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February 2025

BIMA Pulse

Welcome to BIMA Pulse

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Asalamalikum and Ramadan Mubarak! 


As we enter this blessed month, we reflect on the incredible efforts made to support our communities in fasting safely and maintaining good health. Through the Healthy Ramadan initiative, BIMA has delivered essential education on managing long-term conditions, staying hydrated, and ensuring a balanced diet while fasting. Thanks to the dedication of our members and volunteers, we have reached mosques and communities across the UK, empowering many with the knowledge to observe Ramadan safely and meaningfully.

 

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the BIMA National Conference 2025: Saving the Health of the Nation, taking place on Saturday, 28th June at Convene Sancroft, Rose St, Paternoster Sq., London EC4M 7DQ. This will be the largest gathering of UK-based Muslim healthcare professionals, featuring world-class speakers, engaging panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities. Tickets are now available—secure your place early!

 

We also invite you to our Networking Iftar in Birmingham, Glasgow, and London, where we will come together in support of Muslim Aid’s projects focused on rebuilding health systems in Gaza. This is a chance to connect, reflect, and contribute to a crucial cause.

 

As we dedicate ourselves to worship, community, and service this Ramadan, we also remind our members to take care of their own health and well-being. Fasting can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to stay hydrated, nourish your body with balanced meals at Suhoor and Iftar, and get enough rest. Remember, looking after yourself allows you to better serve others. Prioritize your well-being so you can fully embrace the blessings of this sacred month. Wishing you a Ramadan filled with peace, good health, and strength.

 

Dr. Samira Osman
BIMA Ramadan Education Lead

Upcoming Events

BIMA Iftars 2025

Iftars 2025 (2)-1

Connect with fellow healthcare professionals in Glasgow, London, and Birmingham as we come together to support Muslim Aid’s vital projects focused on rebuilding health systems in Gaza.

 

Limited tickets available - discounts for group bookings. Use the codes listed below:

 

6 for 5 - BUY6for5
10 for 8 - BUY10for8

Book your seats

BIMA Conference 2025

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We are delighted to invite you to the BIMA 2025 National Conference, taking place on Saturday, 28th June 2025, in the heart of London. 

 

This is the biggest event in the BIMA calendar, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the country for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.

 

Take advantage of our early bird ticket prices, available for a limited time only! Secure your place today and be part of a conference that aims to inspire, educate, and strengthen our commitment to saving the health of the nation.

Get your tickets now

Help BIMA support Healthcare workers this Ramadan

LaunchGood 2025

Support Muslim healthcare professionals facing discrimination and unfair referrals by donating to the BIMA Support Clinic, which provides critical legal assistance and pastoral care. Help us expand our support for those navigating workplace racism, Islamophobia, and career-threatening challenges.

 

Donate only £1 for 30 days in Ramadan (£30) to any cause and an additional donation will be given to BIMA's Support Fund by Launchgood if you use our referral link. BIMA will receive £50 if you register by Monday 10th March 2025. 

Register now

February at a Glance

BIMA Evidence to the UK Foreign Affairs Committee

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BIMA has submitted evidence to the UK Government’s Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Inquiry, which seeks to explore how the UK and its allies can contribute to a ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the war in Gaza and Lebanon.

 

We are pleased to confirm that our submission has now been published on the official UK Parliament website. 

Read more

BIMA in the BMJ: Safeguarding Healthcare Workers in Gaza and throughout Occupied Palestine

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BIMA members contributed to a new article, Safeguarding Healthcare Workers in Gaza and Throughout Occupied Palestine, published in BMJ Global Health this week. The article highlights the violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) through attacks on healthcare workers (HCWs) and humanitarian staff in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

 

Israel’s deliberate targeting of medical personnel and infrastructure has caused the collapse of the Palestinian healthcare system, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Despite provisional measures from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) calling for the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian aid, the situation continues to deteriorate, with tens of thousands of civilians killed and essential services destroyed.

