Subscribe to BIMA's monthly newsletter

August 2024

BIMA Pulse

Welcome to BIMA Pulse

Assalamu Alaikum, 

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! Hope you are all in the best of health and Iman. We’re excited to bring you fresh insights and updates that reflect the dynamic work BIMA has been involved in. 

Alhamdulillah, the BIMA National Conference was a grand success where over 450 healthcare professionals came together from all four nations. 

As always, we have been busy with our advocacy work. Along with writing to the Prime Minister, we have been working closely with NHS and political leaders, advocating for and supporting Muslim healthcare workers in light of the recent far-right extremism riots. 

We are also excited for our upcoming flagship event, ‘Lifesavers’, on 28th of September, where, in collaboration with other Islamic Medical Associations, we teach basic life support not just in the UK but around the world! Please sign up using the link below to be a part of this global initiative! 

In addition, we also have other opportunities for you to sign up to, such as our latest Health Offer, where you can help deliver key workshops in your local communities. We hope to see many of you sign up to these as well! 

Finally, we hope you find this edition both enjoyable and insightful. May Allah swt bless us all. 

Warm regards, 
Dr Ashika Ajumal
Vice Executive Director
Senior Leadership Team

August Highlights

BIMA Lifesavers

BIMA Lifesavers celebrates its 11th year on Saturday, 28th September 2024.

Join us in supporting this vital initiative by involving your local mosque, volunteering, and spreading the word. Help train the general public in basic life support skills to help them become lifesavers!

Far-Right Extremism

Muslim communities across the UK were targeted with Islamophobic and violent attacks from far-right extremists in July/August 2024. A significant proportion of NHS staff are Muslim and/or of ethnic minority heritage. They are feeling vulnerable and deeply concerned for their safety and of the patients they serve.

We wrote to NHS leaders across the UK, health unions, regulators, and universities with a list of actions they can immediately implement to reassure and safeguard our communities.

We also wrote to the Prime Minister and raised our concern  that the term “Islamophobia” was not clearly used in government or ministerial communications during the early part of this unrest, apart from its brief mention by the Home Secretary.

Meeting with the political leadership

On the 19th of August, Naomi, Policy and Public Affairs Officer for BIMA, had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister at the Garnerville PSNI Training College in Belfast. She was one of a small group of community leaders invited to discuss the impact on Muslim and minority communities of the recent riots and ongoing Islamophobia and racism.

During the meeting, Naomi emphasised the importance of calling out Islamophobia by name and the urgent need to counteract false narratives surrounding Muslims not only in NI but across the UK.

Prior to this the BIMA advocacy team met with the first minister of Northern Ireland (NI), Michelle O'Neill, and other MLAs before they debated a motion to condemn recent attacks on Muslims and minorities in NI on 8th August 2024. We also held a meeting with Police Service North Ireland (PSNI) to discuss the response and community safety. 

We were pleased that the significant role that Muslim and minority healthcare staff play in NI was recognised across the board and that many called out Islamophobia and reasserted that it, alongside racism, has no place in NI.

BIMA Conference

Over 450 delegates attended the BIMANC24. This was the largest ever gathering of Muslim healthcare professionals in the UK to date, providing a great opportunity to network with other healthcare professionals, share ideas, discuss challenges facing Muslim healthcare professionals and the society, and their solutions.

Look forward to seeing you all in London for BIMANC25!

Mindsavers Workshop

The Mental Health Team delivered their pilot Mindsavers workshop in London, which was a great success with hugely positive feedback, Alhamdulillah.

Our next 2 pilot events are taking place in Leeds and Lincoln in September, with a national rollout planned in November 2024. Watch this space to see how you can get involved.

ACE leads the race!

ACE DFT delivered another successful event aimed at dentists entering into foundation/vocational training. The online programme presented by experienced and recently qualified dentists covered the transition into DFT, how to thrive during this crucial year, and steps towards maintaining your Deen in the working world.

BIMA Health Offer

• Healthy Ramadan
• Cancer Screening
• Mental Health

Dress Codes Survey

Help us review and shape the NHS Uniforms policy!

Please spare 2 minutes to log onto your intranet, search for your uniform policy and email it to us.

We aim to review these policies to ensure organisations are aware of the latest uniform guidelines.

Join our work

BIMA's Support Clinic

Join BIMA's groundbreaking SUPPORT CLINIC and help stand up for justice.

• Could you share your legal expertise to help muslim HCPs?
• Muslim HCPs are disproportionately referred to employers and regulatory bodies due to institutional Islamophobia
• We are looking for enthusiastic individuals ready to make a difference 

Become a Paying Member

Become a paying member today to help BIMA continue to do amazing work.

Join BIMA Whatsapp groups

These groups are a chance to network and discuss topical issues with colleagues in your area(s) and/or region. To join, please email a request to join.