From Criminalization to Empowerment: Behavioral Strategies Against Systemic Inequities for Transgender Individuals in Pakistan. By Dr Mehr Muhammad Adeel Riaz and Dr Nagina Khan

There is intense debate in Pakistan around the question of whether gender dysphoria should be classified as a medical condition or viewed as an inherent aspect of a person’s identity. According to the ICD-11 classification and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- 5 (DSM-5) manual from the American Psychiatric Association (APA), gender dysphoria […]

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The Multifaceted Problem Of Mental Health In Mexico: Challenges And Perspectives. By Prof. Jesús Ramírez-Bermúdez

By examining the academic and healthcare landscapes of Mexico and Latin America, it is possible to gain insights into the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach that acknowledges the interplay of sociocultural and biological factors affecting mental health. The prevalent issues in the region encompass major depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress, addictions, neurodevelopmental problems, chronic mental […]

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Mental health disparity and family involvement in the care of people living with mental health disorders in Nigeria – the UPTH care mode. By Dr. Frances Nkechi Adiukwu and Mrs. Ibiye Soingo George

Healthcare disparity exists in the context of mental health care in Nigeria and Africa as a continent. This disparity is present in mental health care service availability, human resources, and access to mental health care treatment 1. The situation is further exacerbated by the economic disparity among individuals influencing who can have access to the […]

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Empowering women as leaders in urban slums to reduce surgical inequity in India. By Prof. Rahul M. Jindal

  INTRODUCTION: I describe my team’s work in empowering women as community health workers (CHW) in urban slums of a metropolitan city of India. We conceptualized SATHI (Surgical Accredited & Trained Healthcare Initiative) as an intermediary channel through which those in need could be linked to service providers. This is an all-female work force with […]

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Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Fourth Global Digital Divide? By Prof. Raywat Deonandan

Thirty years ago, economist Bengt-Åke Lundvall wrote that “the most fundamental resource in [a] modern economy is knowledge and, accordingly, the most important process is learning.” [1] Around the same time, Nelson Mandela commented that “eliminating the distinction between the information-rich and information-poor is… critical to eliminating economic and other inequalities between North and South.” […]

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Healthcare inequalities and social justice by Dr Nagina Khan and Professor Rahul Jindal

I am delighted to open the second part of the Healthcare Inequalities and Social Justice blog series. My editorial focus will be on Global Health. In this series BMJ Leader and I will bring to you yet another set of powerful blogs, however this time from around the world, to share our collective vision. Professor […]

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Healthcare Inequalities and Social Justice Blog Series: A social justice lens for NHS staff: prioritising ‘being’ in well-being. By Tulika Jha

Western medicine often relies on empiricism and a narrow understanding of evidence-based practices. However, an inclusive approach to wellness acknowledges alternative epistemologies. Traditional healing practices from a range of  cultures not only have much to offer, but they are also required by a diverse workforce and communities that we look after. Integrating these perspectives into […]

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Healthcare Inequalities and Social Justice Blog Series: Empowering Social Justice in The National Health Service: from Courageous Individuals to Courageous Institutions. By Evelyn Mensah

For the Global Majority of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce, the concept of “institutional courage” offers social justice and empowerment. Institutional courage is important because it embodies commitment of healthcare institutions and leaders to challenge biases and dismantle systemic barriers. It acts as a mechanism that approaches a more equitable and inclusive workplace. Therefore, […]

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Healthcare Inequalities and Social Justice Blog Series: Transcultural leadership, anti-racism, and psychological safety. By Mushtag Kahin and Dr. Nagina Khan

The NHS employs 1.6 million people,1 with 42 integrated care systems (ICSs) and 215 trusts across England, but it has less than ten chief executives from minoritised communities.1 There is also less than 13% representation of minoritised executive directors and very senior managers, despite 24% of the workforce being from minoritised backgrounds. One in three […]

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Healthcare Inequalities and Social Justice Blog Series: Leading in a space of social equality: a personal trajectory. By Dianndra Roberts

For as long as I can remember I’ve had a keen sense of justice, for the most part I did not consider myself a leader. It is more so in the past few years I have been grateful to be considered a leader and work to uphold what that means for myself and to those […]

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