South Asian Heritage Month: Hemant Patel advocates for a more inclusive healthcare system

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with Hemant Patel who is committed to addressing healthcare disparities and community-specific health issues

As a dedicated pharmacist, Hemant Patel views his role as pivotal in addressing the unique healthcare needs of the South Asian community in the UK.

Currently serving as the Clinical Lead for Health Inequalities and Population Health Management at Mid & SEE ICS, Patel has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance health and well-being within this demographic.

“My work focuses on reducing healthcare disparities by providing culturally sensitive care and addressing specific health concerns prevalent within the community,” he told Pharmacy Business.

“My proficiency in multiple languages and deep understanding of traditional South Asian medicines, spices, and herbs allow me to bridge gaps in communication and knowledge.

“This enables me to offer tailored advice and support that respects and incorporates traditional practices, while also promoting modern healthcare approaches,” he added.

Patel, who is also the Director and Chief Coach at SelfCare Nation Ltd, strongly advocates for the concept of "Food is Medicine," which emphasises the role of diet and nutrition, including traditional herbs and spices, in preventing and managing health conditions.

He believes that this concept will become increasingly important as reversing long-term conditions and prevention gather momentum.

Through these efforts, Patel aims to empower individuals in the South Asian community to make informed health decisions and access high-quality care, ultimately improving overall health outcomes.

Patel takes pride in his involvement in initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of the South Asian community.

One such project involved case finding for conditions like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (AF), and diabetes, which are prevalent in this demographic.

“By proactively screening for these conditions, we were able to identify individuals at risk and provide them with timely interventions and support, significantly raising awareness and encouraging preventive care practices,” he said.

Despite the progress, Patel believes there is still significant potential to further help people in the South Asian community, especially in areas like early detection and management of chronic conditions.

He remains committed to improving access to healthcare and support for these “common yet often overlooked health concerns.”

[South Asian Heritage Month celebrates the heritage of people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. This month-long event runs annually from July 18 to August 17.]

What inspired Patel to pursue a career in pharmacy?

His passion for pharmacy was ignited by a deep desire to help others and his love of biochemistry.

“From an early age, I was fascinated by the intricacies of chemical processes and how they could be harnessed to improve health. This passion, combined with a commitment to making a positive impact in people's lives, naturally led me to the field of pharmacy,” he explained.

Patel revealed that his journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, allowing him to merge his scientific interests with a dedication to patient care.

He is particularly passionate about promoting health literacy, empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed health decisions.

This focus on education and community engagement has been a cornerstone of his practice, as he strives to bridge gaps in understanding and ensure accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.

Overcoming challenges

Patel acknowledges the unique challenges he has faced due to his South Asian background, including cultural differences and adapting to a new environment in the UK.

Despite these hurdles, he views the UK as a land of opportunity.

“While the UK is not perfect, it is a country that offers numerous opportunities, and I view these challenges as valuable experiences for growth. Turning challenges into opportunities to develop character and inner strength has been crucial,” he stated.

Patel credits his heritage and strong community connection for helping him navigate these obstacles.

“My heritage and strong desire to integrate and contribute to my communities have served as the perfect antidote, helping me navigate and overcome these challenges.

“This perspective has allowed me to not only thrive professionally but also make meaningful contributions to the diverse communities I serve,” he said.

A transformative experience

Hemant shared a personnel experience that significantly shaped his professional growth as a pharmacist.

He encountered a patient who was prescribed 36 different medications for various conditions, raising serious concerns about the potential for iatrogenic diseases—illnesses caused by medical treatment itself.

Witnessing the complexity and risks associated with such extensive polypharmacy made him realise the critical importance of a holistic approach to healthcare.

This experience reinforced his belief in the philosophy that prevention is better than cure and deepened his commitment to the "Food is Medicine" concept, highlighting the critical role that diet and lifestyle can play in preventing and managing health conditions.

“This encounter has inspired me to advocate for more integrative, patient-centred care, focusing not only on medication but also on educating patients about the benefits of a balanced diet and healthy living practices,” he shared.

Balancing cultural identity with professional responsibilities

Patel balances his cultural identity with his professional responsibilities by embracing his identity as a “British individual of Indian heritage.”

“This dual identity enriches my perspective and allows me to bridge cultural gaps in my professional role,” he said.

He views it as his responsibility to address and reduce disparities wherever they exist, whether in healthcare access, patient understanding, or cultural sensitivity.

“My cultural background informs my approach to care, enabling me to offer insights and support that resonate with diverse patient populations, while my commitment to professional excellence ensures that I uphold the highest standards in all aspects of my work.

“This balance allows me to serve as both a representative and advocate for the South Asian community, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment,” he added.

Future aspirations

Looking ahead, Hemant envisions a pharmacy profession and healthcare system that adopts a more targeted approach to resource allocation to ensure “fair and equitable” outcomes, particularly for the South Asian community.

He advocates for addressing specific health disparities and cultural barriers affecting this group while also working to improve health outcomes across the entire population.

“By focusing on both targeted interventions and broad-based health improvements, we can create a more inclusive healthcare system that supports all communities.

“This dual approach would include increased access to culturally competent care, better education on preventive health practices, and enhanced support for managing chronic conditions.

“Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a healthcare system that provides equitable opportunities for health and well-being for everyone, regardless of background,” he noted.

Advice for aspiring pharmacists

For aspiring pharmacists of South Asian heritage, Hemant offers the following advice:

Be Human: Always approach your work with empathy and compassion. Building genuine connections with your patients and colleagues will not only enhance your professional experience but also make a meaningful impact on those you serve.

Prevention is Better Than Cure: Emphasise the importance of preventive healthcare. Educate your patients on lifestyle choices, diet, and early intervention strategies that can prevent the onset of diseases. This proactive approach can significantly improve health outcomes.

Reduce Iatrogenic Diseases: Be vigilant in your practice to minimise the risk of iatrogenic diseases—conditions caused by medical treatment itself. This involves carefully managing prescriptions, monitoring for potential drug interactions, and advocating for the most appropriate and necessary treatments.

“By integrating these principles into your practice, you'll not only excel in your career but also contribute to a healthier, more informed community,” Patel added.

Patel’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including becoming the first South Asian President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the first South Asian to serve  simultaneously on the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB).

He has also represented Great Britain on European and global pharmacy stages.

“These experiences have not only broadened my professional horizons but have also reinforced my belief in the power of diversity and inclusion within the healthcare profession,” he concluded.

This year's theme, "Free to Be Me," encourages embracing your unique identity and celebrating South Asian heritage.