British Sikh Doctors Organisation (BSDO) is a non-profit organisation which serves humanity, through health promotion and screening, and supporting the development of future doctors and dentists in the UK. This summer they have been screening people from all backgrounds for two common medical illnesses: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Obesity. After a number of pilots and a hugely successful event at Khalsa Jatha, Shepherds Bush, London, BSDO have a meticulously organised method of screening people from all communities.

On Saturday 27th August 2011 the Sikh Gurdwara South London (SGSL), in Southfields, London, held a hugely successful mass blood pressure and obesity screening of the Sikh community. This was made possible due to the hard work of members of BSDO. A well organised team comprising a number of doctors, Sister Twydell (Southend Emergency Department) and eight medical students managed to screen up to 70 members of the community, many of whom were found to have high blood pressures requiring further medical assessment by their GPs. A large number were also found to be overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk of many further health problems. Individuals that had been screened were offered advice and an explanation of what their blood pressure and BMI showed and meant. All individuals screened were given a letter to give to their GP stating their results and if there was a need for further assessment.

The screening event took place during the regular Saturday evening service and enabled members of the community that may not regularly visit a GP to seek the advice of a healthcare professional and gave non-English speaking individuals an opportunity to express their own health concerns and worries. The event was also a chance to educate and inspire younger members of the community about the medical profession. The president of SGSL was quoted as saying “this screening has provided a much need service” particularly as members of the Asian and South Indian communities are at a higher risk of heart disease.

The founder and current president of BSDO, Dr Gaggandeep Singh Alg explained: “this is just the beginning of our humanitarian work. We have planned and are planning many more projects in the UK and throughout the world. I am lucky to have the luxury of working with so many fantastic health professionals and students”. Future screening will include: diabetes and common lung disease screening.

If anyone is interested in BSDO please have a look at their website: www.britishsikhdocs.com, or check out their facebook group www.facebook.com/BritishSikhDocs. For further information please email info@britishsikhdocs.com.

Written and Edited By Dr Gaggandeep Singh Alg and Satpal Kaur Chigger Based on information supplied by .