stolen…

Surgeon charged with sexual offences in Blackpool

An Indian-origin surgeon has been charged in connection with allegations of sexual assault at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in Lancashire, north-west England, announced the local police force. Amal Bose, 54, was suspended by the National Health Service (NHS) trust managing the hospital after it reported to the police in March last…

EXCLUSIVE: “Don’t take Asian voters for granted”

POLITICAL PARTIES must go after the south Asian vote in this general election or face a backlash in future polls, parliamentarians and experts have told Eastern Eye. They are warning candidates in every party that they ignore brown voters “at their peril”. With Labour currently 20 points ahead in the…

Junior doctors to go on strike just before election

Junior doctors in England will strike just days before the general election, their union announced on Wednesday, escalating a long-standing pay dispute with the Conservative government that may affect the final phase of the campaign. The British Medical Association (BMA) stated that junior doctors, those below specialist or consultant level,…

Ruling overturned in pharmaceutical case against Lexon UK, Medreich

AN INDEPENDENT tribunal has quashed a ruling made against directors at four pharmaceutical companies over allegations of entering into a non-competitive agreement over anti-nausea drug, with investigators stating there were “material errors” made in the case. Two British Asian-owned companies, Lexon UK and Medreich, as well Alliance Pharma and Focus…

Labour promises to clear NHS waiting list backlog

LABOUR has pledged to eliminate the NHS waiting list backlog in England within five years, with shadow health secretary cautioning that the health service risks becoming “a poor service for poor people” while wealthier individuals turn to private care. Wes Streeting told the Guardian that if the Tories remain in…

Heathrow conveyor belt accident victim’s kin allege neglect

The family of an Asian-origin woman employee at Menzies has accused the aviation services company of leaving her in the lurch after she sustained injuries three months ago while handling baggage at Heathrow airport. On February 14, Jasbir Sahota (52) sustained physical injuries and brain damage after her scarf got…

Claudia Webbe to stand for re-election in Leicester East

LEICESTER EAST MP Claudia Webbe on Friday (24) said that she will stand for re-election as an independent candidate. “My independence means I’ll listen to local people and put them first. I’ll place people and planet over profit and vote for humanity and never against. I will work for justice…

Key issues in Britain as country goes to elections on…

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has called for a national election on 4 July, ending 14 years of Conservative Party rule. Voters are expected to decide on key issues including the economy, healthcare, immigration, and climate policy as they choose the next government. High inflation, a struggling NHS, immigration concerns, and…

NHS expands ‘soup & shake’ diet plan to combat diabetes

MORE than 10,000 more people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity in England, many of them of south Asian heritage, are to be offered the NHS’s “soup and shake” diet plan to help them lose weight. The radical NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is being rolled…

Woman dies in attack by her XL bully dogs

A woman was killed by her American XL bully dogs at her house in east London. She has been identified as Angeline Mahal, aged around 50. She was attacked by her two dogs at the semi-detached home in Cornwall Close in Hornchurch on Monday aftenoon. Mahal's two sons found her…

England community pharmacies grapple with medicine shortages

THE latest drug shortage crisis is part of a “perfect storm” that could lead to the collapse of the sector, community pharmacists have told Eastern Eye. A report released by Community Pharmacy England (CPE) found that pharmacies across England are grappling with medicine supply challenges and warned that this poses…

Sharp rise in diabetes among people under 40, says report

With two in three adults overweight in the UK, there has been a 39 per cent rise in the number of people under 40 being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last six years, according to media reports. The new figures from Diabetes UK show that cases of type…

Who is Paula Vennells?

FORMER Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells, who headed the Post Office from 2012 to 2019, apologised for the wrongful convictions of postmasters on Wednesday (22) during a public inquiry into the Horizon scandal. Hundreds of postmasters, who ran community post offices, were convicted after a faulty IT system from…

Universities, Indian students urge Sunak to keep the post-study visa

Universities and Indian students group have urged prime minister Rishi Sunak to retain the country's post-study visa offer. This visa, primarily utilised by Indian graduates, allows them to gain work experience for about two years after their degree. Reports indicate that Sunak may restrict or end the Graduate Route to…

Contaminated blood scandal: Sunak offers apology to victims

PRIME minister Rishi Sunak has apologised to thousands of people infected with contaminated blood in a decades-long scandal that a damning report concluded was covered up and largely could have been avoided. More than 30,000 people were infected with viruses such as HIV and hepatitis after being given the tainted…

Infected blood scandal was covered up: Report

A decades-long scandal in which thousands of people died in the UK after being treated with infected blood was covered up and largely could have been avoided, found a bombshell report published on Monday. More than 30,000 people were infected with viruses such as HIV and hepatitis after being given…

Sindhi community campaigns for stronger knife laws

A NEW petition has been launched on Change.org calling for stronger legislation on knife crime following the fatal stabbing of Anita Mukhey (66) at a bus stop in London last week. The petition, started by Sanjeev Bhavnani, a member of the Sindhi Association of UK community, also calls for more…

Migration Museum’s exhibition wins award

THE Migration Museum’s exhibition which features dozens of personal stories by migrant NHS workers has won the ‘Oscars of the Museum World’ last week, a statement said. The Heart of the Nation: Migration and the Making of the NHS national touring exhibition has won the temporary or touring exhibition of…

Nearly half of NHS nurses consider quitting, survey reveals

NEARLY half of NHS nursing staff demoralised by poor care and low pay, and are planning or considering quitting, a new survey revealed. It also revealed that almost nine out of ten nurses in England report working while unwell, highlighting the immense pressures within the healthcare provider. A survey of…

NHS expands ‘soup and shake’ diet plan to fight diabetes

OVER 10,000 more people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity in England, many of whom are of Indian and south Asian heritage, will be offered the NHS's “soup and shake” diet plan to aid weight loss. The radical NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is being expanded…

Tributes paid to woman killed in London stabbing

Anita Mukhey, a 66-year-old medical secretary in the NHS, was stabbed to death by a man attempting to steal her handbag near a bus stop in Edgware, north London. In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, her family said: “Anita Mukhey, 66 years old, was a married mother and…

Drug shortages putting patients’ lives at risk: Survey

Drug shortages in England have worsened and is even putting the health of patients at risk, says Community Pharmacy England (CPE), a trade body of pharmacists. Its survey of 6,100 pharmacies and 2,000 staff found that 99 per cent are encountering shortages once a week, while 72 per cent face…

Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour

Another lawmaker from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party defected to the opposition Labour Party on Wednesday, the second to do so in less than two weeks, criticising what she called broken promises of a "tired and chaotic government". Sunak's Conservatives trail Labour by about 20 points in opinion polls…

Comment: Sunak has to offer a competitive election to avoid…

MY DAD still plans to vote for Rishi Sunak at the general election. He mostly feels that somebody should. He sees the prime minister as a decent man, trying his best in difficult times. Because dad arrived in Britain during the week after Enoch Powell’s infamous ‘rivers of blood’ speech,…

Community pharmacists praised at annual conference

THE chief pharmaceutical officer for England, David Webb, has welcomed the expansion of clinical services offered by community pharmacies as he addressed the annual Pharmacy Business Conference last weekend. With “pharmacies providing 93,000 consultations in the inaugural month of the groundbreaking launch of the Pharmacy First service,” Webb praised the…

Eye screening for diabetes: Experts call to remove barriers for…

MORE needs to be done to tackle barriers stopping south Asians attending eye screenings that prevent diabetic-related blindness, according to researchers. People from south Asian communities are known to be up to six times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than the general population. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication…

UK diabetes patients struggle with insulin shortages

As insulin shortages worsen in the United Kingdom (UK), individuals with type 1 diabetes are feeling concerned and stressed. Patients, pharmacists, and health campaigners are highlighting the urgent need for action to address this growing crisis. With the scarcity of insulin, approximately 400,000 people with the condition face uncertainty, as…

Tory MP Poulter defects to Labour in fresh blow for…

TORY MP Dan Poulter has defected from the ruling party to the opposition Labour party, in a blow to prime minister Rishi Sunak ahead of a set of local elections that could put further pressure on his leadership. Sunak's Tories are trailing Labour by around 20 points in opinion polls…

Minorities, youth need more GP visits before cancer diagnosis: report

ETHNIC minorities and young people in England often need more GP visits before being diagnosed with cancer compared to the general population, a new report has revealed. One in five people typically require three or more GP interactions before diagnosis, this number increases to one in three for those from…

Hinduja Group, King’s College London form healthcare partnership

THE Hinduja Group and King's College London on Wednesday (24) unveiled a fresh collaboration with the goal of enhancing healthcare results in both India and the UK. This partnership focuses on bolstering training and research capabilities, alongside offering scholarships to Indian students. King's College London, along with Guy's and St.…

Muslim leaders stress unity as Gaza war exposes faultlines among…

WITH overseas conflicts causing divisions between communities, Muslim leaders have urged people to remember Britain’s rich history of allowing the “freedom to practise faith and the appreciation of diversity”. At an event hosted by The Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL), panellist Taher Jiwanji, a civil engineer…

Sunak vows to scrap ‘sick note’ culture

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak wants to eliminate the “sick-note culture” which he claims has become a lifestyle choice for some and was taking a heavy toll on the country's welfare bill. Sunak wants to strip GPs of their power to sign people off work and said that if the Tories…

Anas Sarwar urges Scotland to launch review on gender services

SCOTTISH Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, has said that the country should do its own version of the Cass review on gender services, reported The Times. Sarwar encouraged the Scottish government to detail its reaction to the report concerning the care of children experiencing gender confusion in England. According to him,…

Need more research on inaccurate diabetes tests on south Asians:…

A COMMON type 2 diabetes test may be inaccurate for tens of thousands of south Asians in the UK, a new study has shown, prompting calls for more research. A genetic variant almost exclusive to people with south Asian heritage affects the accuracy of the diabetes haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test,…

Spring Covid booster vaccine bookings open in England

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is now accepting bookings for the free spring Covid-19 booster vaccine starting Monday, April 15. This booster vaccine is available to citizens aged 75 or older, as well as anyone in care homes for older adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed and aged…

Whistleblowers expose safety concerns at Sussex Hospital

A scandal has erupted at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, with allegations of a cover-up involving a group of consultant neurosurgeons accused of suppressing warnings about patient safety, according to reports. According to whistleblower Mansoor Foroughi, who served as a consultant neurosurgeon at the hospital, concerns regarding high death rates…

Tackle Asian fertility stigma, says doctor

A LEADING fertility doctor has urged more British Asians to sign-up as sperm and egg donors after a recent report found the birth rates after IVF (vitro fertilisation) were lower among black and Asian patients than their white counterparts. Research found that while the average IVF birth rate per embryo…

Sunak praises Muslims as Gaza casts shadow on Eid

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak paid tribute to British Muslims as Eid was celebrated on Tuesday (9) at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. In his festive message, the prime minister also said Britain was making efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. Protests have been held for weeks…

Family visa income requirement hiked to cut migration

The Rishi Sunak government on Thursday increased the income required to sponsor someone coming to the country on a family visa as part of the government's plan to cut immigration. From Thursday, the minimum income requirement needed to bring a family member to the UK will go up to £29,000…

NHS manager jailed for defrauding GP surgery

A former NHS manager has been jailed for three years for defrauding a GP surgery in High Wycombe. Nabeel Asghar, 43, of Brands Hill, High Wycombe, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court last month. Asghar served as the Practice Manager at Hughenden Valley Surgery on Valley Road, working on a…

NHS review urges caution on gender identity healthcare

Healthcare for children and young people grappling with gender identity issues should be "holistic" and providers should exercise "extreme caution" around prescribing hormone treatments to older teens, an eagerly-awaited independent UK review said on Wednesday. The four-year probe of gender identity services for the cohort, led by retired paediatrician Hilary…

Safety concern over Spire hospitals

Private hospital chain Spire Healthcare, which often treats NHS-funded patients, is under scrutiny following the recent deaths of some patients under its watch, reports BBC. In one such case, Nafisa Khan was referred to Spire East London by NHS for a gallbladder operation in September 2021. The morning after her…

WHO promotes slogan ‘My Health, My Right’ on World Health…

As the world marks World Health Day on April 7, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has directed its attention to the theme of 'My Health, My Right.' In light of the myriad crises facing humanity, from diseases to disasters to conflicts and climate change, ensuring people's right to health has…

Asian neurologist’s UK study to revolutionise dementia diagnosis

An Asian-origin neurologist Dr Ashvini Keshavan is part of a research team in the UK that has been awarded a major grant this week for dementia research. The team will build on recent breakthroughs in potential dementia blood tests and generate the evidence needed for them to be used more…

Well-known doctor dies of rare ailment, family alleges negligence

One of the best doctors in the country died in a NHS-run hospital from a condition he was an expert in treating, his wife said during an inquest in Manchester Coroners Court, according to media reports. Professor Amit Patel was the first person to be qualified in stem cell transplantation…

Senior doctors accept improved pay offer and end strikes

Senior doctors in England have voted to accept an improved offer from the government on pay and conditions, easing some pressure on National Health Service (NHS) after months of disruptive strike action. The British Medical Association (BMA) trade union said on Friday about 83 per cent of senior doctors, also…

Superbug outbreak linked to eye drops from India

One person died and dozens were infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in an outbreak linked to three types of eye drops manufactured by an Indian company, according to media reports. Health officials said at least 52 people had been infected by the burkholderia cepacia bacteria, a superbug that can be fatal…

Oxford, UCL conduct trial tests to study Alzheimer’s and dementia

The University College London and the University of Oxford are conducting research on Alzheimer's and dementia-oriented diseases in the UK, with a total of 5000 volunteers participating. The five-year project will take blood samples for the test of dementia, which will raise the hope that there will be better facilities…

Bereaved Asian couple raise funds for cold cots

An Asian-origin couple from Coventry has launched a fundraiser to donate cold cots to hospitals, after a stillborn baby was born to them, BBC reports. A cold cot is a refrigerated infant bed that allows parents to spend more time with their deceased baby. Satveer Kaur Binning was more than…

Diabetes patients in England to get artificial pancreas in a…

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is set to introduce an 'artificial pancreas', a groundbreaking device poised to benefit thousands living with type 1 diabetes. This technology continually monitors blood glucose levels and automatically adjusts insulin delivery via a pump. Backed by £2.5 million from NHS England, local systems…

British Indian teen first to receive NHS’ innovative cancer treatment

YUVAN THAKKAR,  a British Indian teenager diagnosed with cancer, says he is now able to enjoy the things he loves after life-changing treatment thanks to a fund set up by the NHS to make innovative therapies accessible to thousands of patients. According to NHS England, 16-year-old Thakkar from Watford near…

Exclusive: Asians need better cancer services

CANCER screening services must be more culturally competent and sensitive to the needs of south Asians - especially women, a leading doctor has told Eastern Eye. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the first person of colour to lead the doctors’ union, the British Medical Association (BMA), said south Asian women were less…

‘NHS waiting times can be slashed by getting surgeries done…

NHS waiting times for operations could be slashed drastically if patients had their elective surgeries done at worldclass hospitals in India. This was one of the radical ideas put forward last Tuesday (19) by senior Indian corporate leaders at a business conference in London. Another was for undergraduates and postgraduates…

Public satisfaction with NHS at all-time low, says survey

Public satisfaction with the NHS has plunged to a historic low with long waiting periods and staff shortages cited as main concerns, according to the British Social Attitudes survey. Just 24 per cent of respondents said they were satisfied with the NHS in 2023, and this is five percentage points…

Microsoft AI head Mustafa Suleyman’s is a success story of…

Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent figure in Artificial Intelligence (AI), recently took the helm of Microsoft's newly formed consumer AI division, Microsoft AI. Suleyman's background is far from that of a typical tech CEO. Mustafa Suleyman's upbringing was shaped by his family in London. His father, a Syrian taxi driver, instilled…

