LEADING doctors have warned that GPs need more help and resources if there are more coronavirus cases in the UK.
They have called for forward planning to help overworked medics screen patients and help contain and treat the virus as general practice is operating on a "knife edge".
As of last week, 5,216 people in the UK have been tested for the infection with nine confirmed positive. But some experts are predicting it could infect up to 50 per cent of Britons.
Professor Mahendra Patel, senior member of the South Asian Health Foundation, believes people can help to reduce GPs' workload by visiting pharmacists for general hygiene advice on washing your hands, coughs and colds.
He told Eastern Eye: "If patients need access to information on which country they have been to, knowing that you can get it from your pharmacist, it saves them knocking on their doctor's door.
"If they need to be isolated the pharmacist can refer them onto the designated centres.
"Good education is the key part. From some who have travelled to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh there is a lack of awareness and engagement on what to look out for.
"Are they taking on board the messages? Perhaps we need to do more to tailor them to some BAME groups.
"Community leaders, religious leaders can promote it to relieve the unnecessary burden on doctor's surgeries."
It comes after Dr Zara Aziz, a GP in Bristol, called for clearer government advice, more resources and "a renewed focus on vaccinations for other illnesses so that health workers, young children, pregnant women or older people don’t fall ill to other outbreaks, making them more susceptible to contracting the virus."
She added: "General practice is at a precipice and any small shifts in workload – whether through staff sickness or extra patients on the practice list – could send it into freefall.
"This is particularly a concern for smaller practices or those already in distress. There is currently no system for flagging workload pressure and rising demand, such as the Opel altering system in hospitals."
Dr Kailash Chand, a GP, said doctors are seeing more patients than ever, an increase of 15 per cent since 2010-11, but access to appointments is still problematic for many.
He told Eastern Eye: "Despite huge workloads, I’m sure GPs won’t shirk their responsibilities to deal with any emergency thrown at them, should coronavirus hit British shores.
"But as Zara Aziz says, we need lot more resources and measures need to be in place to help GPs cope if inundated by fearful patients or those presenting with the symptoms.
"The onus is on the government to support GPs to deal with any impending epidemic of coronavirus in the UK.
"Better information on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatments are urgent priorities to contain this epidemic."
The government says anyone with or without symptoms but is at potential risk of coronavirus should stay at home and call 111 for further advice and screening.
Dr Helena McKeown, chair of the British Medical Association's representative body and a GP in Wiltshire, said the NHS and the care system is working incredibly hard to contain coronavirus.
She added: “General practice is currently operating on a knife’s edge, so it’s imperative that those working on the frontline of the NHS have everything they need to keep cases to a minimum and workload stable, when patients do present in general practice.
“The government is advising that people at risk of having the virus or who might have symptoms should self-isolate and call NHS 111.
"We understand however that patients will and do turn up at their GP practice, and there has been some confusion around quarantine procedures and dealing with possible contamination in surgeries.
“We need to make sure everyone is on the same page, with the same detailed information about what to do if a patient presents with possible coronavirus. This is not only for the safety of patients, but also to make sure that if cases do persist, or indeed the situation escalates, that our health service has appropriate plans in place and is as prepared a as possible.”
Last weekend more than 100 Britons evacuated from the Chinese city of Wuhan - the centre of the virus outbreak - ended their isolation in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
Meanwhile, passengers rescued from the Diamond Princess ship in Japan were taken to Wirral's Arrowe Park Hospital to be quarantined.
The discount is funded and distributed by energy companies across England, Scotland and Wales, but the government decides who qualifies. (Representational image: iStock)
MILLIONS of households in Britain will receive £150 off their energy bills this winter after the government changed the eligibility rules for the Warm Home Discount.
People on means-tested benefits will now automatically qualify for the discount, regardless of their property's size or energy score. This change is expected to extend support to 2.7 million additional households, including nearly a million with children.
