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Dr Habib Naqvi appointed as director of NHS Race and Health Observatory

Dr Habib Naqvi appointed as director of NHS Race and Health Observatory
By Editor
19 August 2020



Dr Habib Naqvi MBE has been appointed as director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory.

The research organisation was set up in May to address the specific health challenges facing people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Dr Naqvi was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to equality and diversity in the NHS, and is currently the interim director for the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard.

Before joining NHS England in 2013, he worked on the development of national equality and diversity policy at the Department of Health and Social Care, including leading on the development of the Equality Delivery System for the NHS. He also led the health sector’s response to the Government’s review of the Public Sector Equality Duty. 

Dr Naqvi said: ‘I am extremely pleased to take on the role of director of the Observatory, which I firmly believe will be a catalyst to make the changes the NHS needs, including improvements on longstanding issues relating to access, experience and outcomes for BME communities.
 
‘Although tackling wider inequalities cannot fall to the NHS alone, the NHS has made strides on tackling race inequality, and has to be supported to work on implementing hard-hitting recommendations for sustained change. I believe the work of the Observatory will be a vital step towards bringing this about.’
 
Marie Gabriel CBE, chair of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: ‘Dr Naqvi’s insight, influence and proven track record in achieving change will be invaluable to the success of the Observatory.

‘I look forward to working with him as we begin our vital work of evidencing and providing practical solutions, which will enable the NHS to systematically address the inequalities that exist.’

The Observatory, which is hosted by NHS Confederation, will involve experts from the UK and internationally, and will offer analysis and policy recommendations to improve health outcomes for NHS patients, communities and staff.

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