London, 3 Nov 2025: The House of Parliament in Westminster today hosted the landmark launch of the Hindu NHS Network (HNN), a pioneering national initiative to promote cultural inclusion, wellbeing, and patient-centred care across the National Health Service.
The launch event, with opening remarks by Mr. Jas Athwal MP, featured a keynote address from Guest of Honour, The Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who praised the initiative as “a vital step toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and representative NHS.”
Representing over 1.2 million Hindus in the UK (2021 Census)- including 10.1% of nurses and health visitors and over 8% of doctors; the Hindu NHS Network has been developed to foster a supportive professional environment for Hindu healthcare staff while ensuring culturally sensitive care for Hindu patients. Described as “a network for both staff and patients, strengthening wellbeing, inclusion, cultural respect, and patient-centred care across the NHS,” the HNN provides a shared platform where both the workforce and service users are recognised, respected, and empowered.
The Network affirms that all NHS staff and patients have the right to follow their culture and values in line with equality, diversity, and human-rights principles.
Professor Rajeev Gupta, Senior NHS Consultant, presented the vision, mission, and core objectives of the Hindu NHS Network, outlining its key workstreams focused on patient care, staff wellbeing, equality, and cultural support across the NHS. He emphasised that the Network is designed to serve both staff and patients, fostering an environment where Hindu professionals feel confident in their identity and Hindu patients feel at home within the NHS – able to access vegetarian meals, spiritual support, and the freedom to honour their values. Dr Gupta highlighted that when both staff and patients are treated with cultural respect and dignity, the overall quality of care, safety, and trust in healthcare are significantly strengthened.
The event featured a spiritual Mantra Chant by Dr Anant Choube, a graceful Ganesh Vandana dance by Ms Devika Rao, and a creative performance “Pain Management through Art and Spirituality” by Mr Balbindar Singh and his group from St Thomas’s and Guy’s Hospitals.
Professor Rajeev Gupta introduced the Network’s vision and work streams, followed by Sh. Surinder Gautama, President of the World Council of Hindus UK, who outlined a national framework for Hindu Chaplaincy Training and Certification to better serve the spiritual needs of patients and staff.
Distinguished guests Lord Rami Ranger CBE and Mr Virendra Sharma MP applauded the initiative’s contribution to cultural harmony and compassionate healthcare.
Mr. Ravi Bhanot MBE delivered the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to dignitaries, participants, and organisers, and offering closing reflections on the event. He emphasised that the NHS is at its strongest when it embraces compassion and inclusivity, highlighting that the Hindu NHS Network creates a space where Hindu staff and patients are heard, valued, and supported, with a mission to promote wellbeing, cultural understanding, and excellence in care across the health system.
The Hindu NHS Network unites NHS staff, patients, and supporters who value Hindu philosophy and spirituality in healthcare. Its aims include:
- Supporting Hindu professionals to feel confident and proud of their identity.
- Promoting culturally competent care and dietary awareness.
- Establishing Hindu chaplaincy and spiritual care pathways.
- Celebrating Hindu festivals like Diwali across NHS Trusts.
- Fostering unity, compassion, and wellbeing among staff and patients.
Membership details, visit:www.hindunhs.net
By Prince M.Lumb (lumb@eshadoot.com)
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Long time coming, our doctors and nurses have served the NHS diligently and this network will in turn immensely help the patients from our community.