Lenmeldy, a lifesaving gene therapy, now the world’s most expensive…

Lenmeldy, a new gene therapy for the rare and fatal childhood disease metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), has become the world's most expensive drug, at a whopping $4.25 million (£3.350 million). MLD is a brutal illness that strikes toddlers and affects their ability to walk and talk. It's a heartbreaking reality for…

No progress in ending racism, says Keith Vaz

ONE of Britain’s first ethnic minority members of parliament has told Eastern Eye of his regret at not being able to “move the dial forward” in the fight against racism, while urging the current generation to do more. Keith Vaz was the first Asian MP for nearly sixty years when…

Free online NHS support can help you live well with…

DR CHIRAG BAKHAI is a GP in Luton, as well as a primary care advisor to the NHS Diabetes programme. He says: “If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, it’s important to know what you can do to stay well and avoid potential complications. “The Healthy Living programme offers evidence-based…

‘Nye’ review: Play tackles complexities of the man who created…

THE NHS, said the former chancellor Nigel Lawson, is the closest thing the English have to a religion. So it follows that its creator would be deified as a God in certain circles. Nye, playing at the National Theatre until 11th May, tackles the complexities of one of the great…

Nitin Sawhney, Arooj Aftab part of Glastonbury Festival lineup

Nitin Sawhney and Arooj Aftab are among the leading South Asian talents at this year’s Glastonbury Music Festival. The popular British festival returns to Somerset’s Worthy Farm from June 26-30. Nitin, an award-winning musician, producer, and composer, will be one of the performers for the West Holts Stage. Singer-songwriter, producer,…

NHS to stop prescription of puberty blockers following safety concerns

National Health Services (NHS) England has recently announced a significant shift in its approach to gender identity services, confirming that children will no longer be routinely prescribed puberty blockers. This decision follows a review that highlighted a lack of sufficient evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of these treatments. Previously,…

Powerful play portrays how NHS was nearly killed off before…

ANY Asian doctor, nurse, or indeed anyone who has worked for the National Health Service (NHS) should go and see Nye at the National Theatre. The play tells of the battles that the Welsh Labour politician, Aneurin (“Nye”) Bevan, had with Winston Churchill and the Tories, some people in his…

Showcasing the best of a diverse Britain at the GG2…

IT was a great privilege for Westcombe Group to have the opportunity to support and attend GG2’s Diversity and Leadership Awards on 5th March. It was so inspiring to hear from so many inspiring speakers and see so many leaders win recognition of their success. Amazing Awards The evening celebrated…

GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards 2024: ‘This evening recognises ethnic…

LEADING public and private sector organisations need to do more attract ethnic minorities to their boardrooms, Kalpesh Solanki, managing director at Asian Media Group (AMG), told attendees at the GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards. In December 2023, only 44 per cent of the UK’s top 50 largest private companies had…

One in five UK adults not looking for work, finds…

While political parties are promising to boost the UK's economic growth, the high level of the economic inactivity rate in the country remains a cause for concern, BBC reports. The number of people not employed or actively looking for work has remained high in recent years, ever since it first…

My mother a role model for women, says Akshata

Akshata Murty, the wife of British prime minister Rishi Sunak, has lauded her mother Sudha Murthy as a prominent female role model in business. During an International Women's Day celebration at Downing Street, Akshata emphasised the significance of mentors for women and girls in the business world. As part of…

Medical devices can be prone to racial biases: Report

Pulse oximeters record higher readings in people with certain skin tones, or AI-enabled medical devices may have a bias against some population groups - these are some of the findings of an independent review of medical devices. The government has announced measures to tackle such biases in the design and…

German man gets 217 Covid vaccine shots, study says no…

A 62-year-old German man has reportedly received 217 doses of the Covid vaccine against medical advice, as detailed in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. The shots were obtained and administered privately over 29 months. Despite concerns, the man has shown no adverse effects, according to researchers from the University of…

Nitin Sawhney says he suffered heart attack recently

The Award-winning British Indian musician Nitin Sawhney, who had to withdraw from Australia’s premier world music festival WOMADelaide due to a medical emergency, has revealed that he ‘had a heart attack’ a few days ago. Known for musical scores in over 70 films, including for a screen adaptation of Salman…

Community pharmacists can play key role in integrated NHS: Bharat…

COMMUNITY pharmacists can play a key role in an integrated NHS and help improve patient care, an influential business leader in the sector has said. Bharat Shah, who co-founded Sigma Pharmaceuticals, said stronger collaboration among primary healthcare providers can provide patients with the best possible care by fostering a unified…

Lord Gadhia scoops top honour at GG2 Leadership Awards

Lord Jitesh Gadhia, chairman of the British Asian Trust, was recognised for over three decades of public and community service with the GG2 Hammer Award at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards, held at the Park Plaza hotel on Tuesday (5). After coming to Britain as a refugee from…

GG2 Power List 2024: ‘Sunak’s changed Asian aspiration’

PRIME minister Rishi Sunak has retained the top spot on the 2024 GG2 Power List for the third year in a row, along with his wife Akshata Murty. The power couple were recognised for their growing influence in the UK, with Sunak in the top job and Murty playing an…

Review exposes racism in Nottingham maternity services

A review led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden exposed numerous instances of racist and discriminatory behaviour within Nottingham hospitals' maternity services, the BBC reported. The investigation, prompted by concerns over 1,813 cases involving stillbirths, maternal or infant deaths, or instances of harm, has since expanded to include 70 additional cases.…

Improper use of inhalers by asthma patients leads to more…

A pioneering study published in the journal Thorax reveals that poorly managed asthma releases a volume of greenhouse gases equivalent to that produced by 124,000 homes annually in the United Kingdom. The research, conducted in the United Kingdom, emphasizes the critical need for improved asthma care to mitigate greenhouse gas…

Tony Jayawardena who plays Churchill hails inclusion progress in theatre

PLAYING Winston Churchill in a play at the National Theatre is another step towards inclusivity in the arts, actor Tony Jayawardena told Eastern Eye. The 45-year-old will be seen playing the iconic former British prime minister in the play, Nye, which is based on the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan…

NHS Talking Therapies: Using your voice for good

HARMEET grew up in a vibrant multicultural corner of east London, with her parents, sister and grandparents. And from an early age, she was always encouraged to use her voice to help others. “This ranged from translating information from English to Punjabi for older relatives and supporting my mother to…

‘Being a pharmacist now is exciting’

SERVICES in community pharmacies are expanding, and your local pharmacist is now able to provide medication for seven common conditions, without needing a GP appointment first. Going to your local pharmacy offers an easy and convenient way to get advice on minor health concerns. Pharmacists have long been pillars of…

Junior doctors begin new five-day strike over pay dispute

Hospital junior doctors in England started a five-day strike on Saturday (24), continuing their extended dispute over pay with the government which shows little indication of resolution. Junior doctors -- those below specialist, consultant level -- started joining picket lines from 0700 GMT, as part of a walkout that will…

British Indian doctor’s rock band embarks on nationwide tour

A 25-year-old British Indian doctor, who combined his passion for music with his medical career by forming a band with fellow healthcare professionals, has kicked off his first nationwide tour in the UK with the launch show in London recently proving a sell-out. Gulzar (Gulz) Singh Dhanoya started the indie-rock…

EXCLUSIVE: Stop condemning us for fighting racism

VICTIMS of racism are being attacked for speaking out and highlighting the problem, former chief crown prosecutor, Nazir Afzal, has told Eastern Eye. His comments come as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has asked Afzal to head a panel to investigate its internal culture. The 61-year-old is no stranger…

Vaccination urged as measles cases soar in West Midlands

HEALTH experts have urged West Midlands residents to get the measles vaccine as cases in the region are spreading in “disproportionately high rates”. Figures published earlier this month showed 329 of 465 (71 per cent) cases across England from October to February were in the region. The sharp rise over…

‘NHS App helps people feel more in control of their…

More than 33 million individuals, comprising three-quarters of the adult population in England, have already registered with the NHS App. Enhanced with new features and functionalities, the App simplifies health management, and a fresh campaign by NHS England aims to boost its usage among more people. With options such as…

Services working on “culturally competent” strategies to support Asians struggling…

RESEARCHERS have called for more equitable access to drug treatment and support for people in minority ethnic groups after a study found they faced barriers such as stigma and lack of culturally competent services or ones they have no faith in them. Funded by the Department of Health and Social…

NHS waiting list ‘will be revamped’

ENGLAND’S health service will move about 40,000 pending child consultations for ADHD, autism and other conditions from its main waiting list, a person with direct knowledge of the change said, trimming the politically sensitive list ahead of an expected election. Prime minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to reduce wait times…

Farhan Sattar: Life-saving urgency of organ donation

THE life-saving issue of organ donation, which is rarely discussed, has directly affected many within the south Asian community due to a shortage of donors and subsequent lack of matches. Farhan Sattar was one of those affected, who didn’t get a lifesaving heart donation in time and sadly passed away…

Commemorating a more inclusive history of Britain can bring us…

London’s Overground train lines have never before had the attention of the iconic underground. The tube map was a popular hit straightaway in the 1930s, a design classic copied the world over. The Overground lines have kept a low profile on the map’s periphery, with its 114 stations hiding behind…

NHS doctor suspended for treating private patients during pandemic

A physician responsible for managing several coronavirus admissions has been suspended for secretly attending to private patients during NHS hours at the peak of the pandemic. Dr Enson Thomas, 58, a consultant for nearly 21 years, from Bromham, near Bedford, was appointed as the Covid-19 Lead by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS…

Rishi Sunak appeals Tory family to come together

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak on Saturday (17) made a direct appeal to voters to stick with his plan to turn things around as he made a plea for the Tory family to come together to beat Labour party in a general election later this year. Writing in The Daily Telegraph,…

NHS to offer new Produodopa drug for Parkinson’s patients

NHS England is set to introduce a groundbreaking treatment for individuals suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease, benefiting up to 1,000 patients. This innovative approach involves a wearable device that administers medication continuously throughout the day and night. The treatment, known as Produodopa, leverages a pump system to deliver a constant…

England witnessing surge in tuberculosis cases, says UKHSA report

The most recent TB annual report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), published on Thursday (15), indicates a rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases in England. While the figures for 2022 were stable, with 4,380 reported incidents nearly mirroring the 2021 count of 4,411, provisional data for 2023 paints a…

Ethnic minority areas in England face poor GP access: report

ACCESS to GPs in England is worse in areas where more ethnic minorities live, according to a recent analysis by The Guardian. The highest proportion of ethnic minority neighbourhoods have significantly fewer GPs per 100,000 patients compared to areas with a predominantly white British population, the report said. Experts attribute…

Shreela Flather best known for Memorial Gates

LADY SHREELA FLATHER, who has died, aged 89, came into her own when she entered the House of Lords in 1990, the first ethnic minority woman to be given a peerage. Her passing last week was announced by the Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, who said: “My Lords, I…

‘Muslim voters discontent with Labour more likely to be felt…

MARIA SOBOLEWSKA, a professor of political science at the University of Manchester, told Eastern Eye Muslim voters’ discontent with the Labour Party would more likely be felt in by-elections rather than the general election. She said although the Israel-Gaza situation was important to Muslim voters, during a general election, it…

NHS dentists to receive cash to accept new patients

DENTISTS in England will receive cash to accept new patients amid a critical shortage of state-funded dental care. Announced last Wednesday (7), the plan is backed by £200 million in government funding. It comes as the number of dentists providing care in the NHS stands at its lowest level in…

Labour will lose Muslim vote, say party MPs

LABOUR is “haemorrhaging” the Muslim vote, which will have a negative impact when Britain holds the general election, expected later this year, party MPs have told Eastern Eye. Late on Monday (12), Labour withdrew its support and suspended for its candidate for Rochdale, Azhar Ali, following criticism of remarks he…

NHS apologises following suicide of Dr Vaish Kumar

NHS England's top medical training official has issued a heartfelt apology to the relatives of Dr Vaish Kumar, 35, who took her own life. Dr Kumar faced undue stress after being incorrectly informed that she had to undergo an additional six months of training before she could commence a new…

Foreign workers play pivotal role in NHS: 1 in 5…

In England, the NHS's dependence on international staff has hit a record high, with one out of every five workers hailing from outside the UK. This diverse workforce spans 214 nations, including countries as varied as India, Portugal, Ghana, and smaller states like Tonga, Liechtenstein, and the Solomon Islands. Analysis…

King Charles thanks supporters in first statement after cancer news

King Charles III expressed his "heartfelt thanks" to well-wishers on Saturday (10), in his first statement following his shock announcement that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Buckingham Palace said Monday that Charles had begun treatment, but did not specify what type of cancer he has. "I would like to…

Consultant’s lost diamond ring makes 100-mile journey back to owner

A diamond ring journeyed nearly 100 miles from Suffolk to the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) in London, where it was “miraculously” found in a set of scrubs, much to the relief of its owner, Radhika Ramasamy, a consultant anaesthetist at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in Bury St Edmunds.…

Sunak stalled deal to resolve doctors’ strikes, report says

Allegations have surfaced that prime minister Rishi Sunak is the primary obstacle in resolving the ongoing doctors' strikes in England, a situation that is exacerbating the NHS waiting lists crisis, an exclusive report in The Guardian said. Despite repeated warnings from health officials and NHS England, Sunak's apprehension about setting…

Hong Kong visa exposes immigration dichotomy

THIS was a tale of two anniversaries. As Big Ben chimed 11pm on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom had formally left the European Union. Yet the fourth anniversary of that moment passed without a great deal of fanfare last week. The media sparring between the remnants of the referendum…

UK patients first to participate in Moderna cancer vaccine trial

In a new development in the realm of cancer treatment, the UK has embarked on a pioneering journey by incorporating cancer patients into an international trial of an experimental mRNA therapy, known as mRNA-4359. This innovative approach, which is currently under evaluation at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, is at…

Sunak admits failure in fulfilling health service promise

Prime minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged that his government had fallen short in reducing the significant backlog of patients awaiting hospital treatment within the health service, conceding a failure to fulfill one of his key promises ahead of an upcoming election. Sunak set out five major policy pledges at the start…

Cultural factors, mental health drive drug use in minority ethnic…

A new study has revealed that drug use in minority ethnic groups is shaped by a complex mix of cultural norms, mental health issues, gender, and migration experiences. The study was conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), in collaboration with RSM UK Consulting, and published on January…

Ambika Mod: Securing lead role in ‘One Day’ involved ‘rigorous…

Ambika Mod will shortly be seen in the lead role of Emma Morley in the Netflix adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel One Day. The 14-episode series takes the audience on a 20-year journey through the comedic romance of Emma and Dex, played by Leo Woodall. Each episode revisits the couple…

Labour proposes equal pay rights for BAME workers

Under a proposed race equality act, the Labour Party aims to broaden the scope of existing equal pay rights, currently afforded to women, for the first time, to include BAME (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic) workers, alongside individuals with disabilities, an exclusive report by The Guardian said. This initiative aims…

Britain needs 156,000 homes annually to manage influx of immigrants

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak is under pressure to cut immigration as new figures indicate Britain must construct 156,000 homes annually to accommodate influx, reported The Times. The figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) predict that net migration will add an additional 6.1 million people to the UK population…

Dentist shortage hits patients hard in UK

FINDING an NHS dentist is becoming increasingly difficult in the UK, forcing those who can pay to the private sector and those who cannot to avoid treatment altogether – or take matters into their own hands. Increasing numbers of dentists are turning their backs on the NHS in favour of…

British Asian families suffer as poverty increases in UK: Report

MANY British Asian families are badly affected as poverty has increased in the UK to around pre-pandemic levels, a new report said. The UK poverty 2024 report by Joseph Rowntree Foundation published last Tuesday (23) said Asian households also have higher rates of child poverty, very deep poverty and persistent…

