Muslim Doctors Association
Combating Islamophobia, Empowering Health, and Driving Equity
Our Focus Areas
Health promotion and outreach 
We lead health promotion and outreach across the UK, partnering with local mosques, community centers, and organizations to deliver holistic health checks, educational campaigns, and COVID-19 resources, ensuring communities have access to preventative care.
Healthy Lifestyle Culturally Sensitive Social Prescribing Holistic Health Checks Mental Health Awareness Book A Session Women’s Health
Health Policy Unit
Through research, advocacy and policy work on health inequities in collaboration with partners across academia, third sector, public sector, government and the media using a cross-sectoral multi-level approach that is community-led, we aim to drive sustainable change and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
Advocacy initiatives Work on Health inequiteis Healthcare For Migrants Partnership for change Research Work
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
EDI has been a strong focus of our work over the past 2 years, especially as early evidence emerged that the first four doctors to die on the frontline from COVID-19 were Muslim. We conducted research at the MDA which demonstrated that over 50% of doctors who died from COVID-19 during the first wave were of Muslim heritage. Notable achievements over the past 2 years includes the effective execution of these impactful initiatives, which continue to drive positive and lasting change.
Faith Inclusion Religion Inclusion Award Islamophobia Awareness
As Featured In
The Muslim Doctors’ Association has been featured on several local, national and international media platforms giving a voice to issues affecting Muslim patients and health workers including COVID-19, Ramadan, healthy lifestyle, chronic disease, cancer, mental health, Islamophobia in the workplace and NHS workforce pressures. We have featured on BBC, ITV, Sky News, TRT News, Islam Channel, British Muslim , and other prominent outlets.
Events & Activities
MDA at the Anti-Racism in the NHS Conference
At the Anti-Racism in the NHS Conference, hosted by the BME Leadership Network at NHS Confederation, our Chair Dr Hina J Shahid co-led a powerful workshop with Asma Nafees, chaired by Sabina H.
The session explored how NHS leaders can foster genuine inclusion and belonging by being both safe and brave—centering human rights over performative action.
Key discussions focused on:
- The impact of global and domestic events on Muslim NHS staff, from the Gaza humanitarian crisis to racist riots and rising far-right sentiment.
- The roots and lived reality of Islamophobia in the NHS, with evidence from British Islamic Medical Association surveys highlighting self-censorship and lack of institutional support.
- First-hand accounts from NHS Muslim Women’s Network members sharing often-silenced struggles.
- Positive models such as APNA NHS, which encourage early, open dialogue and compassionate responses to inter-community tensions.
The Muslim Doctors Association remains committed to solution-based advocacy that challenges silence and drives meaningful systemic change.
The Association of Pakistani Physicians of Northern Europe (APPNE) hosted an impactful plenary and gala dinner over the weekend, celebrating the achievements of doctors of Pakistani heritage across the UK. Dr Hina, Chair of the Muslim Doctors Association (MDA), was invited to chair a key panel discussion on “Law and Regulation in a Health Service in Crisis.” The session featured Mr David Sellu, whose wrongful conviction highlighted deep systemic issues and institutional racism within healthcare regulation and the justice system.
Contributions from leading voices—including Imran KC, who worked on the Stephen Lawrence case, and BMA Council Chair Tom Dolphin—shed light on institutional racism, workforce insecurity, and challenges facing resident doctors and IMGs, including immigration and family reunification barriers. The GMC also provided updates on PLAB and its shift toward an anti-discriminatory regulatory model.
The evening concluded with cultural performances, networking with diaspora medical leaders, and fundraising for Sahara For Life Trust. A well-organised and meaningful event by APPNE.
Organisations We Work With
We proudly collaborate with diverse organizations to improve healthcare access for marginalized communities.
