A GP who started her career with her father in St Helens has been appointed as an advisor to an international development organisation which is improving lives in South Asia.

The British Asian Trust has announced the appointment of Dr Shikha Pitalia, MBChB, MRCGP, who is director of GP practice federation SSP Health, as the latest member of its Advisory Council in the UK.

Dr Pitalia oversees Bowery Medical Practice in Thatto Heath, Newton Community Centre and Newton Medical Centre and started her career with her father in St Helens

She is the founder of SSP Health, the largest provider of GP services in North West England, and director of Pall Mall Medical, an independent organisation, providing private healthcare, diagnostics and cosmetic services in the UK.

She joins Lord Zameer Choudrey (Bestway Group), Simon Arora (B&M Retail), Tom Singh and others on the council.

The Trust was founded in 2007 by Prince Charles and a group of Asian business leaders to tackle challenges and support positive change within South Asia.

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She has insight on the pivotal role ethnic minority doctors play in the delivery of health services. Her breadth of experience has brought innovation to many NHS services and she has been nationally acclaimed with many awards and plaudits. She is also Non-Executive Director of the Swati Dance Company.

Dr Pitalia also has roles in neighbouring Wigan and is chair of Wigan GP Alliance and sits on the Healthier Wigan Board. She has led the successful response and rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations for the residents of the Wigan borough.

Dr Pitalia, whose GP federation manages surgeries across the North West, was born in Delhi, India, and came to the UK as a child. After graduating in medicine from Manchester University, Dr Pitalia joined her GP father at his practice in St Helens before forming SSP Health with her husband, Dr Sanjay Pitalia.

She has been honoured with the North West Inspiring Women Award and included in the list of Indian Influencers in Greater Manchester for her numerous achievements. Her keen interest in philanthropic work started with her founding the SSP Health Charitable Trust in 2008 with plans in progress for a Chapter in India, with an aim to support the wellbeing and educational needs of abandoned children.

Dr Pitalia said she felt privileged at being chosen to be part of the British Asian Trust, which has several projects that are improving the lives of poor and vulnerable people in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

She said: “I am honoured to add working with the British Asian Trust as the newest role in my portfolio and am truly excited to play a part in its ambitious plans for the future.”

Richard Hawkes, chief Executive of the British Asian Trust said: “We are delighted that Dr Shikha Pitalia has joined our Advisory Council. It is through the guidance of our Advisory Councils and our Board of Trustees, that we do all we can to be cost-effective, accountable and make the greatest possible impact with the funds entrusted to us.”