Cancer: If something doesn’t feel right, speak to your GP…

CANCER RESEARCH UK analysis shows one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime, with around 375,400 cases diagnosed each year. Cancer is when cells divide in an uncontrollable way, and if left untreated, these abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms can be caused…

New poll reveals 3 in 5 south Asians concerned about…

A new NHS England survey has revealed that a significant number of south Asians, 64% to be precise, are experiencing mental health concerns. Among those surveyed, 42% reported experiencing depression, while 29% faced generalised anxiety disorder. The silver lining, however, is that 65% of those who sought professional help for…

NHS trust review initiated after schizophrenic man’s attack on British…

A special review has been ordered to examine the NHS trust that was treating a 32-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia and mental illness, who tragically stabbed three individuals to death, including a British-Indian teenager, in Nottingham last year. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said a rapid review of Nottinghamshire Healthcare…

NHS observatory launches new initiative to address disparities

THE NHS Race and Health Observatory on Wednesday (24) launched a learning and action network designed to address stark disparities in maternal, perinatal and neonatal health outcomes for women from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds. Data shows alarmingly higher rates of maternal and baby deaths amongst black and Asian…

Tributes paid to Grace O’Malley-Kumar who died protecting friend from…

TRIBUTES have been paid to British Indian medical student, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19, who was stabbed to death in Nottingham, in June last year. Her parents and brother said their family's lives had been "shattered in a moment" following the tragic incident. Grace 'heroically and valiantly' fought that attacker while protecting…

NHS suspends leader of banned Islamist terror group

THE NHS has suspended a GP in Harrow and a prominent figure in the recently banned Islamist terror group Hizb ut-Tahrir. The action was taken against Dr Wahid Asif Shaida after the Home Office proscribed Hizb ut-Tahrir, leading to potential prison sentences for its supporters. Dr. Shaida, also known as…

Measles outbreak concern after falling vaccine rates

THE UK’s public health protection agency last Friday (19) sounded a “national call to action” for more measles jabs for children because of falling vaccination rates and fears that a current outbreak could spread. Jenny Harries, head of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warned that measles was spreading among…

Labour unveils plan to save funds and reform NHS

THE Labour party said it would aim to save £10 billion by cutting waste and reforming the health service if in power, saying these measures could free up cash to spend on frontline care. The NHS emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic in crisis, crippled by long waiting lists, ambulance delays…

Tool kit for mental wellbeing

ENGAGING in even a simple positive daily activity can have a profound impact on your mental health. When Mariam Habib escaped an abusive marriage while pregnant with her second child, she faced barriers that inhibited her. As a single parent, she faced many pressures. She recognised the toll this was…

Surgeon advises patient to eat more to qualify for weight…

A Turkish doctor, Dr Ogün Erşen, who specialises in weight loss "holidays" abroad, advised an undercover BBC reporter to gain weight to qualify for gastric sleeve surgery. Despite the reporter having a BMI within the healthy range of 24.4, Dr Erşen instructed her to "eat some snacks" to increase her…

UK sees surge in maternal deaths, Asians doubly at risk

THE number of women in Britain dying during pregnancy or soon afterwards has reached its highest level in almost two decades, a new study reported last Thursday (11). The figures from MBRRACEUK, which monitors maternal deaths, stillbirths and infant deaths and their causes, showed black women and those from deprived…

Tories and Sunak seek ‘return to power’ plan

IT is a truth universally acknowledged that a political leader with an election to fight must be in want of campaign advice. As Rishi Sunak embarks on the most challenging re-election campaign of any British prime minister in living memory, there is no shortage of pitches about the best spells…

Engage with Asian voters, Conservative MPs told

BRITAIN is on course to elect its most diverse parliament ever following the general election later this year, a thinktank has said, while a leading Conservative parliamentarian has urged MPs to better engage with ethnic minority voters. Based on current candidate selections, a record number of ethnic minority MPs are…

Concern over higher risk of sepsis among south Asians

BRITISH Asians have a higher rate of catching the life-threatening condition sepsis compared to other population groups, a study found. The illness, which kills around 48,000 people every year in the UK, occurs when the body overreacts to an infection and starts attacking its own tissues and organs. Leading doctors…

Concerns mount as NHS sees surge in registered ‘ghost patients’

The rise in registered patients who might not exist has seen a dramatic increase, climbing almost two-thirds over the past five years, according to recent data. Dubbed ‘ghost patients,’ this phenomenon occurs when GP practices have more patients on their lists than the actual population count. This mismatch raises concerns,…

Nearly three million urgent cancer tests conducted in England

In the last 12 months, new analysis from NHS England indicates that almost three million individuals underwent urgent cancer checks. This number represents a surge of over a quarter compared to pre-pandemic levels. The government emphasises the critical nature of early disease detection in enhancing survival rates. However, cancer charities…

Junior doctors start longest consecutive strike in NHS history

Junior doctors in England on Wednesday (3) commenced the longest consecutive strike witnessed in the seven-decade history of the NHS. Junior doctors -- those below consultant level -- started a six-day walkout, in a major escalation of their long-running pay dispute with the UK government. The industrial action comes at…

Extended NHS strike threatens Sunak’s waiting list pledge

Health chiefs warned this weekend that Rishi Sunak's goal for the NHS, aiming to eradicate wait times surpassing 65 weeks by March, might fall short due to impending NHS strike action. The health system braces for an unprecedented six-day national strike by junior doctors in England starting Wednesday (3) at…

London welcomes 2024 with Mayor’s biggest ever fireworks, lights, and…

London’s skyline was lit up as the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve 2024, with the grandest fireworks, lights, and drone spectacle ever seen over the River Thames. With over 100,000 attendees and millions watching worldwide, London commenced the year with a stunning exhibition of fireworks, lights, and drones,…

Knighthood for Sajid Javid in New Year’s Honours List

Former chancellor and home secretary Sajid Javid described his knighthood as a “tremendous honour” after he was recognised for his achievements in the New Year’s Honours List announced last Friday (29). Javid, who represents Bromsgrove, served under three different prime ministers in six different Cabinet posts, including as culture secretary,…

British Indian doctor’s Indie band gains popularity

A British Indian doctor with the NHS decided to get musical during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, but what started as a one-man bedroom project has been gaining popularity with booked out shows. Gulzar (Gulz) Singh Dhanoya, 25, started the indie-rock band named Gulz during his university days as a medical…

Almost 8,000 NHS appointments cancelled due to last week’s junior…

After last week's junior doctor strike, almost 88,000 NHS appointments had to be cancelled, predominantly comprising over 86,300 hospital check-ups and operations. Additionally, around 1,500 community and mental health appointments were affected by the strike, the BBC reported. This strike marks a part of ongoing disruptions, with over 1.2 million…

Sunak shares ‘Home Alone’-inspired skit for Christmas

During the Christmas holidays, Rishi Sunak shared a quirky skit inspired by the 1990s Hollywood film 'Home Alone' on social media. The post included the message “Merry Christmas from Downing Street,” aiming to showcase the prime minister's humorous side during the festive period. The 43-year-old can be seen hard at…

UK to ‘gradually’ adjust family visa salary requirement

THE government has said it will raise its controversial minimum salary requirement for family visas in stages "to give predictability" to immigrant families. It unveiled a raft of measures earlier in December, aimed at cracking down on record levels of migration - a key battleground issue in the general election…

Junior doctors intensify strike over ongoing pay dispute

JUNIOR doctors in England ramped up their industrial action on Wednesday (20), beginning the first walk-out of their biggest strike yet, which hospitals warn could threaten emergency care provision at one of the busiest times of the year. The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents around 50,000 junior doctors, said…

‘More Asians seek IVF treatment among ethnic groups’

ASIANS represent a larger proportion of IVF patients in the UK at 15 per cent, the latest data from the fertility regulator has revealed. Black and Asian patients had lower birth rates from fertility treatment when compared to other ethnic groups, according to analysis from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology…

‘Asians pay high price for love’

MPs and immigration experts have criticised ministers for “deliberately targeting” British Asian families in their quest to get immigration figures down. Home secretary, James Cleverly, announced last week (13) that from April 2024, the minimum salary threshold for UK nationals and permanent residents applying to bring family members to join…

Boxer’s ADHD news can help ‘break down stigma’

THE boxer Adam Azim has been praised for drawing attention to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as experts warned about the stigma against the condition in the Asian community. Azim, 21, has spoken of being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and his father taking him to a boxing…

King’s charity faces repayment demand over unfulfilled NHS clinic

THE King's charity, formerly the Prince's Foundation, is under scrutiny as it is compelled to return £110,000 to the Indian government. The funds were earmarked for an NHS alternative medicine clinic championed by Charles, which never materialised. The proposed clinic, aimed at integrating Indian traditional medicine into the UK's healthcare…

2023: The year in identity

WHAT did we learn from 2023 about the state of the nation? It was a year that showed how identity can both unite and divide Britain today, depending not only on events at home and abroad, but on how our public conversations are led too. If Britain needs more bridging…

New Tory visa rules lead to anger and outrage

Public discontent surged on Saturday (9) night, over the new Tory visa rules and the government's perceived love only toward the rich, which could compel numerous British families to face the tough choice of separation or leaving the country. The announcement by home secretary James Cleverly last week outlined that…

Foreign policy matters to Labour’s Muslim voters

POLITICAL analysts said the impact on Muslim voters of Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict will only become clear over the next decade. Many Labour councillors and MPs have criticised Sir Kier for refusing to call for a ceasefire in the region. Dozens of councillors…

EXCLUSIVE: Tory party told to “unite or die”

A LEADING Conservative parliamentarian has warned fellow Tory politicians they face a decision to either “unify or die” as party infighting threatens to derail the leadership of prime minister, Rishi Sunak. On Tuesday (12) Sunak narrowly won in his latest plans to send migrants to Rwanda. The way in which…

NHS Specialist doctors speaking out and speaking up for better…

On December 18, a ballot for industrial action by doctors will be returned to the British Medical Association. That is not new, except it is, because this time it’s specifically by a group of doctors virtually unheard of both in public and, sometimes, the NHS. They are called specialist, associate specialist…

Dr Vinay Raniga selected as Conservative parliamentary candidate for Oxford

The Oxford West and Abingdon Conservatives have chosen Dr Vinay Raniga, an award-winning dental surgeon, as their parliamentary candidate, The Oxford Mail reported. Throughout the Covid pandemic, Dr Raniga was redeployed from the oral and maxillofacial surgery department at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, to the frontline ICU. Recognised for his…

Know the signs of a heart attack

HEART ATTACKS account for approximately 80,000 hospital admissions in England each year, and at least seven out of 10 people survive them. This number rises to nearly nine out of 10 (94 per cent) for those who get to the hospital and get the right care. Although chest discomfort is…

Crunch time (again) for Rishi Sunak on Rwanda policy

RISHI SUNAK did not imagine that his premiership would end up like this. His intention was to lead an economy-first government, rebuild trust in politics and deliver on many fronts. Sunak has become the embattled leader of a single-issue government and mutinous party. Every week seems to be immigration week…

Hybrid exhibition to address racial injustice and inequalities in mental…

The announcement of a new 12-month hybrid programme and exhibition took place in Leeds, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, aiming to address the overrepresentation of black and South Asian men detained under the Mental Health Act. The initiative, called Remembering What’s Forgotten is co-founded by Synergi-Leeds, which seeks to redress…

Junior doctors will go on fresh strikes

JUNIOR doctors in England will take further strike action later this month and in January, their trade union said on Tuesday (5), after weeks of talks with the government failed to end a long-running dispute over pay. The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents nearly 200,000 doctors in Britain, said…

Indian groups seek clarity over latest proposals

Groups representing skilled professionals and students from India on Tuesday (5) expressed concerns over a lack of clarity around the UK government's latest visa crackdown, branding the ban on family dependants as “unfair”. Home secretary James Cleverly tabled a five-point plan in parliament on Monday that would see foreign care…

Cleverly’s immigration plan raises concerns over potential NHS staff shortages

The home secretary, James Cleverly, has introduced a series of measures aimed at reducing the influx of migrant workers and their dependents into the UK. Speaking to MPs on Monday, Cleverly expressed that the current level of migration is excessive and needs to be reduced. He said, “Today I can…

India orders probe into ‘cash-for-kidney’ allegations

INDIA has ordered an investigation into allegations of a cash-for-kidney scam against a prominent Delhi hospital, official sources said on Tuesday (4). It follows a report in the Sunday Telegraph (3) which claimed “desperate young villagers” from Myanmar are flown to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital and “paid to donate their kidneys…

Sunak announces ‘biggest clampdown on legal migration’ to turn polls…

The embattled Conservative government unveiled a raft of measures Monday aimed at cracking down on record levels of migration -- a key battleground in a general election expected next year. The UK announced it would raise the minimum salary threshold for a skilled worker visa and prevent overseas health and…

Talking about and tackling racism in mental health care

Racial justice is essential in all democracies and progressive societies, which seek to learn from historical examples of persecution, incarceration, and enslavement on the basis of race. Anti-slavery and civil rights movements in the North America and Europe led to greater freedoms, alongside campaigns to tackle gender disadvantage and discrimination.…

BAME transplant patients face dual inequity, say MPs

A report by MPs has concluded that NHS “inaction” over more than a decade is resulting in unnecessary deaths among black, Asian, and minority ethnic transplant patients. An inquiry into organ donation in the UK highlighted a “double whammy of inequity” faced by minority ethnic and mixed heritage individuals, The…

‘Migration curbs will damage UK’

ANY “drastic” measures to cut immigration to the UK have the potential to “kill the economy”, a leading businessman has told Eastern Eye. Annual net migration hit a record of 745,000 last year and has stayed at elevated levels since, data showed last Thursday (23). Prime minister Rishi Sunak came…

Hancock tells Covid inquiry earlier lockdown could have saved 30,000…

At the Covid inquiry, Matt Hancock asserted that tens of thousands of lives might have been spared had the UK implemented a lockdown three weeks earlier. He described Boris Johnson’s Downing Street operation as affected by a "culture of fear." Hancock detailed instances of his staff encountering mistreatment from Dominic…

‘Asian Rich List is about so much more than just…

THE British Asian business community clearly has done well, as the Eastern Eye Asian Rich List 2024 shows. The entry point to get onto the list 13 years ago was £25 million. Last year it was £120m, and this year the figure has gone up to £125m. Even allowing for…

Leicester’s hospitals set to be revamped

LEICESTER’S hospitals are set for a once-in-a-generation transformation to modernise services and improve care, writes Hannah Richardson. The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) revealed plans for the city’s three hospital sites, with huge changes set to be delivered by the end of the decade. Simon Barton, UHL’s deputy…

Foreign care workers facing widespread exploitation, union says

Foreign care workers invited to the UK to address staffing shortages are facing severe exploitation, with some being paid as little as £5 an hour while being charged exorbitant fees, The Guardian reported. A trade union, Unison, highlighted cases where workers were paid below the legal minimum wage, faced unexpected…

Government reaches deal with unions to end senior doctor strikes

THE government and medical trade unions said on Monday (27) they had reached a deal which could see an end to months of disruptive strike action by senior doctors in England. The Department of Health and Social Care said the offer would reform the pay structure for senior doctors, known…

Sunak’s Rwanda plan threatens Good Friday agreement, say senior Tories

Senior Conservatives have raised concerns that Rishi Sunak's stance against human rights laws, potentially enabling the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, might jeopardise the Northern Ireland peace process. These MPs echoed worries expressed by the White House, underscoring that Downing Street's reported intentions to disregard parts of the Human…

NHS encouraged to provide cognitive behaviour therapy for menopause

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new draft guidance for the NHS, suggesting that women dealing with problematic menopause symptoms should have the option of receiving talking therapy, specifically cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), in addition to or instead of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This guidance,…

