On Saturday 28th June, BIMA brought together over 500 Muslim healthcare professionals in London for our biggest National Conference yet – and the energy was unforgettable. This year’s theme, Saving the Health of the Nation, was brought to life by a dynamic lineup of speakers and sessions that challenged, inspired, and equipped us to lead with purpose. We had a packed exhibition space with 50 stalls and a truly energising sense of community.
Highlights of the conference included plenary insights from Prof Sir Aziz Sheikh, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, and Dr Jason Wong. Iqbal Nasim MBE, Dr Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed, Dr Mahibur Rahman and others presented Powerful MEDx talks. Participants attended practical workshops covering AI in healthcare, youth wellbeing, cultural intelligence, and media engagement. The action-packed day was followed by a networking dinner where Dr Wajid Akhter shared his pearls of wisdom with the attendees.
BIMA's activities don't end with once a year conference. So what's next?
We’re excited to welcome the new generation of Muslim doctors, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists with our annual ACE Induction programme throughout July. It’s a vital space for connection, mentorship, and navigating early clinical life with confidence and faith.
Our flagship Lifesavers campaign returns this autumn, teaching basic life support skills in mosques and community centres across the UK. Help us empower our communities with the skills to save lives. Sign up as a volunteer now - see full details below.
As always, thank you for being part of the BIMA community. Let’s continue to empower, serve, and inspire — together.
Dr Ahmed Bachelani
BIMA National Conference Director
Upcoming Events
ACE Events
Are you hoping to graduate soon as a Doctor, Optometrist, Dentist, or Pharmacist? If so, then we would love to help you in the next steps as you embark upon your Foundation Training. Join our upcoming ACE Induction Series this summer which aims to do just that!
PHARMACY - Sunday 06/07/2025 (online)
OPTOMETRY - Wednesday 16/07/2025 (online)
MEDICINE - Saturday 19/07/2025 (online + in-person)
DENTISTRY - Saturday 26/07/2025 (online)
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get ahead of the crowd! Book your spot by clicking the link below. We hope to see you all there!
Launching Mindsavers 2025 recruitment of volunteers and mosques
Mindsavers National Rollout 2025 will take place between 11th October - 30th November 2025. Be part of a grassroots movement to help build faith-inspired mental resilience in our communities across the country.
All training and resources provided. Be part of the change - sign up now!
In June, the House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill by a narrower margin than previous votes, reflecting persistent concerns around the legislation.
As part of a wider advocacy campaign, BIMA and co-signatory ethnic minority healthcare organisations issued a joint letter warning of the Bill’s risks to racially and ethnically minoritised communities and frontline health and care staff. We remain concerned about its potential to deepen existing health inequalities.
We are actively exploring the next steps to ensure protections for minoritised communities and uphold the rights of Muslim healthcare workers to conscientiously opt-out.
The Race Equality Foundation has published its latest report: “Understanding the Racist Riots of 2024 and What Should Be Done”
Drawing on BIMA’s research, the report sheds light on the impact of the 2024 racist and Islamophobic riots on healthcare staff. It also offers vital recommendations for tackling institutional racism and shaping fairer policy responses.
On the 8th of June, we were honoured to be part of this incredible celebration in the heart of London, connecting with the community and having some truly meaningful conversations about health and wellbeing.
From offering blood pressure screenings to discussing cancer signs and symptoms, and raising awareness about vital screening and vaccination programmes. We’re grateful for everyone who stopped by to engage, ask questions, and share their experiences.
A big thank you to all the organisers and attendees for making it such a memorable day!
Cancer Awareness Day
British Islamic Medical Association conducted a workshop at Brick Lane Jamme Masjid in partnership with the North East London Cancer Alliance, raising much-needed cancer awareness across North East London.
The session covered the significance of early cancer detection, recognising symptoms, available screening tools and the alarming rise in oral cancers within South Asian communities.
A powerful moment came when a brave cancer survivor shared his personal journey with Prostate Cancer, a story of strength and hope.
Together, we can break the stigma, educate, and save lives inshaAllah. Talking about death isn’t easy – but it matters. Islam teaches that a wise person remembers death and prepares for what comes after. Let’s reflect on our intentions, deeds and responsibilities so we can lead a meaningful life and seek a good ending!
External Opportunities
Could you Swith Your Journey?
Cycle Sisters and Muslim Aid are inviting women to take part in Switch Your Journey – a two week challenge from 7th–20th July 2025, to try cycling instead of driving for everyday trips like the school run, commuting, or errands.
This initiative supports women to build sustainable lifestyle habits, with proven benefits for health and mental wellbeing, and reducing the risk of chronic illness.
There's lots of support for participants including fun challenges, webinars and prizes, including a Brompton folding bike for the most inspiring story.
Become a paying member today to help BIMA continue to do amazing work and become eligible for special discounts.
Join BIMA Whatsapp groups
There are 40+ BIMA professional and regional WhatsApp groups that you can benefit from. These groups are a chance to network and discuss topical issues with colleagues in your professional area(s) and/or region.
BIMA's work is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsor and partners. Here's a message from a few of our generous sponsors - Heidi AI, Precept Finance and Migrant Leaders.
Heidi AI
It was great to attend the BIMA conference for the first time last weekend & brilliant to connect with so many clinicians across a range of healthcare settings.
In particular, it was great to sponsor Dr. Rizwan Malik's insightful talk on AI in Healthcare. The discussion sparked meaningful conversations about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in modern healthcare while focusing on the importance of clinical safety & proper governance.
During the conference at the booth, we shared how our AI scribe technology is already making a difference by automatically generating accurate medical documentation during consultations, allowing doctors to maintain full eye contact and engagement with patients while saving them up to 2 hours a day. It was great to meet some of you who are already using Heidi & great to show our product to those who were brand new.
We're particularly hopeful that AI scribing technology can contribute toward reducing health inequalities through improvements in information quality and accessibility. When documentation is more accurate and comprehensive across all healthcare settings, it creates better continuity of care and more equitable health outcomes for all patients.
If you would like to learn more please connect with us via our website heidihealth.com & if you are part of a GP practice there is currently a special offer running where you can access the full functionality of Heidi for free for the next 3 months, so it's definitely worth trying. You can sign up to this here
We look forward to working with BIMA in the future & wish you all the best for the rest of the year.
Migrant Leaders is a UK-based charity founded in 2017 with the mission of supporting first- and second-generation young migrants, as well as disadvantaged young people to succeed in Britain. Our free development programme offers mentoring, workshops, work experience, and professional connections for talented individuals aged 16 to 25.
Join Migrant Leaders today
If you are as passionate as we are about helping young migrants fulfil their true potential in the UK, then we would like to invite you to join Migrant Leaders as a mentor.