Patient Safety Initiative – WHO Surgical Safety Checklist Patient safety remains a central priority for BKMA, embedded consistently across its conferences, academic platforms, and advocacy work. From the outset, BKMA has aimed to engage not only doctors, but also paramedical staff, healthcare administrators, and the wider public—recognising that meaningful change in safety culture requires a collective effort. Despite systemic challenges, steady progress has been achieved, and the commitment to advancing patient safety remains unwavering. The foundation for this initiative was laid in November 2022 at BKMA’s first annual conference. A key panel discussion on “Healthcare Challenges in Kashmir: Safety, Quality & Governance – How can BKMA support?”, chaired by Mr Gulzar Mufti, established BKMA as a credible and influential voice in promoting patient safety and governance. Building on this momentum, the April 2025 Leeds Conference marked a significant step forward in scaling impact. With the theme “Safety in Healthcare Saves Lives,” the conference brought together a strong multidisciplinary panel including surgeons, anaesthetists, hospital leaders, and administrators. The involvement of government representatives, including the Health Minister and Chief Minister’s Office, further strengthened its reach and influence. Despite technical challenges on the day, the core message resonated widely across specialties. BKMA has since focused on translating dialogue into action through active stakeholder engagement. At SKIMS, discussions with the Director and senior clinicians led to the issuance of a theatre order mandating the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. Encouragingly, several departments, including Neurosurgery and General Surgery, were already demonstrating compliance. A joint BKMA–SKIMS working group has been established to monitor progress, with plans for regular audit and follow-up. Engagement with the Directorate of Health has also been highly constructive. With existing use of the NMC checklist aligned to WHO standards, leadership has reinforced the importance of implementation at the hospital level. Plans for refresher training sessions are underway. Similarly, at GMC Anantnag, institutional leadership has committed to adopting recommended safety practices. Wider clinical engagement has been equally positive. Meetings with Heads of Departments across key specialties—including Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Surgery, and ENT—have demonstrated a shared commitment to embedding a culture of safety and improving compliance. BKMA’s patient safety initiative has now progressed from raising awareness to influencing policy and initiating implementation. Leadership engagement has been achieved across multiple levels. The key challenge ahead lies in ensuring consistent compliance, robust auditing, and long-term sustainability. BKMA has clearly moved beyond discussion to delivery. Patient safety is now firmly on the agenda, and the organisation remains committed to strengthening and sustaining this vital work for the future.

Dr Ishaq Pala Wins National Award for Leadership in Medical Education Dr Ishaq Pala has been honoured with the College Tutor/Department Education Lead of the Year award at the Medical Education Leaders Awards, recognising his outstanding contribution to inclusive medical training and professional development within the NHS. Dr Pala has gained national recognition for his work as International Medical Graduate (IMG) and Differential Attainment Lead, where he has championed initiatives designed to support doctors arriving in the UK from overseas. Through his leadership, he has helped establish new standards for inclusion, mentorship, and professional development, setting what many colleagues describe as a national benchmark for supporting international doctors in the healthcare system. One of his most impactful initiatives has been assisting new NHS starters with essential resources and financial support during the early stages of their careers. The programme has helped many international doctors settle into the NHS with greater confidence and stability. Dr Pala also developed an IMG support framework that has been recognised nationally and featured as an exemplar by NHS England for its role in addressing differential attainment and improving training outcomes. Award organisers praised him as “an outstanding leader who has transformed the IMG experience.” His vision, compassion, and practical initiatives continue to strengthen support systems for doctors across the NHS

Professor Owase Jeelani Awarded MBE for Services to Neurosurgery and Global Child Health Professor Owase Jeelani, a world-renowned paediatric neurosurgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his outstanding services to neurosurgery and global child health. Professor Jeelani is internationally respected for his pioneering work in paediatric neurosurgery, craniofacial reconstructive surgery, and the highly complex separation of craniopagus twins—children born joined at the skull. Since joining Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2000, he has played a transformative role in advancing specialist neurosurgical care for children. From 2012 to 2018, he served as Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, helping expand it into one of the largest paediatric neurosurgery services in the world. Beyond the UK, Professor Jeelani is widely recognised for his expertise in separating craniopagus twins. Through the charity he founded, Gemini Untwined, he collaborates with international medical teams to provide life-saving surgery and training across the globe. The British Kashmiri Medical Association has expressed immense pride in Professor Jeelani’s achievement, praising his dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving children’s health worldwide. Members of the association highlighted his recognition as a source of inspiration for British Kashmiri healthcare professionals and young doctors aspiring to make a global impact. His MBE celebrates a career defined by innovation, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to saving young lives.

Dr. Shaheen Shora Honoured as Mental Health Professional of the Year at British Muslim Health Awards 2025 Dr. Shaheen Shora Honoured as Mental Health Professional of the Year at British Muslim Health Awards 2025 Dr. Shaheen Shora, a Kashmir-born consultant psychiatrist and Clinical Director at Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) in the United Kingdom, has been named Mental Health Professional of the Year at the British Muslim Health Awards 2025. The award recognises her exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication to improving equitable access to mental healthcare. Dr. Shora currently serves as a senior leader within HPFT, where she has played a key role in advancing patient-centred care and strengthening mental health services across diverse communities. Colleagues and patients alike have praised her for combining clinical expertise with empathy, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive culturally sensitive and inclusive support. Originally from Kashmir, Dr. Shora has built a distinguished career in the UK’s National Health Service, advocating for better awareness and support for mental health issues, particularly among underserved populations. Her work emphasises breaking stigma, improving community outreach, and promoting equality within healthcare systems. The British Muslim Health Awards celebrate the achievements of healthcare professionals who make significant contributions to medicine and public health. Dr. Shora’s recognition highlights not only her professional excellence but also her commitment to compassion-driven care and leadership in modern mental health practice. Her achievement stands as an inspiration for aspiring healthcare professionals and a reminder of the vital role mental health specialists play in building healthier, more inclusive communities.