Indian students rush to secure UK visas before dependents ban

THERE is a surge in Indian students accelerating visa applications to bring their dependents to the UK ahead of the government-imposed ban in January, The Telegraph reported. Education agents are capitalising on this trend, charging inflated prices to secure spots at UK universities before the impending Home Office deadline, which…

Adherents to UK Covid rules have worst mental health: Study

Researchers at Bangor University have discovered that individuals who strictly adhered to Covid lockdown measures during the pandemic are currently experiencing more pronounced mental health challenges. The study has revealed that those who initially followed the restrictions most closely when the pandemic began are now more prone to suffering from…

Comment: Cleverly balances pragmatism and promises on immigration

James Cleverly is the first-ever Black British home secretary, though no national newspaper noticed enough to devote even a sentence or two to that fact. It would surely have made headlines five years ago. No Black or Asian politician had held any great office of state before 2018. Yet Cleverly’s…

Innovative gene therapy gets approval for two blood disorders

The UK's medicines regulator has given approval for a groundbreaking gene therapy, Casgevy, to potentially treat two hereditary blood disorders. This innovative treatment, designed for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, marks a significant milestone as the first licensed therapy using the CRISPR gene-editing tool, pioneered by Nobel Prize-winning inventors…

More women to gain access to contraceptive pills from pharmacies

From next month, nearly half a million women in England will gain access to the contraceptive pill directly from pharmacies without requiring a GP appointment. The Pharmacy First scheme will also extend its services to include treatments for urinary infections and various common conditions, the BBC reported. NHS England highlighted…

EXCLUSIVE: Prime minister right to sack Suella Braverman

The prime minister has shown that “he has a backbone” by sacking his controversial home secretary, south Asian Conservative parliamentarians and grassroots members have told Eastern Eye. Rishi Sunak fired Suella Braverman on Monday (13), five days after she wrote a Times newspaper article in which she criticised the Met…

Giant lung roadshow tours England to encourage South Asian community…

The NHS will visit thousands of people in England’s lung cancer hotspots with giant inflatable lungs this month, to raise awareness of potential cancer symptoms and help catch cancer earlier. The Let’s Talk Lung Cancer roadshow, run between NHS England and Roy Castle Lung Foundation, kicks off as new survey…

King Charles hosts special 75th birthday reception to meet Indian…

To mark his 75th birthday, King Charles III hosted a special reception at Buckingham Palace to honour Indian nurses, midwives, and global medical professionals dedicated to the NHS. Indians lead the estimated 150,000 international nurses and midwives currently working in the NHS, which is also celebrating its 75th anniversary year.…

UK cancer care crisis can lead to fatal outcomes warn…

In the UK, the state of cancer care has reached a critical point, and experts in the field are warning that patients may face fatal consequences due to the government's decision to eliminate a dedicated plan aimed at addressing the disease. With waiting times for NHS cancer treatment hitting a…

‘Sunak’s reset could cause rifts as Tories face election nightmare’

TO HER party, Suella Braverman was able to say things which the prime minister thought but could not voice. To his critics, Rishi Sunak was the man who stabbed Boris Johnson in the back and someone whose party did not elect him as its leader. Braverman gave him a shield…

‘Frustration’ over NHS strike costs

HOSPITAL administrators are warning about plans to curtail additional bed openings due to a lack of funds, particularly during the winter months. NHS Providers, which represents managers, conveyed this message following the Treasury’s rejection of a plea for an additional £1 billion to cover strike-related costs. The group also mentioned…

NHS grapples with opening extra winter beds and addressing staff…

Hospital administrators are issuing warnings about the necessity to curtail plans for additional bed openings due to a lack of funds, particularly for winter preparedness. NHS Providers, representing managers, conveyed this cautionary message following the Treasury's rejection of a plea for an additional £1 billion to cover strike-related costs. The…

NHS England’s Dr Nikki Kanani to step down next month

PROMINENT British Asian GP, Dr Nikki Kanani, has announced that she will step down from her current role at NHS England next month after serving six years. She worked as the medical director for primary care overseeing the establishment of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and the formulation of a fresh…

Starmer visits Neasden Temple to celebrate Diwali

Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) in North West London to partake in the Diwali festival on Monday (13). During this busy period, the Labour Leader received a guided tour from senior swamis and trustees, interacting with volunteers supporting the temple as…

King Charles marks 75th birthday with new scheme to tackle…

KING CHARLES III turns 75 on Tuesday (14), showing no sign of a let-up in activity just over a year since he became king after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Halfway through his eighth decade, the head of state is due to spend the day carrying out…

EXCLUSIVE: ‘More Asians will die in future pandemics’

NOTHING has been done to protect south Asian and black medical staff or patients, despite their disproportionate number of deaths during Covid, doctors have told Eastern Eye. They have warned that if a pandemic were to happen tomorrow, more people of colour would die unnecessarily. Medical experts have previously told…

NHS approves pill to help prevent breast cancer

Thousands of women facing a higher risk of breast cancer are set to receive aid through a risk-reducing drug, now approved for use by the NHS. The state-funded health service made the announcement on Tuesday (7), marking a significant step in preventing the disease. Anastrozole, a long-standing breast cancer treatment…

NHS launches campaign to tell patients about the support available…

The support on offer for patients at their GP practice is expanding, thanks to thousands more healthcare staff working in local communities. NHS England is raising awareness of the support available, following a survey that reveals that almost one third (31%) of South Asian people in England are unaware of…

Dementia cases expected to double by 2040

The prevalence of dementia in England and Wales is anticipated to nearly double, reaching 1.7 million by 2040, according to a study by University College London. This rise is occurring at a much faster rate than previously expected and is linked to widening social inequalities, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles, The…

NHS review finds accessing care tougher for BAME persons

In a landmark independent review of services provided by NHS Talking Therapies it has been identified that psychotherapy services must be better tailored to meet the specific needs of Black and minoritised ethnic groups. Over a decade of anonymised patient data has revealed historical disparities in access and outcomes for…

Wife dies due to stroke, husband blames ‘postcode lottery’

Jasbir Pahal, a 44-year-old teaching assistant, and a mother of four, tragically died in November 2022, after experiencing a severe stroke during the weekend, an inquest has heard. Jasbir’s husband, Satinder Pahal accused the hospital of not promptly transferring her to a facility equipped with 24-hour treatments to remove blood…

NHS trusts exploit overseas doctors for cheap labour, investigation reveals

FOREIGN doctors received lower pay and reduced benefits compared to their UK counterparts under a controversial scheme in English hospital trusts, an investigation has revealed. Doctors from outside the UK arrive at NHS trusts as ‘fellows’ under the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ medical training initiative (MTI) scheme, spending two-years…

Aberdeen mum and young son die in Mumbai fire

In a tragic incident in Mumbai, India, a mother, and her young son from Aberdeen lost their lives in a fire on Monday (23). Dr Glory Valthaty, 43, and her eight-year-old son, Joshua, were visiting relatives when the building they were staying in (Veena Santoor) became enveloped in fire and…

One year in, Sunak eyes future and likely legacy

DO not expect any more parties in Downing Street this week to mark the anniversary of Rishi Sunak becoming prime minister. It was an understated moment of British social history, as Britain’s first Asian prime minister walked into Number 10 alone, with a few words about fixing mistakes to get…

Naga Munchetty reveals decades of medical neglect over chronic health…

BBC broadcaster Naga Munchetty has told MPs her diagnosis of adenomyosis - where the womb's lining grows into its muscular walls - came decades after doctors dismissed her symptoms and told her to “suck it up” despite suffering from heavy periods, repeated vomiting and incapacitating pain. In her testimony before…

Childhood obesity among British Asians a growing concern

A HIGHER proportion of British Asian children are classed as overweight compared to other groups, according to government data. Experts have expressed concerns over the disproportionate number of youngsters of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin who are having weight problems when they turn 10 or 11. Some 36.2 per cent…

Winter vaccines ‘can protect people from serious illness’

AS THE weather cools, people tend to see more of their friends and family indoors, which increases the risk of catching colds, flu and Covid-19. This is why the NHS has once again offered vaccines to those most vulnerable to infection. Dr Nikki Kanani, a GP and director of clinical…

Quantexa boss says NHS data should be managed by UK…

QUANTEXA founder and chief executive Vishal Marria advocated that a domestic company with the “right intentions” should be hired to manage NHS data instead of awarding the contract to an American company. His London-based data analytics firm is attempting to strike a deal to link up hospital data where Palantir,…

‘Racism can affect mental health across generations’

RESEARCHERS have called on the government to prioritise funding towards analysing the impact of racism on mental health, saying countries such as the US were “way further ahead” in this area. A study by the Centre for Mental Health and King’s College London found that both past and present experiences…

How GP surgeries are improving their services

NEW radical plans for the NHS are being rolled out across GP surgeries in England, which are now working with a wide range of health practitioners so you or a family member have access to the most efficient patient care. The introduction of over 29,000 new health and care staff…

New pregnancy app designed for south Asian women in Leicester

The local hospital trust and the University of Leicester have collaborated to create a new pregnancy app tailored for south Asian women in Leicestershire. Named Janam, the app which was launched on Thursday (12) is available for free and offers pregnancy-related information in six languages. It features visual aids such…

NHS is recruiting the next generation of its inspirational staff

THE NHS offers amazing opportunities to be a part of its inspiring team and kickstart a rewarding and illustrious career. With more than 350 varied and rewarding roles to choose from, the UK Government’s investment in better pay, and one of the UK’s best pension plans, the NHS offers you…

Shekhar Kapur involved in an accident in Manchester

Noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for helming such iconic films as Mr. India (1987), Bandit Queen (1994), Elizabeth (1998), and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), was involved in an accident in Manchester. The BAFTA Award winner took to social media platform X to share the news with his fans and…

Why British Indians find life worthwhile

BRITISH Indians are among the happiest people in the country, who feel they have worthwhile lives, according to government research. They scored 7.67 in their average happiness score which was the second highest after the Asian Other category - compared to 7.64 for those of Bangladeshi origin, 7.57 for people…

Conference season sets tone for pre-poll politics

TEAM captains at the cricket World Cup usually find it an advantage to bat second, to know what they must do to win the game. The 2023 party season broke with decades of political tradition by putting Rishi Sunak in to bat first, though the Liberals, Labour and the Conservatives…

Health secretary praises pharmacy’s key NHS role

THE shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, said pharmacists were key to the modernisation of the NHS as he paid tribute to the sector at the annual Pharmacy Business Awards last Wednesday (4). Independent community pharmacists were in the spotlight at the event, which recognises the contribution of the sector in…

NHS training course faces backlash over racial stereotyping

MEDICAL experts have voiced their outrage over an NHS training course that perpetuates racial stereotypes, with critics calling it "discriminatory" and "racist." The controversy surrounds a module within the course that suggests "Asian men" may avoid making eye contact during medical care because it is considered disrespectful in their culture,…

Digital version of NHS Red Book rolled out

AS A first-time father, Tushar Srivastava struggled to keep track of routine health visits for his infant son and related parenting tasks, so he resorted to jotting them down on Excel. Soon, though, it became clear to him that other parents were in the same boat, so he came up…

Covid rise sparks concern among British Asians

WE SHOULD not forget that Covid took a terrible toll on the Asian community during the pandemic – and now, ominously, a new variant, BA.2.86, is making the rounds. “Honestly, we don’t know too much about it,” said my local pharmacist. Should masks again be mandatory on the London Underground…

Visa fee hike for visitors, students to take effect this…

A proposed visa fee hike announced by the government will become effective from Wednesday (4), when a visit visa for under six months will cost £15 more and student visas will be £127 more expensive for travellers from around the world, including Indians. Following the legislation tabled in Parliament last…

Health officials urge vulnerable groups to take flu & Covid-19…

In anticipation of the winter season, individuals are being encouraged to receive flu vaccinations to alleviate the strain on the NHS. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning, emphasising the serious effects of the flu. According to data, during the 2022/23 winter, deaths from flu surpassed…

Visa and NHS charges set to rise amid concerns over…

GOVERNMENT is set to increase visa fees and immigration health surcharges for migrants in a move aimed at generating additional revenue. However, a minister has expressed concerns that these increases may not effectively reduce record-high levels of immigration, reported The Times. From October 4, the cost of most visa and…

Doctor prescribes positive treatment of Asian culture

AMIR KHAN, the TV doctor, admits that he delved into parts of his own life in writing his first novel, How (Not) To Have An Arranged Marriage. Khan is a familiar figure to audiences, with regular appearances on Lorraine, This Morning and Good Morning Britain. He has also been in…

NHS pioneer and community leader Dr Oza, 96, passes away

A PIONEERING Asian doctor who served in the NHS for nearly four decades and was a respected community leader passed away last week at the age of 96. Dr Shivkumar Oza MBBS, FRCS (Lon), was the general secretary of the Overseas Doctors Association in Nottingham and was known for supporting…

Tory conference set to see ‘real Rishi Sunak’ relaunch

RISHI SUNAK was not at last year’s Conservative Party conference. Having lost the party leadership election, he kept a low profile in his Yorkshire constituency to not distract from then prime minister Liz Truss’s chance to set out her vision. A chaotic week of u-turns trying to contain the implosion…

British Indian teen who died fighting health service named

A British Indian teenager, who died from a rare disease while in a legal fight with the NHS trust in the UK to allow her to travel abroad for an experimental trial that she hoped could prolong her life chances, has been named for the first time after court restrictions…

Seema Malhotra MP encourages South Asians to become organ donors

SEEMA MALHOTRA MP and healthcare workers have urged South Asians to sign up to become organ and stem cell donors at an event held in the House of Commons, a statement said. The awards ceremony was hosted by the MP to recognise the work of volunteers for Upahaar, a charity…

95% of ex-smokers experience positive life changes after quitting: Survey

A nationwide survey released on Tuesday (19) ahead of Stoptober, a national annual quit smoking campaign has found that nearly all (95%) ex-smokers notice positive changes in their lives as early as two weeks after quitting. The quit smoking campaign, under the umbrella brand "Better Health Let's Do This," led…

Lord Austin ‘surprised’ by troubles in Leicester last year

THE lead of an independent review investigating into clashes in Leicester last year has refuted suggestions that the authorities overlooked decades of deepening divides in the city. Dozens of people were arrested after community tensions erupted in August and September 2022 and led incidents of vandalism and attacks on places…

Riya Hirani death: Coroner urges to implement Martha’s Rule

A coroner has urged to implement the Martha's Rule following the tragic death of nine-year-old who succumbed to a Strep A infection shortly after being sent home from the hospital with a diagnosis of tonsillitis. Riya Hirani was discharged from Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow with instructions for over-the-counter pain…

Visa fees for visitors, students to go up starting October…

The government has confirmed that an upcoming increase in visa fees will come into effect on October 4. Under the new pricing structure, visit visas for stays under six months will incur an additional cost of GBP 15, while student visas will see an increase of GBP 127 for applicants…

Coroner calls for warning labels on protein shakes after teenager…

After the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy three days following the consumption of a protein shake, a coroner has recommended that health warnings be included on protein shake products. During the inquest, it was revealed that Rohan Godhania fell ill shortly after consuming a widely-used dietary supplement, commonly used…

NHS to get extra £200m for winter

THE government said on Thursday (14) it would invest £200 million of extra funding in the NHS to help boost its resilience during the busy winter months. Prime minister Rishi Sunak has made cutting NHS patient waiting lists one of his five top priorities ahead of a national election expected…

Depression linked to type 2 diabetes: Study

New research has suggested that depression may directly lead to the development of type 2 diabetes by causing inflammation in vital organs. Prior studies have shown that individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression. However, it remained uncertain whether depression caused type 2 diabetes, vice versa, or…

Tories accept donation from vape-linked company amid child marketing concerns

DESPITE a government crackdown on colourful vape products being marketed to children, the Tory party has received a substantial six-figure donation from a company associated with such vapes, the Times reported. In May, the Tory party recorded a £350,000 contribution from Supreme 8 Ltd, ranking as their third-largest donation in…

