Islamophobia is not just an abstract concept; it is a lived reality for many Muslim healthcare professionals in the UK. Defined by the APPG on British Muslims as “rooted in racism and a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness,” Islamophobia manifests in ways that can affect careers, mental health, and everyday life.
The impact of Islamophobia has become increasingly clear in the healthcare sector. Following widespread riots of summer 2024 driven by racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia, BIMA conducted a survey of Muslim healthcare professionals to assess the impact. The findings were stark: over a third of respondents had either experienced or witnessed Islamophobia in their workplace, often from colleagues or patients. More than 80% had changed aspects of their daily routines, avoiding certain public spaces or modes of transport for fear of abuse. Nearly 44% of Muslim doctors surveyed said they had considered leaving the NHS due to discrimination, a troubling statistic for a health service already under strain.
These results align with broader national trends. Tell Mama, which monitors Islamophobia, recorded a 165% increase in Islamophobic incidents in 2024 alone, marking the highest levels ever documented. Incidents ranged from verbal abuse to violent attacks, with visibly Muslim individuals, particularly women, disproportionately affected.
Despite making up a significant portion of the NHS workforce, Muslim professionals often find themselves working in environments where discrimination is downplayed or ignored. Many report feeling unsupported by their employers, with complaints about racism and Islamophobia met with inaction or even hostility. This silence is costing the NHS valuable staff and expertise at a time when it can least afford it.
The UN Day to Combat Islamophobia is an opportunity for BIMA to highlight that addressing these issues requires more than symbolic gestures. It demands concrete action—from employers implementing robust policies against discrimination to colleagues speaking up when they witness Islamophobia directed at a member of their team. It requires a collective effort to ensure that healthcare professionals are able to apply their expertise and dedication to their careers without facing discrimination for their faith.
If we do nothing, we risk not only failing our Muslim colleagues but also undermining the very principles of fairness and equality that the NHS and British society claim to uphold.