Read more

BIMA’s evidence to the End of Life Bill

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BIMA has submitted evidence to the committee reviewing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, highlighting the profound and ethical, legal, and practical challenges associated with assisted dying. The decision to introduce this to the UK will fundamentally alter the relationship between the state and its citizens, not least because it raises questions about the role of government in end-of-life decisions and the protection of vulnerable individuals in our society. 

 

Given the potential risks of systemic abuse, lack of safeguards, and implications for medical ethics, this legislation cannot be introduced lightly. Instead, BIMA emphasises the need to invest in palliative care and support systems to ensure compassionate and equitable end-of-life care.

Read more

Islamophobia Training at Oxford University Hospitals

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Dr Salman Waqar delivered BIMA's Islamophobia training at Oxford University Hospitals. The responses and feedback were excellent. One attendee highlighted 'I am now better equipped to identify and understand Islamophobia, and important of all - call it out'.

 

Based on feedback we have collected over the past year, BIMA Islamophobia training is contributing positively to attitudinal change in tackling Islamophobia in hospitals, universities, and health trusts.

BIMA Ramadan Activities

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This month has been a busy one for our Healthy Ramadan campaign, with events taking place across the country. So far, we’ve seen 85 sign-ups for the community education and healthcare professionals. These have been delivered across universities, mosques, and community centres, equipping attendees with essential knowledge on fasting safely while managing their health, and many more planned in the coming weeks.

 

Beyond local events, BIMA has been spreading key health messages through Islam Channel, radio discussions, and a Pharmacy Show webinar, reaching an even wider audience. These platforms have provided practical guidance on managing health conditions while fasting and ensuring Ramadan is observed safely. A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to these efforts. Your dedication is making a real impact, helping individuals and families prepare for a healthy and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.

BIMA Ramadan Resources

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We have contributed to and published a range of Ramadan resources. Please visit the following links for more details: 

 

Getting Ready for Ramadan on Islam Channel

Ramadan Compendium

Ramadan Health Factsheet

Ramadan and Kidney Health

Video series on Healthy Ramadan

Cancer Awareness Week

Cancer Prevention Action Week (Instagram Post) (2)

We marked Cancer Awareness Week 2025 from 17th-23rd February. 

 

We shared useful resources on cancer prevention, as prevention is always better than cure! 

Read more on cancer prevention

Increasing Cancer Screening Uptake in the Muslim Community

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Dr. Salman Waqar, Former President of BIMA, features in a new NIHR video, highlighting the importance of culturally tailored approaches to improve cancer screening rates within the Muslim community.

The video is part of a research project evaluating how cultural interventions can increase understanding and attendance of bowel cancer screenings.

Read more and watch the video

February Webinars

Ramadan 2025 webinar (3)
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We hosted a number of webinars in February. We covered topics like career empowerment, preparing for Ramadan for healthcare professionals, the future of healthcare and Ramadan tips for busy students. Keep an eye on our events page for upcoming webinars and events. 

    Watch the webinar recordings

    Call for Abstract Submissions

    Call for Submissions BIMANC25 (3)

    Call for abstract submissions at the National Conference 2025.

     

    Certificates and prizes will be given with an opportunity for the best submissions to be published online through JBIMA!

    For further info or questions please contact jbima@britishima.org.

    Submit your abstract by the 15th of April

    Update on Our Recruitment Campaign

    We have had an amazing response to our recent recruitment drive! Over 150 individuals applied to join our dedicated volunteers in our community and advocacy teams.

     

    Applicants will soon receive emails regarding their application status and details about our induction process. We are excited to welcome you to TeamBIMA and work together to make a difference!

     

    If you weren’t placed in a team this time, don’t worry - we have more recruitment rounds planned throughout the year and there will be plenty of other opportunities to support BIMA too. We will be in touch!

    External Opportunities

    Research Opportunity

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    Find out more

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