South Asians not confident they could spot the signs of…

A new survey published last week by NHS England has revealed a lack of confidence among south Asians in recognising the symptoms of a heart attack, with nearly half (44%) in the community saying they were not confident that they could recognise the signs. Furthermore, almost half (48%) claimed they…

Taking an aspirin daily may help prevent diabetes: Study

New research has revealed that a daily aspirin pill can reduce the risk of developing diabetes in old age. The study involved 16,209 healthy adults aged 65 and above in Australia and the US, with half of them taking a daily low dose of 100mg aspirin and the other half…

Government urges women to help shape reproductive health policy

Women in England are being encouraged to actively participate in shaping reproductive health policy by sharing their personal experiences related to various issues. The government's initiative to conduct this survey follows a commitment made by ministers over a year ago to seek women's input on matters including periods, contraception, fertility,…

Talking about our history needn’t spark culture war

NOBODY knows whether Nigel Farage will try to play a prominent role in the next General Election. The former Ukip and Brexit Party leader is currently taking a break from electoral politics, to build his profile as a broadcaster both in Britain and America. Yet Farage has found an unusual…

Junior, senior doctors to take joint strike action for first…

JUNIOR and senior doctors in England plan to take joint strike action for the first time, the British Medical Association (BMA) union said on Thursday (31), threatening further disruption to the NHS in a long-running dispute over pay. The BMA, which represents nearly 200,000 doctors, said junior doctors in England…

New project to increase diversity in breast cancer clinical trials

A new pilot project supported by the NHS Race and Health Observatory was announced today (31) to increase the number of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority patients taking part in potentially life-enhancing breast cancer clinical trials. The project is in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, Roche Products Ltd, and two…

Laughter therapy can help patients with heart disease, finds study

Laughter may benefit individuals with heart disease, a new study conducted in Brazil suggests. A team of scientists embarked on a groundbreaking clinical trial, investigating whether engaging in "laughter therapy" could mitigate the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, involving adults diagnosed with coronary artery disease, revealed that…

NHS maternity review raises red flags about midwives

THE head of a review into maternity care in Nottingham said there is a “recurring theme” of midwives not listening to women who say they are in labour, writes Anna Whittaker. Donna Ockenden is running the largest maternity review in NHS history at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH). As part…

NHS to offer blood pressure checks at barbershops

THE NHS announced plans on Tuesday (29) to expand blood pressure checks to more locations within the community, including barbershops and places of worship. It is part of a major drive to prevent strokes and heart attacks. The NHS said it would apply the learning from its Covid vaccination programme…

UK-India FTA at risk over drug patent dispute

THE trade deal between the UK and India is facing uncertainty due to disagreements over the former's request for stricter regulations on the manufacturing of affordable generic medicines, reported The Telegraph. India's negotiators have opposed the proposal to extend drug patents before allowing the production of less expensive alternatives. This…

The Vogue 25: Line-up of the powerhouse women of the…

The annual Vogue 25 list has been a platform to honour remarkable women who are driving British society forward since its establishment in 2018. According to British Vogue, this year's lineup is not only incredibly impressive but also features pioneering individuals achieving success on their own terms, including some renowned…

Senior doctors to strike again in October

SENIOR NHS doctors in England will strike for three consecutive days during the ruling Conservative Party's annual conference in October, the British Medical Association (BMA) said in a statement to Reuters on Thursday. The strikes from Oct. 2-4 would be the longest period of action so far, the BMA said.…

We need diversity among key film and TV decision makers:…

KRISHNENDU MAJUMDAR has called a wrap after three years as chair of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta), to be succeeded by his deputy, Sara Putt. Majumdar was the first nonwhite person to occupy the post since Bafta was set up 76 years ago on April 16,…

Exclusive: Health secretary says NHS has ‘zero tolerance for racism’

RACISM has no place in the National Health Service, the health secretary has told Eastern Eye. His comments come after doctors’ leaders made clear that medics of colour were more likely to face complaints and disciplinary hearings than their white colleagues. Two years ago (August 2021) this newspaper revealed that…

British Indian paediatrician helps catch ‘killer nurse’ Lucy Letby

A UK-born Indian-origin consultant paediatrician at a hospital in northern England is among those who raised concerns and helped convict a nurse found guilty of killing seven babies by a UK court. Dr Ravi Jayaram, from the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, said some of those lives could have…

NHS urges students to consider a nursing career

​The NHS has congratulated local students receiving their A Level, T Level or BTEC results today, calling on anyone not sure of their career path to consider joining the NHS through the final remaining nursing and midwifery degree places available.​ Already this year, 31,430 people in England have signed up for a…

Sunak: My Hindu faith guides me

RISHI SUNAK has said his upcoming visit to India for a G20 summit early next month will be “special” as Britain’s first Asian prime minister returns to the homeland of his grandparents. Sunak is scheduled to travel to New Delhi in September – his first as prime minister since taking…

Vikram Doraiswami: Britain and India must be closer partners

INDIAN high commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, has said that a global Britain and an internationalist India must be closer partners in this age of geopolitical strife. "Fortunately, the foundation for ties that transcend our complex history exists: a living bridge of two million Indian-origin Britons, 950 Indian investor…

Claire Coutinho may become chief secretary to Treasury

MINISTER for children, families and wellbeing, Claire Coutinho, could be made chief secretary to the Treasury next month when prime minister Rishi Sunak is expected to reshuffle his cabinet, a media report suggested. Coutinho MP would be a politically attractive appointment to succeed John Glen in the Treasury department, The…

Several cancer waiting time targets to be scrapped

Aiming to enhance early cancer detection, NHS authorities are set to eliminate approximately two-thirds of their cancer waiting time targets. The intention is to streamline the existing nine targets down to three, with the support of renowned cancer experts and the objective of modernising outdated standards, the BBC reported. However,…

Adam Thomas diagnosed with chronic illness days after joining ‘Strictly…

Just days after he was announced as the eighth contestant of the much-anticipated Strictly Come Dancing, Adam Thomas has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a long-term health condition. The Waterloo actor, who has already begun his training as he joins Les Dennis, Bobby Brazier, Angela Rippon, and many…

Top doctor warns more NHS strikes likely due to Sunak’s…

A top medical professional has cautioned that the unyielding approach of prime minister Rishi Sunak, concerning healthcare workers' pay is likely to trigger additional strikes in the NHS. The British Medical Association (BMA) council chair, professor Philip Banfield, stressed that until a "credible offer," was received, medical practitioners may feel…

Steve Barclay accuses striking doctors of harming patients

The government said the strike launched by hospital doctors in England on Friday (11) to demand a 35-per cent pay increase served "only to harm patients". The four-day stoppage comes with health chiefs estimating that the repeated industrial action had cost the health service £1 billion. The British Medical Association…

Walking 2,337 steps a day can lower disease risk: Study

Walking 2,337 steps a day has been linked to a reduced risk of disease, challenging the popular notion of aiming for 10,000 steps for good health. Research indicates that as few as 2,337 daily steps can help lower the risk of premature death, and health benefits increase with higher step…

NHS calls for volunteers to support vulnerable communities

NHS and Care Volunteers Responders urgently call upon compassionate individuals to volunteer their time in collecting and delivering food shopping and prescriptions to vulnerable people in their local communities. Accessing essential items has become a significant challenge for many vulnerable individuals, making everyday activities like grocery shopping difficult or impossible.…

Doctors stage fresh strike over pay

HOSPITAL doctors in England on Friday (11) launched a new walkout in a dispute with the government over pay in the latest strike action to hit the NHS.The four-day strike by junior doctors comes amid record patient waiting times due to a large pandemic backlog and strikes across the economy…

Vegetarian diet can cut heart attack and stroke risk: Study

Switching to a vegetarian diet for several months has the potential to decrease the susceptibility to heart attacks and strokes, a study shows. The research involved nearly 2,000 individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, who abstained from consuming meat for an average period of…

Screening programme prevents 20,000 cases of bowel cancer; expansion planned…

A study has revealed that England's screening programme has successfully averted 20,000 instances of bowel cancer over the course of a decade. The initiative, which initially targeted individuals aged 60 and above, since 2006, is now set to extend its reach to those aged 50 and older starting in 2025.…

Covid booster programme for over-65s to start in October

AS part of the October booster programme, free coronavirus and flu vaccines will be extended to individuals aged 65 and above, as well as to health and social care workers and adults with weakened immune systems. Eligible people can receive the vaccine at GP surgeries and pharmacies. The eligibility requirements…

Senior doctors in England to strike again in September

SENIOR doctors in England plan to strike again in September unless the government agrees to more pay negotiations, their union said on Monday (7). But the health department restated that its last pay offer was "final." The NHS has been disrupted by healthcare workers walking out in demand of pay…

NHS fast-tracks heart and lung tests for one million patients

AROUND one million people will get heart and lung tests under the new NHS scheme which plans to clear record waiting backlogs, The Telegraph reported. The new plan allows GPs to refer more patients directly for checks for heart disease and common lung conditions without referring them to a specialist. According…

Medic Hasmukh Shah recognised by First Minister of Wales

First Minister of Wales, Prof Mark Drakeford MS, recognised Professor Hasmukh Shah BEM for his long-standing service to the NHS at a BAPIO (British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) event in Wales last Sunday (30). Shah has worked for almost 50 years in NHS and was recognised for his…

Yousaf unveils Scottish citizenship and passport proposal

First minister Humza Yousaf of Scotland has unveiled a plan for citizenship and passports in the event of an independent Scotland. The proposal, titled "Citizenship in an independent Scotland," outlines the rights and entitlements of citizens, migrants, and British nationals following the country's potential departure from the union. The prospectus…

Doctors call for action as ethnic groups with learning disabilities…

PEOPLE from an ethnic minority with learning disabilities have a life expectancy that is almost half that of their white counterparts, a survey has shown, sparking calls for a “quantum change” in care provided to the group. Research by the NHS Race and Health Observatory, published on Tuesday (25), found…

Expected surge in ill health to pose challenges for NHS

England is expected to witness a surge in the number of people living with major health conditions, which will rise nine times faster than the healthy working-age population, according to projections by the Health Foundation. The analysis reveals that by 2040 nearly one in five people will have health conditions…

Asian playwright explores Beckett and Pinter’s passion for cricket in…

IT WAS fun catching Shomit Dutta’s play, Stumped, at Hampstead Theatre before the run ended. The two-hander involves an entertaining, though not always friendly, conversation between the great Nobel Prize winning playwrights, Harold Pinter and Samuel Beckett, played by Andrew Lancel and Stephen Tompkinson respectively, as they wait in a…

Starmer warns of complacency amid row over Uxbridge defeat

LABOUR’S failure to take former prime minister Boris Johnson’s old parliamentary seat in the by-election last week shows the party still has a long way to go to win power, leader Sir Keir Starmer said last Saturday (22). The party won in Selby and Ainsty, a once-safe Conservative parliamentary seat…

Singing praises of migrant workers

A NATIONAL exhibition celebrating the role of migrants in the NHS opened in Leicester in June and will tour the country later in the year. The Migration Museum’s Heart of the Nation aims to highlight the contribution of those who moved to the UK to work in the NHS, which…

Doctors missed crucial test on 16-year-old boy who died after…

A 16-year-old resident of Ealing, west London, named Rohan Godhania tragically died after drinking a protein shake he purchased from a supermarket on August 15, 2020. Rohan fell ill after consuming the protein shake and died three days later, succumbing to irreversible brain damage due to a rare genetic condition…

Senior Conservatives urge Sunak to consider spring election

Senior Conservatives are advising Rishi Sunak, to consider calling for a spring election next year. Campaign strategists within the party believe that this plan is gaining momentum and could potentially help minimise losses in the wake of Thursday's byelections, where the Tories experienced a significant swing against them. The idea…

Government unveils measures to boost women’s health and wellbeing

THE government on Saturday (22) announced a significant package of new measures to boost the health and wellbeing of women and girls, a statement said. To mark the first anniversary of Women’s Health Strategy, a raft of actions are also being taken to support women and their families who are…

Union proposes 12% pay raise as solution to end NHS…

The British Medical Association (BMA) consultants committee chairman, Dr Vishal Sharma, has suggested that a pay rise of approximately 12% for NHS consultants could potentially end the ongoing strikes. Dr Sharma said that any offer above inflation would be sufficient to present to BMA members. The comments were made in…

Senior doctors in England stage rare walk out

ENGLISH hospitals were braced on Thursday (20) for the latest doctors' strike to hit the state-run health service, with managers warning it will leave "routine care virtually at a standstill". The two-day strike by consultants comes amid record patient waiting times due to a vast pandemic backlog and multiple strikes…

Donanemab drug shows potential in slowing Alzheimer’s progression

A new drug called donanemab has emerged as a potential breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's, following a global trial that confirms its ability to slow cognitive decline, the BBC reported. This antibody medicine targets a specific protein that accumulates in the brains of those with Alzheimer's during the early…

Higher rates of ethnic minority stillbirths at Derby and Burton…

A NEW study has found black and Asian women are experiencing higher rates of stillbirth at Derby and Burton’s hospitals, writes Eddie Bisknell. It comes three months after Derbyshire officials said ethnicity was not felt to be a factor in rising local stillbirth rates. Data from the University Hospitals of…

Health charges rise racist, says doctors’ group

BRITAIN’S oldest medical union last Saturday (15) criticised government plans to increase the amount migrant workers pay to use the NHS, in order to cover public-sector wage increases. Prime minister Rishi Sunak last week approved recommendations to boost wages of teachers, doctors and police by between five and seven per…

EXCLUSIVE: ‘University accused of racism’

Eastern Eye can reveal that the Indian High Commission has written to a UK university urging it to investigate claims of racism and discrimination made by students from its country. It follows complaints from more than 80 learners from India at Leicester’s De Montfort University (DMU). The High Commission sent…

Review raises concern over focus on skin colour in health…

A review conducted by the NHS Race and Health Observatory has raised concerns about the focus on skin colour in routine health checks for newborns. The Apgar score, traditionally used to assess a baby's health immediately after birth, includes checking whether the baby is "pink all over," but the report…

Measles cases rising in England, NHS urges parents to ensure…

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a rise in measles cases across London, with two-thirds of cases in England occurring in the capital in the last six months. In England, one out of every ten children lack full protection from both doses of the MMR vaccine, and in…

Senior doctors in England announce more strikes

SENIOR doctors in England will hold two days of strikes in August, their union - the British Medical Association (BMA) - said on Monday (17), dismissing a six per cent pay rise announced by the government last week as a "savage" real-terms wage cut. Consultant-level doctors in Britain's publicly funded…

Sunak’s migrant fee hike for public sector pay rise receives…

Critics have slammed Rishi Sunak's plan to fund a public sector pay rise by increasing fees charged to migrants for visa applications and NHS access. Unison which represents 1.3 million public service workers and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants call the policy "deeply unfair" and "deliberately divisive,"…

UK visa fees and health surcharge set for ‘significant’ rise

The fees and health surcharge paid towards the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS) by visa applicants from around the world, including Indians, are poised to experience a "significant" increase, according to prime minister Rishi Sunak's announcement on Thursday (13). The British Indian leader, who faced pressure to implement the…

Community pharmacy ready to play key role in NHS service,…

Politicians, researchers and pharmacy leaders called on the government to make community pharmacy a "fundamental" part of clinical services at an event at the House of Commons on Wednesday (13). At the launch of a research publication carried out by the University of Bath in conjunction with Sigma Pharmaceuticals, community…

Doctors stage biggest walkout in NHS history

DOCTORS in England on Thursday (13) staged the biggest walkout in the history of the UK's state-funded National Health Service, prompting fears for patient safety. The unprecedented five-day stoppage over pay and staff retention is the latest in eight months of industrial action across the NHS, which is already reeling…

