Mr. Lasitha B Samarakoon FRCSEd FFSTEd, a consultant general surgeon working in the NHS, and Mr. Majid Mukadam MBE FRCS(C-Th) PGCE(UoB), an Associate Specialist (cardiothoracic organ transplant/retrieval surgeon), reflect on South Asian Heritage Month relating to the UK's healthcare workforce.
Mr. Lasitha B Samarakoon
Mr. Majid Mukadam
South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) is an annual month-long celebration, recognising the numerous contributions and achievements of personnel from South Asian descent in the United Kingdom. First established in 2020, SAHM runs from 18 July to 17 August each year and has a unique theme, this year’s theme being “Free to be me”. The majority of these individuals have their roots in the South Asian countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives but are not limited to these.
When the NHS was founded in 1948, immigrant doctors, nurses and healthcare workers played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining its services. There was a shortage of skilled labour within the UK to staff the healthcare sector, leading to the invitation and welcome of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and other healthcare professionals from South Asia. From its inception to the present day, the NHS has depended heavily on the contributions of these individuals.
The NHS today, one of the largest employers not only in the UK but globally, has a significant proportion of employees of South Asian heritage. According to the NHS Workforce Report 2023, over five percent of the workforce is of South Asian descent, amounting to a staggering number of more than 75,000 employees.
These individuals have made selfless sacrifices to move away from their families and roots, to work in a different country and make meaningful contributions to the betterment of the health of the entire nation. They would have faced multiple challenges and barriers, fuelled by world events, prejudice, racial violence and abuse. In fact, research conducted by Totaljobs and the Diversity Trust in 2022 highlighted inequalities in recruitment processes and employment opportunities, identifying that women of South Asian origin face significant disadvantages in the recruitment process.
Therefore, it is indeed important to recognise and celebrate the contributions of South Asian nationals to the NHS as well as wider economy. Furthermore, South Asian Heritage Month allows an opportunity to showcase the different values and cultures that contribute to our diversity, allowing us to change perceptions and beliefs, as misinformation seems to be the fuel that propagates racial hatred and disharmony.
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has always been an incredibly supportive and inclusive institution throughout the years. “Born in Edinburgh. Based Everywhere.” certainly holds true for the College as it has a very strong presence in South Asia and East Asia, as well as Africa and the Middle East. It is truly an international institution in every sense of the word! Similar to the NHS, inclusivity and multiculturalism has been the cornerstone of the College's policies since its inception.
A significant proportion of the IMGs who are employed by the NHS, most of whom have South Asian roots, join the SAS LED workforce within the NHS. The SAS LED workforce currently comprises one third of the entire workforce. The College has an excellent support network for the IMGs, as well as a dedicated SAS LED committee who constantly work for the betterment of SAS LED doctors and dentists.
Therefore each South Asian Heritage Month and beyond, not only should we recognise the fabulous contributions made by these doctors, nurses and heath care workers to our NHS, we should also be proud of our inclusivity, multiculturalism and diversity. Not many countries in the world can boast these values that our ancestors have incorporated into our NHS and our society as a whole, and we should hand these values to the next generation also.