News Letter of British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
JUNE 2016
The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) and the British International Doctors Association (BIDA) met the NHS Employers on 10th June to discuss issues affecting the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) workforce. Dr Ramesh Mehta, President of BAPIO, stressed the importance of informal conflict resolution between the employer and employee in the early stages. He described a successful model of partnership between University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay and BAPIO, and the support BAPIO is providing to the management. Mr Mortimer, CEO of NHS Employers, showed keen interest and agreed to both learn more and promote the model. Professor Mala Rao expressed concern about the reality at the grassroots level for those who are unfortunate enough to be caught in a dispute. She explained the disastrous impact on many BME professionals and stressed the importance of a fair approach. The Director of Policy for BAPIO said, “It is crucial to form closer alliance with the Employers organisation and engage them in influencing the NHS Trusts to promote equality and recognition of diversity”. “It is important we have forward from the standard ‘tick-box’ exercises”, he added. Mr Narendra Kapur, Visiting Professor of Neuropsychology, expressed the need to initiate an inquiry similar to the Francis Report in order to manage the practice of the disciplinary process. He elaborated that the management approach often goes unchallenged, while victims face isolation and serious consequences that affect their careers and personal lives. Dr Mehta observed that the meeting was productive and most helpful. He said, “BAPIO is keen to partner with the NHS Employers to assist the local Trusts in taking positive steps for improving practices. At the heart of our commitment is the patient safety that must come first”. He also explained the BAPIO’s Mentoring Scheme and International Fellowship Programme. Mr Mortimer promised to take these issues to his team and look for an amicable way forward. The meeting was also attended on the NHS Employers’ behalf by the Programme Manager for Diversity & Inclusion, Mr Mohamed Jogi, who will keep in touch and inform of the progress
Dr Ramesh Mehta, President, and Mr Buddhdev Pandya MBE, Director of Policy and Promotion of BAPIO, meet the new High Commissioner of India HE Mr Navtej Sarna at India House, London. Dr Mehta welcomed Mr Sarna and briefed him about BAPIO’s activities. The High Commissioner expressed his appreciation of the work being done by BAPIO in the UK, as well as in India.
Delegates from BAPIO (R- Mr Buddhdev Pandya MBE, Director of Policy and Dr Ramesh Mehta, President of BAPIO) and BIDA (R -2nd, Prof Mala Rao) met the Chief Executive of NHS Employers, Mr Danny Mortimer (Centre) and the Programme Manager for Diversity & Inclusion, Mr Mohamed Jogi, on 10th June 2016 in London. Also present was Mr Narinder Kapur, Visiting Professor of Neuropsychology, University Collage, London.
Dr Mehta invited the High Commissioner to be guest of honour at the next BAPIO Annual Conference on 19-20 November in London. Mr Sarna was pleased to accept the invitation.