Lord Paul donates £500,000 to improve hospital’s maternity unit in…

On the NHS's 75th birthday, a major fundraising campaign was launched to improve the maternity building at Northwick Park Hospital, supported by a £500,000 donation from Lord Swraj Paul. Having been introduced to the hospital by local MP Barry Gardiner, the entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Lord Paul, formed a close connection…

Danny Beales: Johnson’s comments, immigration bill have let down ethnic…

THE LABOUR candidate to replace Boris Johnson as Conservative MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip has said the former prime minister played a part in ethnic minorities losing “trust in democracy and public life”. Danny Beales is the Labour candidate for the byelection in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, which became…

Poll: Humza Yousaf’s performance as first minister disappoints Scots

A new poll revealed that half of Scots believe the first minister is doing a bad job, while only a small minority (23 per cent) believe that he is performing well. According to the YouGov survey, fewer than a fifth of voters said that Humza Yousaf is performing well in key…

NHS has unacceptable levels of racism: Royal College of Psychiatrist…

LEVELS of racism in the NHS are unacceptable, the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists has warned, as he cautioned that institutional racism “harms patients and drives psychiatrists and other health practitioners out” of the health service. In his valedictory address as president, Dr Adrian James also criticised employers…

NHS at 75: A vision of who we are and…

THE NHS is the closest thing that the English people have to a religion, former Chancellor Nigel Lawson once complained. Did last week’s Westminster Abbey service to mark the National Health Service’s 75th birthday not rather prove his point? “We gather in thanksgiving for both the grace of God and…

UK, BioNTech collaborate to accelerate cancer vaccine trials

In a significant development towards advancing cancer treatments, the UK government has forged a major agreement with BioNTech SE, renowned for its collaboration with Pfizer in developing a Covid-19 vaccine. The primary objective of this agreement is to propel the development of revolutionary cancer treatments. Expanding upon a previous memorandum…

Exclusive: Racism is costing NHS billions

RACISM within the NHS costs the health service an estimated £2.3 billion a year, the former head of the British Medical Association (BMA) has told Eastern Eye, as he warned such discrimination also led to patient safety being compromised. A recent BMA survey said racism is “widespread” within the medical workforce.…

Monthly vitamin D pill may help reduce heart attacks in…

Research suggests that taking vitamin D supplements later in life can reduce the risk of heart attacks. In the largest trial of its kind, a five-year study involving 21,315 Australians aged 60 to 84 was conducted. The participants were randomly assigned to either a group that received a monthly tablet…

Ethnic minorities have been under-represented in health research

MOST of us know someone in our family who has suffered from diabetes, or cancer, or had a heart attack or stroke. Doctors have known for a long time that south Asians are more susceptible to certain diseases. For example, we’re five times more likely than white people to develop…

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: Dealing with the hot…

I LEARNT about the really hot Naga chillis, which have their origins in Bangladesh, at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival from Joy Michaud of Sea Spring Seeds in Dorchester. Chillis apparently have their hotness measured by the Scoville scale, abbreviated to SHU. By this measure of heat…

Training and flexibility at heart of NHS reform plan

THE NHS in England will get more than 300,000 staff under a new plan announced by the government last Friday (30) to deal with a chronic shortage of doctors and nurses. The NHS, which marked its 75th birthday on Wednesday (5), is facing an estimated workforce shortfall of 360,000 by…

Britain celebrates 75th anniversary of National Health Service

Britain celebrates 75 years of its National Health Service (NHS) on Wednesday (05), with royals, politicians, staff, and patients who all express pride in its past and a firm determination that it will endure in the future, despite the challenges it currently faces. Launched on July 5, 1948, by a…

Kettering man jailed for life for killing wife, two children

A KETTERING man who “squeezed the life out” of his wife and two children has been jailed for life with a minimum of 40 years in custody. Saju Chelavalel, originally from the south Indian state of Kerala, strangled Anju Asok, 35 to death with a dressing gown cord before killing…

Lord Swraj Paul pays tribute to late wife with memorial…

Leading industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has revealed a new memorial dedicated to his late wife, Lady Aruna Paul, at London Zoo. Alongside this unveiling, he also made a significant announcement of a GBP 1 million donation to the University of Wolverhampton. The donation will be used for constructing a new…

Tory backbenchers urge Sunak to do more on immigration

A group of Conservative MPs called on prime minister Rishi Sunak on Monday (3) to do more to cut immigration, saying he risked further eroding the trust of voters who lent the party their vote in 2019 if he failed to take action. The group of MPs, many elected for…

NHS to get more than 300,000 staff under ‘historic’ workforce…

THE National Health Service (NHS) in England will get more than 300,000 staff under a new plan announced by the government on Friday (30) to deal with a chronic shortage of doctors and nurses. The publicly funded NHS, which marks its 75th birthday on Wednesday (5), is facing an estimated…

Windrush biases still persist, says NHS leaders

THE Windrush generation helped build the NHS in the face of prejudice and systemic racism, issues that still exist today, health leaders said, as they called for “robust action” to address inequalities. Senior leaders of the NHS attended an event in London last Thursday (22) to celebrate the 75-year contribution…

Why the Windrush generation deserves appreciation

I CAME to this country from Guyana in 1963. I was five years-old and it took two weeks on a ship to get here. I came here with my aunty Babs (Barbara Dettering) who is one of the Saints of Bristol. If you go to Bristol, you will see my…

Senior doctors in England to strike seeking better pay

SENIOR doctors in English hospitals are to stage industrial action for only the third time, forcing the cancellation of routine operations for patients, their union announced on Tuesday (27). Consultant doctors will strike on July 20 and 21 to press the government for better pay - just after a five-day…

Majority of care workers in UK came from India: report

THE most number of care workers sponsored for work visas in UK were from India (33 per cent), followed by Zimbabwe (16 per cent), Nigeria (15 per cent) and the Philippines (11 per cent), a new report has revealed. The study by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford…

Nursing strikes in England paused due to low ballot turnout

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Britain's main nursing trade union, on Tuesday (27) announced that it had been unable to obtain a new mandate for strike action in England. This development temporarily ends the possibility of additional strikes by tens of thousands of nurses, which has already disrupted a…

NHS anniversary tour exhibition celebrates contributions of migrants

The Migration Museum is set to launch "Heart of the Nation: Migration and the Making of the NHS," a national touring exhibition commemorating the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS). The exhibition will debut at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on June 30, 2023. It aims to highlight the…

Report signals deep concerns surrounding UK health outcomes

A recently released report, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS), highlights that the UK's performance on crucial health metrics is a matter of "serious concern" and falls behind comparable countries. The report, conducted by the King's Fund charity, examined the health systems of 19 similar nations.…

London doctor sentenced to six years for involvement in dark…

Kabir Garg, a 33-year-old junior doctor from Lewisham, south-east London, has been sentenced to six years in jail for his role in operating a chat site on the dark web dedicated to sharing child sexual abuse images. Garg, who worked as a psychiatrist for the South London and Maudsley NHS…

Gang who used ‘Thank you NHS’ van to transport drugs…

A WEST BROMWICH crime group which abused government-backed Covid loans to run a drugs empire during pandemic lockdowns has been jailed. The 10-member gang, led by Kamaljit Singh Chahal and his nephew Bhipon Chahal, used a ‘Thank You NHS’ van to transport heroin and cocaine across the West Midlands to…

Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson encourages cancer checks following own…

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York has emphasised the importance of cancer screenings following her own experience with the disease. The 63-year-old, who was previously married to Prince Andrew, the brother of King Charles, recently underwent successful surgery after breast cancer was detected during a routine mammogram screening. According to…

Windrush events mark 75 years of Commonwealth migrants

The contribution of migrants from the Caribbean and the rest of the Commonwealth is being celebrated on Thursday (22) as the UK marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush ship bringing workers from the West Indies.  Known as the "Windrush generation", thousands of people came to…

Health officials warn about heart disease emergency in England

Health officials have issued a warning about a heart disease emergency in England, calling for prioritisation of NHS heart care due to the occurrence of nearly 100,000 excess deaths since March 2020. Disturbing figures from official government data indicate that more than 500 individuals are losing their lives unnecessarily each…

Windrush flag raised in 200 locations across Britain to mark…

MAJOR events will be held across Britain this week to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of Windrush on Thursday (22), a statement said. As part of the celebrations, the Windrush flag is being raised in more than 200 locations across England and Wales, including at the Houses of…

‘Life of Pi’ lead actor cast in ‘The Father and…

THE Father and the Assassin, which was staged at the National Theatre in May last year – and won Indhu Rubasingham Eastern Eye’s Art Culture and Theatre Award (ACTA) for best director – is returning later this year. Written by Anupama Chandrasekhar, the play looks at Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on…

Delay in high-sugar promotion ban sparks outrage among UK health…

The decision by the British government to extend the delay on implementing rules that would prohibit multi-buy deals on high-fat, salt, or sugar (HFSS) foods and drinks has generated disappointment among health campaigners. They argue that this postponement will not contribute to the financial relief of struggling families. On Saturday…

Sunak shares mother’s homemade barfi with Ukraine president Zelenskyy

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has revealed how he shared barfi (Indian sweets) made by his mother with Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Ukrainian president's recent visit to Downing Street. Sunak, 43, posted a reel last weekend on his official Instagram account of an interview during which he shared the moment his…

Adil Rashid among British Asians recognised in King’s Birthday Honours…

ENGLAND’S world cup winning cricketer Adil Rashid is among the British Asian names recognised in King Charles’s inaugural Birthday Honours List announced today. With doctors, politicians, educators, authors, community leaders and philanthropists among the 11 per cent of recipients coming from an ethnic minority background, the list showcases the immense…

How Johnson fallout will affect Tories and Labour

HOW do you solve a problem like Boris? Rishi Sunak will hope to have fewer political headaches once the former prime minister leaves parliament, but will know we will all be hearing much more from Johnson. His statement resigning as an MP was one of his more Trumpian moments -…

British Asian votes crucial for Labour’s return to power

With the next UK general election looming over the horizon, upwardly-mobile British Indians will be a critical voter constituency in various parts of the country. In recent times, there has been a fraying of relations between the wider British Indian population and the Labour Party. In the 2015 general election,…

UK hospital doctors commence 72-hour walkout over pay

Hospital doctors in England have embarked on a new 72-hour strike over pay, commencing on Wednesday (14). This action has raised concerns among health officials, who anticipate significant disruptions to patient care and healthcare services. The strike, led by junior doctors below the consultant level, commenced at 7:00 am (0600…

Doctors criticise lack of patient translation services

Leading doctors have called for all hospitals to start providing appointment letters in other languages to prevent patients whose first language is not English getting a delayed diagnosis. It comes after a report found that NHS trusts often send letters about radiology appointments only in English and expect a patient’s…

Stop throwing hand grenades at Sunak, says Asian parliamentarian

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak standing up to Boris Johnson could be the making of him as a leader, an Asian parliamentarian told Eastern Eye. Sunak on Monday (12) revealed that his predecessor had asked him to “do something that I wasn't prepared to do,” in relation to the latter’s resignation…

Ivan Menezes, Diageo’s Indian-origin CEO, passes away

SIR IVAN MENEZES, alcoholic drinks giant Diageo’s long-serving Indian-origin chief executive, has passed after surgery on a stomach ulcer. He was 63. His death came on Monday (5) with his family at his side, the maker of Johnnie Walker whisky and Smirnoff vodka said in a statement, crediting him for…

UK initiates £40 million pilot to increase accessibility of obesity…

The UK government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at improving accessibility to obesity drugs and reducing waiting lists in the National Health Service (NHS). Valued at £40 million ($50 million), this two-year pilot programme seeks to explore innovative ways of providing obesity medications to individuals outside of hospital settings,…

Windrush 75: Stitching the story into British history

“IT has been an extraordinary journey,” said Alford Gardner, once a 21-year-old former Royal Air Force (RAF) serviceman returning to seek work in Britain and now navigating, in his mid-90s, becoming a crucial living link to an iconic moment in the making of modern Britain. Gardner is one of the…

Single blood test can now detect over 50 types of…

A major NHS trial has shown promising results for a blood test that can detect over 50 types of cancer, researchers from Oxford University said. According to media reports, the test accurately identified two-thirds of cancers among 5,000 individuals who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms in England or…

Humza Yousaf accused of ‘incompetence’ after sharp rise in waiting…

SCOTTISH first minister Humza Yousaf was accused of 'incompetence' after latest figures revealed a 39 per cent increase in the number of patients dying on waiting lists, reported The Times. Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, said that the fundamental basis of our National Health Service (NHS) was founded on the…

How to beat the fitness blues

Have you ever been in a rut with your health and fitness? Perhaps you’ve lost the zest for life and don’t feel like yourself. Or maybe you don’t have time to get to the gym, but you’d like to feel fitter, healthier, and more energised? Most of us have been…

Illegal migration law strips people’s right to safety, say charities

Britain's proposed illegal migration law will lead to more people missing vital medical treatment for fear of detention, large bills and deportation, say charities and health workers. The Illegal Migration Bill, currently making its way through parliament, would prevent tens of thousands of migrants arriving in the country via irregular…

Diabetes UK, Tesco urge men under 40 to get tested…

Diabetes UK and Tesco recently launched a campaign during Diabetes Prevention Week (22-28 May 2023), urging men aged 40 and under to take a free and simple check to assess their risk of type 2 diabetes. The campaign emphasised the importance of proactive measures and not waiting for symptoms to…

Afternoon exercise most effective to maintain stable blood sugar levels:…

Individuals with type 2 diabetes may benefit from exercising in the afternoon rather than the morning, to effectively control their blood sugar levels, research suggests. A team from Harvard Medical School conducted a study involving 2,416 patients who were encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles. The participants were divided into groups…

Health secretary says government will not negotiate on pay with…

HEALTH secretary Steve Barclay said on Sunday (28) that the government would not negotiate on pay with the nurses' union, as the threat of further strikes looms. The government's offer, which includes a one-off payment equivalent to 2 per cent of salaries in the 2022/23 financial year and a 5…

Indians lead UK skilled worker and student visas

INDIANS top the tally of skilled worker and student visas issued by the UK over the past year, according to official immigration statistics released on Thursday (25). The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data collated by the UK Home Office shows that Indians were the top nationality for cross-sector skilled…

Ten Pound Poms: Portrait of a racist Australia

NHS doctors and nurses, who are not getting the salary rises they think they deserve – and I am, like most of the public, sympathetic to their cause – are threatening to quit Britain for the sunny beach life of Australia where their wages will apparently double overnight. There are…

Conference welcomes ‘bigger future plans for pharmacy’

Ministers are looking at the future of community pharmacy in England in a “bigger way” and have a vision to go “beyond the Scotland model”, the CEO of the Pharmaceutical Service Negotiating Committee has said. Community pharmacy in England has long campaigned for a Scotland-style “Pharmacy First” service which allows…

Britain recruits record number of international nurses to plug shortage

Britain recruited a record number of international nurses in the last financial year to plug hospital staffing shortages, with as many as 10 per cent coming from so-called 'red-list' countries where health staff should not be actively recruited. Britain has long hired from abroad to staff its state-run National Health…

Immigration is ‘more than just a numbers game’

How much is immigration mainly a question of numbers? Record levels of net migration certainly create a political headache for the Prime Minister.  The figure was just over half a million, when the statistics were last published six months ago. This week’s statistics, published on Thursday, will be higher still. They…

Junior doctors in England determined to continue strikes for better…

Junior doctors in England, represented by the British Medical Association (BMA), have announced plans to hold additional strikes in June. Following the collapse of pay negotiations with the government on Monday (22) without a resolution, the doctors’ union said the strikes will take place from June 13 to 17. The…

