BACL Blog

UK is home to over two million South Asians representing almost all major and minor religions of the world. Many more follow  lifestyle and diet inspired by the ancient Indian philosophy of life.

 

In addition to common issues relevant to all British citizens, it is not unwarranted to ask the NHS for a structured policy framework, implementation strategy and operational intelligence to cater for specific needs of the minority communities living in the UK.

 

  
Asians form a significant proportion of society today. Healthcare professionals in all settings and locations need enhanced awareness of their beliefs and cultural expectations, to communicate effectively and provide care in an appropriate manner.

  

BACL supports Conservative party’s pledge to improve care under the NHS for minority groups including all South Asian communities. Our aim is to enhance system's awareness of issues pertinent to the care of various Asian communities in the UK and pave way to reform institutions to deliver services that truly reflect social make-up of the 21^st century Great Britain.

 
In fact, the BACL is the right platform to first persuade and then help politicians make right decisions about this issue. The BACL aims to promote public consultations and help with research and analysis work to build comprehensive knowledge base for achieving this objective.

  

I am not talking about popular gimmicks and cheap publicity stunts. The BACL anticipates that groundbreaking steps may be required to eliminate institutional inequalities that minority communities face in the NHS. 

 
Together, we can make sure that upcoming Conservative Government will have the right understanding and adequate knowledge base to pursue the steps required to implement the Asian specific agenda as an integral part of its overall institutional reforms in the NHS. 

 
An advisory body, a healthcare watchdog for minorities, comprehensive knowledge base, community support and advisory groups, effective mechanisms to listen to the voice of community members, patients and their family, training programmes to raise awareness among the staff and added modules during formal education for the future staff are some of the basic areas that should be addressed seriously. 

 
Mental health care with due concerns for social, cultural and religious needs of various Asian communities is almost non-existent. Better understanding of palliative care under the NHS is required. The emphasis in future must be on the real choice and not on mere compliance when it comes to practical applications and reception of care from the support staff including options on dietary needs, living environment or daily routines. More efforts are required to address lifestyle or genetic disorders like obesity and diabetics with focus on Asian specific issues.. 

 
Finally, we must put theory in to practice. 

 
Your experience as a patient or staff under the NHS can help shape the future Conservative agenda on healthcare for Asians. I invite you to share your experiences and offer insight into how services should be provided sensibly and sensitively, with due respect for diverse Asian values, prevalent practices and beliefs. 

 
You are welcome to share your views publicly by adding comments to this blog or write to me in confidence at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

 

By Neeraj Arora, Head of Public Relations of British Asian Conservative Link