The discount is funded and distributed by energy companies across England, Scotland and Wales, but the government decides who qualifies. Under the previous rules, only those on the guaranteed element of pension credit or on means-tested benefits living in homes with a high energy score were eligible.
Simon Francis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition told BBC: "With bills still hundreds of pounds higher than in 2020, millions will continue to face unaffordable energy and cold, damp homes this winter."
The expansion of the scheme follows the government's recent decision to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment for most pensioners.
Although energy companies will cover the cost of the expanded discount, it may be passed on to all customers through a rise in the Standing Charge, BBC reported. The government says savings from reduced energy company spending and improved debt management will offset this.
Energy UK's chief executive Dhara Vyas welcomed the move and said she hoped for "a new improved targeted support scheme".
Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently confirmed £13.2bn for the government's Warm Homes Plan to improve energy efficiency in homes.
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TWO sisters studying at the University of Chester have drowned in mountain pools while visiting Snowdonia with university friends, an inquest has heard.
Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, were pulled from the water at the Watkin Pools at Eryri in the Nant Gwynant area of Gwynedd on June 11.
The sisters, who were born in Pakistan but lived in Maltby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, were both pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports.
Assistant coroner for north-west Wales Sarah Riley opened inquests into their deaths at the Dafydd Orwig Chamber in Caernarfon on Wednesday (18).
She said: "Hajra and Haleema had travelled to the Nant Gwynant area with friends from university. They have entered the water and sadly both died as a result of drowning."
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9.30pm after receiving reports that one woman had been pulled from the water while another remained in the pools. Despite efforts by emergency crews to rescue the second woman, both students were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The multi-agency response involved Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Wales Air Ambulance, and the Coastguard. Jurgen Dissmann, chairman of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said, "On behalf of Llanberis mountain rescue team, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the two women who sadly lost their lives. This was a complex and difficult callout for the team."
The pools where the tragedy occurred are part of a series of cascades and plunge pools on Afon Cwm Llan, which have been described on social media as an "absolute dream tucked away in Snowdonia" and "perfect for a refreshing wild swim".
Both women had joined Chester Business School earlier this year to study Master's degrees in International Business.
Vice-chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons said: "The University of Chester community is in mourning for the tragic loss of Haleema Zahid and Hajra Zahid and our heartfelt sympathies are with their families and friends during this incredibly difficult time. They touched the lives of many here at Chester - their friends, the cohort on their course and the staff who taught them - and they will be deeply missed."
Colleagues from Pakistan paid tribute to Haleema, who had previously worked at a telecommunications company in Islamabad. Dr Bilal Saeed described her as "an exceptionally compassionate, hardworking and kind individual" who had "touched the lives of many with her warmth, professionalism and unwavering dedication".
Another former colleague, Sheharyar Shahnawaz, remembered Haleema as an "amazing lady, very lively and energetic, someone you would want in your life". He revealed that she had become the pillar of her family following her father's death last year and had been "really excited for this new chapter" when he saw her before she left for the UK.
Riley added: "Investigations continue in terms of how they came by their death and the inquest is therefore adjourned to allow for completion of those investigations. I offer my sincere condolences to their family, friends and all who knew and loved them."
A YOUNG couple from Croydon were among those killed in last week's devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, it has been confirmed.
Vaibhav Patel, 29, and his pregnant wife Jinal Goswami, 27, died when their flight crashed just moments after takeoff on June 12. Goswami was seven months pregnant with the couple's first child, reports said.
The pair had travelled to Gujarat to celebrate their baby shower with family and friends. Their close friend Nirav Patel, who had known Vaibhav for over a decade, spoke of his shock at the news.
"The couple were in Ahmedabad to celebrate their own baby shower. It was on the 5 June. She was seven months pregnant. They were very happy," he told the BBC.
Patel and Goswami, who had been married for four years, had recently moved to Croydon from Southampton, where Vaibhav had previously worked at a Papa John's restaurant in Portswood.