Coventry gets its first turban-wearing Lord Mayor

A councillor has made history as Coventry’s first Lord Mayor to wear a turban in a move hailed as an example of the city’s diversity, reports Ellie Brown. Born in the Punjab region of India, councillor Jaswant Singh Birdi moved to Coventry 60 years ago and has served as a…

London court dismisses lawsuit against Google regarding medical records

On Friday (19), Google emerged victorious in a lawsuit filed on behalf of 1.6 million individuals regarding the transfer of medical records from a UK hospital trust to the US tech giant. The Royal Free London NHS Trust, an entity within the public National Health Service (NHS), had shared patient…

The Chase star Paul Sinha on his battle with Parkinson’s…

The Chase star Paul Sinha says he is “fighting as hard as ever” in his Parkinson’s battle - as he makes his Loose Men debut. The comedian, 52, was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disorder in May 2019, after he experienced the symptom of a “sudden-onset, frozen right shoulder”. During…

Committed to reducing legal immigration into UK: Sunak

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said he is “committed” to reducing legal migration into the UK although he did not set any target for his government. The annual net migration into Britain was 226,000 in 2019 which Sunak’s predecessor Boris Johnson pledged to reduce. But the figure is expected to…

UK calls for evidence to tackle six major health conditions

The UK on Thursday (18) launched a call for evidence to invite views on how best to prevent, early diagnose, treat, and manage the six major groups of conditions, a statement said. It will inform a Major Conditions Strategy and will help people to stay in better health for longer,…

Late diagnosis of autism among British Indians ‘linked to stigma’

British Indian children are being diagnosed with autism nearly two years later on average than white British youngsters, according to a new study. Toddlers of Indian origin in the UK were diagnosed at 68 months, compared to 48 months for their white counterparts. Researchers also found that British Indian parents…

London exhibition explores untold history of Indo-Caribbean community

A new exhibition in London will explore the untold history of the Indo-Caribbean community, its curator has said, as she hoped the display would become a starting point for people to learn and research further. As a part of its 20th anniversary, the Museum of London Docklands will this weekend…

Senior doctors in England begin voting on strike action over…

A trade union representing senior doctors in England said its members had begun voting on Monday (15) on whether to take industrial action after the government failed to put forward a "satisfactory" offer on pay. The British Medical Association (BMA) is urging consultant doctors to vote in favour of strike…

Asians star in coronation concert at Windsor Castle

The coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday (7) featured the Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor, the Punjabi poet Daljit Nagra and several Asian women in bright pink outfits from the Bradford-based SongGeet choir. The “wonderful Sonam Kapoor”, described as “one of Hindi cinema’s biggest stars”, introduced a virtual choir from…

Sunak expands role of pharmacies to cut GP waiting times

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who worked in his mother's pharmacy as a young boy growing up in Southampton, was back in his hometown on Tuesday (9) to unveil plans for an expanded role for pharmacists with the aim of reducing wait times for patients wanting to see a GP. Sunak,…

Britons urged to get Covid vaccine before June 30 deadline

The government has urged those who have not yet received their first and/or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to do so before the offer ends on June 30. The NHS vaccination programme has already administered over 146 million Covid-19 jabs across England, with 40 million adults receiving both dose.…

Study: Only one NHS Trust provides training on sexual harassment…

A new study published on Friday (5) revealed that only one NHS Trust offers training to its staff focused on how to intervene when they witness sexual harassment at work. The research published in JRSM Open was based on responses from 199 NHS Trusts received by Dr Sarah Steele of…

Rishi Sunak hosts Eid reception at Downing Street

RISHI SUNAK acknowledged the Muslim community’s “incredible contribution” to the UK as the prime minister hosted an Eid reception at Downing Street on Wednesday (3). British Muslims are helping the country succeed in a wide range of fields including business, sports, NHS and armed forces, he said. Sunak, whose private…

Sunak faces his first electoral challenge as prime minister

The Conservatives, led by prime minister Rishi Sunak, are anticipating significant losses in Thursday's (4) local council elections, marking their first major electoral challenge since Sunak assumed leadership in the midst of a tumultuous period last year, which saw the UK with its third leader in a matter of weeks.…

Nurses in England walk out as dispute intensifies

Nurses in England walked out again on Monday (1), with some critical services due to be hit for the first time. The industrial action is the latest stoppage in an increasingly bitter dispute with the government over pay and conditions. The 28-hour strike, which started at 8:00 pm on Sunday…

UK government moves court to block nurses’ strikes

The UK government on Monday (24) said it was applying for a court order to stop a strike by nurses in the state-run National Health Service from going ahead. Health Secretary Steve Barclay said he was acting on a request from NHS Employers, which represents hospital groups in England and…

Sikh Your Mind: Mental health charity to host second annual…

For the second year in a row, on May 1st, 2023, some of the best comedians in the circuit will gather at Leicester Sq Theatre in London to raise money for Sikh Your Mind, a mental health charity that aims to increase awareness of mental health difficulties within the Sikh…

New study suggests soup and shake diet can reverse diabetes

A breakthrough study by Diabetes UK, called the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT), has found that going on an 800-calorie-a-day “soup and shake” diet for three months can permanently reverse type 2 diabetes. After adhering to the daily diet for three months and successfully maintaining their weight loss, patients were…

UK Parliament panel criticises lack of information on FTA talks…

A cross-party Parliament committee has criticised the lack of information on Britain's ongoing negotiations with India for a free trade agreement (FTA). The House of Commons International Trade Committee said on Friday (21) that in many cases, it gleaned more detail on the talks from reports in the Indian media…

Devi Sridhar: Preventing a deadly pandemic

Books like Preventable: How a Pandemic Changed the World & How to Stop the Next One become essential reading because they are so timely. The best-seller from Devi Sridhar, now available in paperback, highlights past pandemics and traces the Covid-19 outbreak, from its detection in Wuhan, China, to its devastating…

How British Gujaratis will benefit from all-party group

THE BRITISH Gujarati community is home to some of the great success stories of modern Britain. The largest part of the British Indian community in the UK, British Gujaratis have remarkable family stories that also tell the story of Britain’s changing relationship with India over the past 150 years. I…

Maternal healthcare: MPs slam ‘appalling’ racial disparities among blacks and…

Ministers have been asked to set a definitive target to eliminate “appalling” disparities in maternal deaths as research has shown that black women are almost four times more likely to die from childbirth than white women. The Women and Equalities Committee also said on Tuesday (18) the government and NHS…

King Charles’ Coronation: Armed forces veterans, health workers to get…

The British government has announced that approximately 4,000 UK Armed Forces veterans and healthcare workers will be provided with a premier vantage point across from Buckingham Palace in London during the Coronation of King Charles III. A specially constructed grandstand will accommodate around 3,800 seats, where military veterans, employees from…

UK nurses reject pay offer, plan more strikes

Nurses in England have rejected an offer of a five per cent pay rise and set out plans for further strikes, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's attempts to end the dispute and potentially further straining the country's health service. About 54 per cent of nurses who took…

Designer clothing scam mastermind convicted of tax fraud

An Indian-origin mastermind of a fake designer clothing scam has been convicted of tax fraud in the UK. Socks manufacturer Arif Patel, 55, was accused of trying to steal around £97 million through VAT repayment claims on false exports of textiles and mobile phones with the help of a criminal…

NHS braces for ‘unparalleled’ disruption from doctors’ strike

Junior doctors in Britain began a four-day strike on Tuesday (11) over pay that is likely to cause unprecedented disruption to the health service, prompting the government to warn of a risk to patient safety. Tens of thousands of junior doctors — qualified physicians who make up nearly half of…

South Asian kidney patients receive unequal mental health support in…

A new research has underscored the disparities in mental health support for South Asian patients with kidney disease, a statement said. The study from the University of Hertfordshire recommended specialist, culturally-adapted approaches for patients who face barriers in accessing mental health screening and care. According to the research, South Asians…

Swansea Bay Health Board to hire 900 overseas nurses

Nearly 900 nurses could be recruited from overseas in just four years by Swansea Bay University Health Board to plug workforce shortages and staff new operating theatres. A report said the health board was on track to employ 350 overseas nurses in 2022-23, having hit a target of 130 the…

NHS launches campaign to vaccinate vulnerable populations against Covid

England has rolled out a spring campaign to vaccinate its most vulnerable population against Covid-19 as infections have increased to their highest level this year.Some five million people, including those aged 75 and more as well as anyone having a weakened immune system, are eligible for the jab, the NHS…

Asda allows employees flexible access to pay

Supermarket chain Asda has allowed its employees to keep track of their earnings in real-time and access their pay flexibly to cope with the cost-of-living pressures.It has tied up with the financial wellbeing app Wagestream to enable its 140,000 workers to get paid up to 50 per cent of their…

Have you thought about becoming a healthcare support worker in…

Healthcare support workers in the NHS play a vital role in providing excellent care to patients, so if you want to gain experience in the NHS it’s a great place to start. There are over 30 different types of roles available across all NHS care settings from hospitals, GP practices, people’s homes…

Wanis wins prestigious charity award

East London-based food wholesaler Wanis International Foods has been honoured by the Business Champions Awards for its community and charity work. They won the Business Community Award, presented by BBC news legend Huw Edwards. Trading for nearly six decades, Wanis has been recognised for their strong record of charitable and…

Ivan Menezes transformed Diageo into a leading premium drinks company

Sir Ivan Menezes, who on Tuesday (28) announced his retirement as Diageo CEO, has been credited for transforming the company into the world’s leading producer of premium drinks.Under his leadership, it accounted for 10 per cent (£2 billion) of the UK’s total food and drinks exports. It has sales in…

Report reveals toxic work culture and bullying at NHS trusts

A review of one of England's largest NHS trusts has revealed a toxic work environment and repeated instances of bullying. The Bewick report was commissioned after BBC Newsnight reported that staff at University Hospitals Birmingham felt a culture of fear had compromised patient care. Among the report's criticisms was the…

Yousaf pays tribute to grandparents as he vows to deliver…

Scotland's next first minister Humza Yousaf has pledged to deliver independence for his country and return it to the European Union. In his acceptance speech on Monday (27), when he became the first Asian elected to lead the Scottish National Party (SNP), Yousaf also paid tribute to his grandparents and…

Bombay Jayashri Ramnath stable after health setback amid tour in…

Singer Bombay Jayashri Ramnath suffered a "health setback" in the UK, her spokesperson said on Friday. According to the statement posted on the renowned singer's Instagram Stories, Jayashri Ramnath, who is in the country for a music tour, received "timely medical intervention" from the National Health Service (NHS) and is…

‘Disruption in UK pharmacy sector is frightful and awful’

BRITAIN’S pharmacy sector is in crisis and at risk of a significant collapse, according to Janet Morrison, chief of the team that negotiates pharmacy’s national contract with the government.   Pharmacy, which relies heavily on income from prescriptions, cannot afford to “carry on with the current format of a contract…

Feeding peanut butter to babies from four months can reduce…

A major study has suggested that feeding babies a spoonful of peanut butter before they reach six months old can prevent up to three-quarters of peanut allergies. The prevalence of peanut allergies has increased threefold in recent years, with one in 50 children in the UK now affected and susceptible…

Allelujah for a bright new British talent

WITH their heroic work done during the Covid-19 pandemic and underfunding that has led to strikes, the National Health Service (NHS) has been at the forefront of people’s minds. More people than ever before have been appreciative of the amazing work done by the NHS and that is why heart-warming…

NHS strikes: UK government, healthcare unions agree final pay offer

Unions representing healthcare workers in England agreed a final pay offer with the British government on Thursday (16), potentially bringing an end to some strikes affecting the state-run National Health Service (NHS). Prime minister Rishi Sunak has been under growing pressure to quell the worst run of worker unrest in…

Film Review- Allelujah: Perfect performances power simple heart-warming film

WHETHER it is the timely subject of the National Health Service (NHS) being pushed to breaking point by an unforgiving government or an interesting cast that sees a young British Asian actor has a prominent role, among acting legends, there are a lot of interesting aspects associated with Allelujah. This…

BAPS celebrates International Women’s Day with ‘Save, Sustain & Shine’…

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, based at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ in London, observed International Women's Day (IWD) by hosting an inspiring conference on Sunday (12). The organisation's celebration of IWD (celebrated on 8th March every year) demonstrates its ongoing commitment to women…

Survey finds number of NHS staff who wants to leave…

A survey has revealed that more than 30 per cent of NHS staff often thought about leaving, and 17 per cent wanted to quit as soon as they find another job, a media report said. The health service’s 2022 survey said that the number of 'unsatisfied' employees at NHS reached…

‘We’ve had enough’: Britain’s junior doctors prepare to strike from…

FED UP with a government he says doesn't care, Poh Wang plans to go on strike with tens of thousands of other British junior doctors next week, saying he is overworked, underpaid and burdened with a student loan he cannot imagine paying off. The 28-year-old says he and his colleagues…

GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards: Rishi Sunak wins top award

PRIME minister Rishi Sunak, Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham and pathbreaking lawyer Ayesha Vardag were among the winners at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards, held at the Park Plaza hotel on Tuesday (7). Sunak took home the coveted GG2 Hammer Award for smashing through the ultimate glass ceiling by…

Muslims had lowest rates of suicide in England and Wales,…

MEMBERS of the Muslim community had the lowest rates of suicide in England and Wales in the past decade, latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed. A survey published on Monday (6) also found that the rates of suicide were lower across the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish,…

York and Scarborough NHS Trust will recruit more than 100…

THE York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has made offers to 107 medical staff following a recruitment trip to Kerala. A report presented to the board stated that following the recruitment trip to Kerala, India, the trust has made offers to 97 registered nurses (RN) and 10 allied…

ONS data reveals drop in Covid death rate for most…

THE mortality rates for different ethnic communities continued to decline between January and November 2022, when Omicron was the dominant Covid variant, the new Office for National Statistics (ONS) data has revealed. During the period, mortality rates decreased for males and females from the Bangladeshi, black Caribbean, Pakistani and Other…

Comment: Sunak chooses deals over discord with historic NI agreement

RISHI SUNAK had the best day of his premiership to date on Monday (27), unveiling his renegotiated Brexit deal in Windsor. It is just over a century since the Royal proclamation of 1917 rebranded the House of Saxe-Coburg as the House of Windsor and Sunak clearly took inspiration from that…

Nurses in England pause strikes to enter pay talks with…

NURSES in England will pause planned strike action to enter "intensive talks" with the British government on pay and conditions, both sides said on Tuesday (21), in the first sign of a break in a long-running dispute. Britain is experiencing its largest wave of strike action in decades, involving hundreds…

Nominations open for Coronation Champions awards

NOMINATIONS are now open for the Coronation Champions awards for volunteers organised by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) and supported by the Queen Consort, statement said. The awards will celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the country who have been contributing to their communities. Individuals, charities and organisations can submit nominations for…

Meghana Pandit appointed Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust permanent…

Professor Meghana Pandit, who was appointed as the interim chief executive officer (CEO) of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in July last year, has now been made permanent with effect from March 1. The Council of Governors of trust approved her appointment. Pandit's appointment on a permanent basis came…

Risk of stroke can increase by 10% with bar of…

Free sugars refer to sugars that are added to a food by the manufacturer, cook, or consumer, as well as sugars that occur naturally in honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit juice. It's important to note that free sugars do not include the sugars that are naturally present in whole fruits…

Cost of living impacts access to prescription medicines – RPS…

The results of a survey conducted by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) have revealed that pharmacists in England are reporting that the rising cost of living is affecting patients' ability to pay for their prescribed medications. According to the RPS, the survey was conducted among its community pharmacist members in…

Health justice lawyer Priti Krishtel, 4 other US experts named…

Health justice lawyer Priti Krishtel was named along with four other US-based experts last week to the O’Neill-Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination and Global Health. The three-year commission, the secretariat of which is based out of the O'Neill Institute at Georgetown University Law Center, Washington DC, includes almost 20…

