'Faith-specific' care urged for Muslims
Fri Jan 12, 1:58 PM ET
A British Muslim academic called on Friday for "faith specific" health care for the country's largest minority faith community. Writing in the British Medical Journal, Professor Aziz Sheikh of Edinburgh University argued that Britain's 1.6 million Muslims have the poorest health profile of any minority.
"There are few faith-centred initiatives aiming to improve health outcomes for our largest minority faith community," he wrote.
"This reflects the general failure among academics, policy-makers and clinicians to appreciate the particular needs faith communities may have."
Sheikh said the state National Health Service should implement a system to record the religious affiliation of patients, saying this would allow Muslims to see doctors of the same sex as themselves and also avoid pork and alcohol-derived drugs banned by their religion.
Sheikh, who is professor of primary care research and development at Edinburgh University, said infant male circumcision should be provided by the NHS, so poorer parents would not have to resort to what he called the poorly regulated private health sector.
He also wants better prayer facilities for Muslims in NHS hospitals.
A Department of Health spokeswoman denied any discrimination against Muslims, saying services were decided locally according to clinical need and "the diversity of the local population."
"All patients are entitled to ask to see doctors of a certain sex," said a spokeswoman, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with department policy.
She said the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, which regulates provision of health services in Britain, has not approved the provision of infant circumcision.
But another Muslim academic, Professor Aneez Esmail of Manchester University, warned that providing special services for defined groups risks stigmatization and stereotyping.
"While it is reasonable we try to plan and configure our services to take account of needs that may have their roots in particular beliefs...we cannot meet everyone's demands for special services based on their religious identity," he said. "It would not be practical."
Thanks for posting, Kat! I think health care providers and governments that provide health care services would be smart to think about the many different faith communities that have special issues regarding their health care.
Quote:
Sheikh said the state National Health Service should implement a system to record the religious affiliation of patients, saying this would allow Muslims to see doctors of the same sex as themselves and also avoid pork and alcohol-derived drugs banned by their religion.
For the record, drugs containing ingredients prohibited for Muslims to consume are actually OK if there is no other adequate substitute available and the drug is necessary for health. But it would be great if docs had some kind of database so they could offer a halal (allowed) substitute if possible.
To add, it is not imperitive that a Muslim be seen by the same-gendered doctor. Sometimes this just isn't available, and for the sake of health, a person should see the doctor best suited to treat them, based on knowledge/experience, not just gender...
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To add, it is not imperitive that a Muslim be seen by the same-gendered doctor. Sometimes this just isn't available, and for the sake of health, a person should see the doctor best suited to treat them, based on knowledge/experience, not just gender...
This is a good point! Just like with the meds, a same-sex doc is preferable but not required.
I think it sounds like a great idea. There's a lot of Christian run hospitals in my area and they do stick to their religion. Unfortunately there's not always a big enough Muslim community. But I go to hospitals and appointments and have no problem with the regular hospitals either.
Ammaarah, I prefer women as well, I think it's only natural. Especially for exams, etc.
Ibc, it would be great if the numbers allowed it, for sure. Sometimes even though we request certain things, like no pork for example, it is overlooked, and before you know it, you're served pork n'beans for lunch I lived in the hospital for 10 weeks straight during my last pregnancy, and learned many tricks of the trade! I was in constant contact with the nutrionist on staff, that's for sure...
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It's an interesting article, and certainly people should have their needs attended to, but it's worth stressing that anyone in the UK can request a Dr of the same gender and doesn't have to give a reason. The only thing is that you might have to wait a little longer if, for example, a GP if your gender isn't available, and of course in an emergency, you would get the nearest Dr as is only practical.
There are usually meal choices in hospitals, although sadly all the food can be pretty unpalatable!
I disagree with the suggestion that circumcision should be available on the NHS, as it's not a medically necessary procedure. The NHS is already short of money, and people have to contribute to the costs of glasses, dental work, and the like. Even some cancer drugs are limited due to the cost! It's a real problem. Considering that, it seems unfair that a procedure which is not strictly medical should be funded. Perhaps a better solution would be to improve the regulation of private practitioners, if there is a problem with some of them.
ARTICLE: 'Faith-specific' care urged for Muslims 
I lived in the hospital for 10 weeks straight during my last pregnancy, and learned many tricks of the trade! I was in constant contact with the nutrionist on staff, that's for sure...