His former manager described him as a "true gentleman" who "worked very hard and was a family man".
Nirav remembered his friend as someone who "always supported his family and friends", adding: "Vaibhav did not have a father, so he was the big son supporting the family back in India."
The funeral for both victims was held in India on Monday (16), with grieving relatives and friends gathering to pay their final respects.
Croydon Business Association expressed condolences over the tragedy, saying the incident had "profoundly affected the victims, their families and the wider community".
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner was bound for London's Gatwick Airport when it crashed seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft lost altitude just 17 seconds after liftoff and slammed into a medical college hostel.
The disaster claimed 241 of the 242 people on board, plus at least 30 people on the ground. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
Only one passenger survived - 40-year-old British businessman Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, who was seated near an emergency exit and suffered serious injuries.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across both India and the UK, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters worldwide in a decade.
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Smoke rises following an Israeli attack in Tehran on June 18, 2025.
ISRAEL launched airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities on Thursday, while Iranian missiles damaged an Israeli hospital, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its campaign until Iran's nuclear programme is destroyed. “The tyrants of Tehran will pay the full price,” he said.
Defence minister Israel Katz said the military had been ordered to increase strikes on strategic targets in Tehran. He said the goal was to eliminate threats to Israel and undermine the “Ayatollah regime.”
Netanyahu has said Israel’s offensive could bring down the Iranian regime, and that the country would take all necessary steps to remove the “existential threat” posed by Tehran.
Over a week of Israeli strikes has targeted Iran’s military leadership, damaged its nuclear infrastructure, and killed hundreds. Iran's retaliatory missile attacks have killed at least two dozen civilians in Israel.
Israel’s military said it targeted the Khondab nuclear site in Arak overnight, including a heavy-water research reactor. Heavy-water reactors can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons.
Iranian media reported that two projectiles landed near the facility. No radiation threat was reported.
The Israeli military also said it struck a site in the Natanz area, which it described as housing equipment for developing nuclear weapons.
Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says its programme is peaceful. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran said Israel had violated international law by attacking its nuclear sites and added there were no casualties because the areas were evacuated.
Missiles damage hospital in Israel
On Thursday, several Iranian missiles struck populated areas in Israel, including a hospital in the south, according to an Israeli military official.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it was aiming at Israeli military and intelligence sites near Soroka medical centre in Beersheba. The hospital confirmed damage.
This marks the first time in years of conflict that Iranian missile attacks have killed civilians inside Israel. Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv as missiles were intercepted. Some made direct hits, according to Israeli media.
Emergency services said five people were seriously injured and dozens hurt across three locations. People were trapped in a building in a southern Tel Aviv neighbourhood.
A number of embassies in central Tel Aviv were located close to the impact zone. Buildings were also damaged in nearby Ramat Gan, a commercial area.
Emergency workers were helping residents, including children, after windows were shattered and buildings damaged by the blast.
“It’s very scary,” said Yaniv, 34, who lives nearby. He said his apartment tower shook from the explosion.
Regional conflict widens
The conflict between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about the involvement of other world powers and wider instability in the Middle East.
Oil prices rose after news of the Israeli strikes, amid concerns over potential disruptions to crude supply.
Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, Israel has been fighting on multiple fronts. It has targeted Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Yemen’s Houthi group with airstrikes and assassinations.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, president Donald Trump declined to confirm whether the US would join Israel’s campaign.
“I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said.
Trump also said Iranian officials wanted to come to Washington for talks. “We may do that,” he said, adding “it’s a little late.”
Trump has said the conflict could end if Iran agrees to strict limits on its nuclear programme. Iran has said it will not negotiate while under attack. Talks scheduled between Washington and Tehran were cancelled last Sunday.
Germany, France and Britain are now planning to meet with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi on Friday in Geneva, according to a German diplomatic source.