NHS looks to expand workforce partnership with Kerala

Representatives from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and regional partners said on Monday that they are planning a visit to India this month to explore "sustainable routes” for workforce recruitments from Kerala, the biggest supplier of nursing graduates to the UK. Health Education England (HEE), part of the NHS…

Britain’s hostile environment policy ‘disproportionately affect’ black and Asian people,…

A government review into Home Office’s hostile environment policies has revealed that it had disproportionately affected people of colour in UK. The report said that Indians, Pakistanis, Nigerians and Bangladeshis were most likely to be affected by these policies rather than Albanians and Brazilians who are the top five nationalities…

Experts slam Kourtney Kardashian over launch of vaginal health gummies

Kourtney Kardashian Barker, a well-known American TV personality, has been involved in the wellness sector for some time. However, her recent launch of a vitamin and supplement line under the brand Lemme Purr has faced a lot of flak on social media. The latest addition to the line is a…

Chandulal Parekh, 94, becomes one of the first patients to…

Chandulal Parekh, 94, from Stanmore has become one of the first patients to be treated on a virtual ward for diabetes at Northwick Park Hospital, London, a statement said. The initiative is part of government’s recent announcement that it wants at least 10,000 patients being treated at home in ‘virtual…

NHS launches cancer ‘bus-ting’ tour as double-decker bus aims to…

An NHS double-decker bus will be touring the country from Monday, to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and to encourage people to visit their GP for potentially lifesaving checks if they have a symptom. In partnership with Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator,…

Doctors back British Indian medic’s call for Covishield vaccine safety…

A number of Indian medical experts on Monday supported calls from an eminent British Indian cardiologist for a full safety review into the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, administered in India as Covishield, over feared serious side effects such as heart attack and stroke. Dr Aseem Malhotra, a National…

Expert warns against peeing ‘just in case’ before leaving house…

Going to the bathroom 'just in case' before a long car ride or big walk is a common practice, but a pelvic floor specialist has warned that it may not be good for the bladder in the long run, despite providing peace of mind, the Mirror reports. The expert has…

Felt it was my dharma to take over as UK…

Rishi Sunak has spoken of his motivation behind taking on the top job at 10 Downing Street in the wake of intense political turmoil last year as his “dharma”. In a televised interview with ‘Talk TV’ host Piers Morgan at his Downing Street home to mark 100 days in the…

Sunak marks 100 days as PM with pledge to deliver…

Rishi Sunak marked his 100th day in office as the first non-white British Prime Minister on Thursday with a slick new video for social media pledging to deliver change, amidst multiple challenges, including spiralling inflation. The UK's first Indian-origin Prime Minister took charge at 10 Downing Street a day after…

21-year-old woman tragically dies after nose job goes horribly wrong

Rhinoplasty, often called a "nose job," is a surgical procedure to alter the shape of the nose by reshaping the bone or cartilage. It is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgeries. Tragically, a 21-year-old woman, Karen Julieth Cárdenas Uribe, recently passed away following a catastrophic nose job procedure.…

Speak out to bring offenders to justice, says London paramedic…

A paramedic who was sexually assaulted by a patient in London has spoken out about her ‘sickening’ experience and urged people to report offensive behaviours to seek justice.Ilford resident Naveed Ahmed, 35, who groped London Ambulance Service (LAS) paramedic Charlotte Miller and exposed himself was jailed for nine months in…

Health trends to try in 2023-Mita Mistry

THE wellbeing market is set to boom this year and it’s hardly surprising. The return of ‘normal life’ happened at such an immense speed in 2022 that it left many feeling quite exhausted. Last year, gym memberships soared, menopause became mainstream, and more people than ever ran marathons. A global…

M Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin receives positive first…

Night Shyamalan’s latest film Knock at the Cabin, which is based on the 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World, has received positive first reactions. The film screened on January 25 ahead of its theatrical release on February 3. Knock at the Cabin, which marks the talented…

Why making migrants feel welcome matters

DOWNING STREET had a make-over last week. There were hanging lanterns in the staircases alongside the portraits of former prime ministers. Cherry blossom and auspicious orchids decorated the reception rooms. Rishi Sunak was celebrating Lunar New Year, noting that the year of the rabbit’s traditional association with peace and prosperity…

‘We are stretched’ and A&E department is ‘on a knife…

Accident and emergency departments in UK hospitals are reeling under enormous pressure due to a shortage of beds and strikes by staff during the thick of flu season.A record 54,532 people waited for more than 12 hours once arriving at A&E in December, according to NHS England.The average wait for…

Leicester woman believes prompt treatment could have saved elderly father

A Leicester woman believes her ailing father would not have died if he had received prompt treatment during the Christmas-New Year period when the healthcare system came under pressure.Gurmukh Banwait, 75, complained of breathing difficulties on December 26 but there were delays in the ambulance service. On December 28, he…

Junior doctor Vaishnavi Kumar’s note blamed Birmingham hospital for her…

Junior doctor Vaishnavi Kumar who took her own life in June last year blamed Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), where she worked, for her extreme step, according to her suicide note.“I am sorry mum, I can blame the whole thing on the QEH,” she said in the note revealed by…

Mental health racial bias ‘still persists’ and on some key…

The joint committee on the draft mental health bill has said that mental health racial bias still persists and may even be getting worse. The report urged ministers to use legislation to address racial disparity which is prevalent in the mental health sector in England and Wales, The Guardian reported.…

Nurses in England stage new walk-out over pay

Nurses across England began two days of strikes over pay on Wednesday, threatening fresh disruption for patients in the creaking state-run health service, as new figures showed inflation still surging. The walkout comes after nurses held their union's first stoppage in more than a century last month, joining a wave…

Lord Rami Ranger hosts special dinner in support of Maidenhead…

Long-time Tory supporter Lord Rami Ranger CBE has hosted a special dinner in support of the Maidenhead Conservative association at the Carlton Club in London on January 11. Former prime minister Theresa May MP was the guest of honour and Indian high commissioner Vikram Doraiswami was the special guest at…

Indian actor Mamta Mohandas diagnosed with vitiligo – All you…

Malayalam actor Mamta Mohandas has revealed that she has been diagnosed with vitiligo, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes the skin to lose colour. Taking to her Instagram account, the actor of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ fame has posted selfies, along with the hashtags – autoimmune disease, vitiligo, ‘embrace the…

Young woman dreams of ‘full head of hair’ but in…

It is estimated that in the UK, trichotillomania, or TTM, affects around 350,000 people. and most of them are women. According to the NHS, TTM, also known as trich, is when a person cannot resist the urge to pull out their hair. They may reportedly pull out the hair on…

Racist nurse who called colleague ‘the black one’ to be…

An NHS nurse in Croydon who called colleague 'the black one' to be struck off from service for misconduct and racist behaviour, according to a report. Katrina Mclaughlin, who was a registered nurse with Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, was suspended with the intention of being struck off after the…

‘Overworked’ junior doctor says he has no time to eat…

A junior doctor in Birmingham has said that he sometimes 'doesn't have time to eat' during demanding 13-hour shifts as thousands of doctors plan going on strike over pay and conditions. Dr Shivam Sharma is one among many who is willing to vote in favour of industrial action saying this…

‘Alcohol goes to your brain within five minutes’: Neurosurgeon warns…

According to data from the NHS, 1 in 3 drivers who are killed in road traffic accidents is over the legal alcohol limit. Also, each year, there are reportedly 280 fatalities due to drink driving. After losing his 18-year-old son to drink driving, a US-based neurosurgeon Dr Brian Hoeflinger has…

More Black, Asian heritage donors needed to help patients seeking…

A new report published on Thursday (12) by NHS Blood and Transplant has shown that there is a significant requirement for more organ donors of Black and Asian heritage to help the growing number of patients seeking life-saving transplants. NHS Blood and Transplant is a joint England and Wales Special…

Sunak breaks silence and admits using private healthcare

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak admitted on Wednesday he had used private healthcare in the past, breaking weeks of silence over whether he had any experience of Britain's state-run National Health Service which is in a state of crisis. With thousands of nurses and ambulance workers on strike over pay,…

UK ambulance strikes are terrifying for patients: Sunak

The current round of strikes among British ambulance workers is terrifying for patients in need of urgent care, prime minister Rishi Sunak said, while trade unions have blamed the government for not stepping in sooner to resolve the pay dispute. "What's terrifying is that right now, people not knowing whether…

Tale of two speeches

TWO years is a long time in politics, but only a short time in government. That challenge of political pace-making presented different dilemmas to Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, as the prime minister and Labour leader, respectively, gave keynote speeches last week to kickstart the penultimate year of this…

Actor Jameela Jamil suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) – All…

British actor Jameela Jamil recently revealed that she suffers from a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). According to the Ehlers-Danlos website, EDS is a group of 13 “heritable connective tissue disorders” caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue. Taking to her Instagram page, Jameela shared a video…

Sunak backs ‘radical’ action to resolve healthcare crisis

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday called for "bold and radical" action to reform the crisis-hit state healthcare system as he held emergency talks with health leaders. After years of underfinancing, the NHS state-funded health service is struggling to meet the demand for emergency medical care during a particularly…

Sunak to meet health service leaders as the crisis drags…

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will on Saturday meet leaders of England's health service, as it faces one of its toughest-ever winters as flu and COVID-19 spread amid strike action by frontline staff who say high inflation has eroded their salaries. Ambulances have been queuing outside hospitals, facing long waits to…

New study lauds digital apps’ potential to tackle health inequalities

A new analysis of National Health Service (NHS) data has revealed a lack of coordination which is limiting insight into how online healthcare services and apps are used by ethnicity and to tackle health inequalities. A new report published on Friday (6) by the NHS Race and Health Observatory reviews…

Adele reveals she suffers with ‘bad sciatica’ – Here’s all…

English singer Adele has revealed that she is suffering from a debilitating back condition called sciatica. The 34-year-old award-winning singer who was seen limping across the stage at a New Year’s Eve concert, told her fans, “I have a wobble these days because I have really bad sciatica.” According to…

‘Studying Britain’s past will help shape its future’

CHRISTMAS DAY was the first time that a king’s speech has been televised to the nation. King Charles’s Christmas message took care to acknowledge the economic anxieties many people are facing, praised the contribution of public services and the civic spirit shared across faiths in modern Britain. This tradition began…

Calorie counting ‘complete nonsense’ and pointless?

A top dietician has warned that calorie counting does not help with weight loss and is in fact ‘complete nonsense.’ Calorie counting refers to keeping account of the number of calories you eat. It is a method to maintain your weight. Professor Tim Spector, a nutrition expert reportedly claims that…

Shocking! Record number of ‘foreign objects’ found in UK patients…

New NHS figures reveal a record number of 'foreign objects' including scalpel blades, swabs, gauze, drill bits, and other surgical tools, were left in patients during surgeries conducted in 2021/22. According to an analysis last year, surgeons supposedly fished out these objects from inside patients. Blunders that involve items that…

‘Who will it be tomorrow?’, asks daughter whose father died…

A 58-year-old Birmingham man died after waiting for three hours for an ambulance on Christmas Eve. His daughter, Minnie Rahman, took to Twitter to describe the tragedy and said that he died with his presents still unwrapped only ten feet away. After no beds could be found in the Midlands,…

What is Dexa scan, the new Indian cricket team’s selection…

Ahead of the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to increase the focus on players’ fitness and has thus, reintroduced the Yo-Yo test and Dexa scans as criteria for the selection of the Indian national team. India is set to…

These are the 20 most painful health conditions, according to…

There are many illnesses and ailments that can leave us feeling debilitated and interfere with the way we go about our daily lives. In fact, we all feel different kinds of physical pain in our lives from time to time. However, certain conditions can cause severe pain which can affect…

Pandemic amplified heart-linked deaths

Patients’ inability to get preventive drugs during the pandemic has contributed to the surge in excess deaths since the spring, experts believe.Sir Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, warned ministers that several middle-aged people are dying of heart conditions because they did not get blood pressure medicines during…

Windrush 75th anniversary sees huge support from British society: ‘Like…

The 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in the UK, which marked a key moment in the country's history of migration, is a "Diamond Jubilee for modern, diverse Britain", according to campaigners. Voices from across British society – from sport and culture to politics, faith and business…

Breakthrough NHS treatment transforms the life of Sanah Shaikh, who…

For a woman from Manchester, her Sickle Cell condition was so painful that she once thought it might end her life, but a new revolutionary NHS treatment gave her a new hope and she now feels "as if she has wings". Sanah Shaikh is one of the first patients in…

NHS App hits more than 30m sign-ups, including 7m fresh…

More patients in millions across England are benefitting from easier access to their health records and medical services through the NHS (National Health Service) App, as sign-ups went past 30 million -- including seven million new ones in the year that just went by. The app, which launched four years…

Oops! Doncaster hospital mistakenly texts patients they have cancer instead…

A hospital in South Yorkshire accidentally texted patients mass "aggressive lung cancer" messages instead of extending them their intended "Merry Christmas" greetings, CBS News reported. The text messages were sent to the patients at Askern Medical Center in South Yorkshire, Doncaster on December 23. Patients were also asked to fill…

UK’s problems won’t go away in 2023, warns Sunak in…

Rishi Sunak struck a cautious note with his first New Year message as British Prime Minister on Saturday (31) as he warned that the UK’s problems won’t go away in 2023, at the end of an “tough” 12 months. The 42-year-old Indian-origin leader, who took charge as the UK’s Prime…

New Year honours: Professor Partha Dasgupta leads British Asian recognition…

A Cambridge professor who is a leading global figure in the economics of the natural environment, Professor Sir Partha Sarathi Dasgupta; COP-26 president Alok Sharma and drinks company Diageo’s CEO Ivan Menezes are among prominent Asians who have been recognised in the New Year Honour’s List published late last Friday…

Osteoporosis: Best foods for women to prevent weakening of bones

The NHS informs that osteoporosis is a health condition that makes bones weak, which makes them fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed after 50 years of age when one suffers back pain, poster change or fractures. However, years before such symptoms appear, it can affect your…

Molnupiravir doesn’t reduce Covid-19 hospitalisation/deaths in vaccinated people at high…

Researchers from the University of Oxford on December 22 released findings from a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of the antiviral treatment molnupiravir against Covid-19 – the first treatment tested in the ongoing PANORAMIC (Platform Adaptive trial of NOvel antiviRals for eArly treatMent of COVID-19 In the Community) trial. In…

British soldier, who survived multiple gunshots in Ukraine war and…

A British army veteran from Bristol has been nicknamed Rambo by colleagues after he survived multiple shrapnel wounds in battle with Russian troops in Ukraine. Shareef Amin, 40, a former soldier in Britain's 1st Battalion 'The Rifles', suffered injuries to every limb but said that he is ready to do…

NHS wants interview panels to explain the selection of white…

NHS bosses want interview panels to prepare a report explaining why they hired a white person over someone from an ethnic minority background, according to a report. Staff at the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust in north London are told to prepare reports justifying why the successful candidate was 'suitable’…

Social workers being deployed at Scottish hospitals to ease pressure

Social care workers are being deployed to crowded hospitals in Scotland to cope with pressure during the Christmas season. Shortages of hospital beds have resulted in long queues of patients at hospitals and the cold weather during December and early January could compound the situation with surges in Covid-19 and…

Sunak ‘disappointed’ by disruption caused by strikes

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday he was disappointed about disruption caused by strikes by unions representing workers in sectors including rail, health and border staff. "I'm really sad and disappointed about the disruption that has been caused to so many people's lives, particularly at Christmas time," Sunak…

NHS nurse, kids’ death cause revealed: Indian man accused of…

Saju Chelavalel, accused of murdering his wife, a National Health Service (NHS) nurse and her two children under seven, reportedly choked them to death, The Sun reported. The accused has appeared in court. Chelavalel has been charged with the killings of Anju Ashok, 35, and the two kids -- Jeeva Saju,…