Home Affairs Correspondent
The inaugural British Muslim Health Awards made a striking debut on December 13 at the Quaid-e-Azam Grand Ballroom in Birmingham, celebrating the achievements of Muslim professionals across the UK health and care sector.
Organised by the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA), the awards shone a spotlight on the dedication, compassion, and leadership of Muslim healthcare workers, recognising excellence across more than 25 categories covering medicine, pharmacy, nursing, optometry, and public health. The evening brought together professionals from across disciplines for a formal dinner, keynote speeches, and a ceremony praised for its inclusive spirit.
Among the standout winners was Dr Fatima Hussain, named Doctor of the Year for her pioneering work in fertility medicine. In an interview following the ceremony, Dr Hussain reflected on the recognition.
“I felt humbled to stand alongside so many exceptional healthcare professionals whose daily commitment sustains the NHS and serves communities across the UK,” she told The Muslim News. “This recognition felt less like a personal accolade and more like an acknowledgement of collective service.”
Dr Hussain, a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with over two decades of experience, dedicated the award to her mother, who had passed away just weeks earlier.
“Medicine, for me, has always been more than a career. It is a vocation grounded in responsibility, compassion, and service,” she explained. “As a Muslim doctor, faith reinforces these values. The Islamic principle that saving one life is akin to saving all of humanity is lived daily in clinical practice.”
She also highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive care and addressing health inequalities, noting, “A particularly important aspect of my work has been safeguarding vulnerable women through culturally sensitive services. Healthcare is also about justice—ensuring the most marginalised are seen, heard, and protected.”
Other notable winners included Aiysha Saleemi, recognised as Health Manager of the Year for leading the CVD Academy, and Dr Sakinat Tope Baiyewu, who received the Public Health Award for her work tackling health inequalities in minority communities.
Dr Baiyewu, who leads the Caribbean African Health Network’s Black Health Improvement Programme, emphasised the need for tailored interventions. “Many health interventions aren’t tailored to ethnic minority groups,” she said. “That’s why we use Black mannequins to demonstrate breast self-examinations.”
The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Dr Muhammad Shafi Kausar, posthumously awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in Glasgow. His son, Imran Kausar, reflected: “He had an impact not just with Muslims, but with the wider community as well.”
Commenting on the event, BIMA President Dr Sahira Dar said: “The British Muslim Health Awards were established to honour the compassion, integrity, and excellence of Muslim health and care professionals across the UK. The depth of Muslim talent in healthcare is phenomenal.”
Muslims play a vital role in the UK healthcare system, comprising around 19 per cent of doctors despite making up just six per cent of the population. Dr Hussain added, “The British Muslim Health Awards represent an important milestone in celebrating contributions that have too often gone unseen. They provide visibility, validation, and role models for future generations.”
For the full list of winners click here.