Trump has made varying statements, from suggesting diplomacy to floating the idea of targeting Iran’s supreme leader and calling for Iran’s surrender.
A source familiar with internal discussions said Trump’s team is reviewing possible US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
However, the idea of US military involvement has caused divisions among Trump’s supporters, with some urging him to avoid another Middle East conflict.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Trump said he was honoured to meet Munir and that they discussed Iran, noting that Pakistan had deep knowledge of the country.
PRESIDENT Donald Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House on Wednesday, a rare meeting that appeared to deepen disagreement with India over Trump’s recent remarks about mediating the India-Pakistan conflict.
This was the first time a US president hosted Pakistan’s army chief at the White House without senior Pakistani civilian officials. Munir is widely regarded as the most influential figure in Pakistan.
Trump said he was honoured to meet Munir and that they discussed Iran, noting that Pakistan had deep knowledge of the country. He also said he had thanked Munir for helping stop the recent conflict with India. Trump said he had praised prime minister Narendra Modi, with whom he had spoken the night before.
“Two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war; that could have been a nuclear war,” Trump told reporters.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s military, the two discussed trade, economic development, and cryptocurrency. They also exchanged views on the situation between Israel and Iran.
“President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests,” the army said.
Pakistani officials and analysts had expected Munir to urge Trump not to engage in Israel’s war with Iran and to seek a ceasefire. A section of Pakistan’s embassy in Washington represents Iran’s interests, as Iran and the US do not have diplomatic ties.
Pakistan has criticised Israeli airstrikes against Iran, calling them a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
The meeting marked a significant development in US-Pakistan ties, which had seen limited engagement during the administrations of Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden, as both focused on strengthening relations with India.
When asked earlier what he hoped to achieve by meeting Munir, Trump said: “Well, I stopped a war... I love Pakistan. I think Modi is a fantastic man. I spoke to him last night. We’re going to make a trade deal with Modi of India.
“But I stopped the war between Pakistan and India. This man was extremely influential in stopping it from the Pakistan side, Modi from the India side and others,” Trump added. “They were going at it – and they’re both nuclear countries. I got it stopped.”
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Trump hosted Munir after the army chief called for Trump to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in preventing a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan.
Disagreement over mediation
Trump had said last month that India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following US-led talks, claiming the US urged both sides to focus on trade rather than conflict.
However, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri said prime minister Modi told Trump during their recent call that the ceasefire was the result of direct talks between the Indian and Pakistani militaries, not US mediation.
Pakistan has thanked the US for a mediating role, while India has repeatedly rejected any third-party involvement. The call between Modi and Trump on Tuesday was their first since the 7–10 May conflict.
“PM Modi told president Trump clearly that during this period, there was no talk at any stage on subjects like India-US trade deal or US mediation between India and Pakistan,” Misri said.
“Talks for ceasing military action happened directly between India and Pakistan through existing military channels, and on the insistence of Pakistan. prime minister Modi emphasised that India has not accepted mediation in the past and will never do.”
Misri added that Modi and Trump had planned to meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, but Trump left early due to developments in the Middle East.
Trump had asked Modi to visit the US on his return from Canada, Misri said, but the Indian leader declined due to a prior schedule.
Tensions over Kashmir
The conflict was triggered by a 22 April attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 people. India blamed terrorists backed by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies.
Pakistan has said the ceasefire followed a call initiated by the Indian military, which its army returned.
On 7 May, Indian jets targeted what New Delhi described as terrorist infrastructure across the border. This led to four days of strikes involving jets, drones, artillery, and missiles on both sides.
Michael Kugelman of the Asia Pacific Foundation said Trump’s remarks about US involvement in the ceasefire and possible mediation in Kashmir could affect India-US ties.
“For Delhi, it all boils down to an age-old question: How much can it tolerate US-Pakistan cooperation without having it spoil US-India relations — a partnership that’s thrived in recent years despite continued US-Pakistan links,” he said.