British-Pakistani urologist Dr Muhammad Shabi Ahmed receives Pakistan’s prestigious civil award for nearly three decades of contributions to healthcare, medical education and charity.
WEB DESK: British-Pakistani consultant urologist and Professor of Urology Dr Muhammad Shabi Ahmed has been awarded Pakistan’s prestigious Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in recognition of nearly three decades of contributions to healthcare, medical education and charitable services in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
The national civil award was conferred by President Asif Ali Zardari during a ceremony in Islamabad. The Presidency’s official record has also listed Dr Ahmed among the recipients of the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.
Pioneer in Minimally Invasive Kidney Stone Treatment
Dr Ahmed, who is based in Birmingham, is recognised in the UK as one of the specialists involved in pioneering a minimally invasive procedure for kidney stone removal.
The technique uses a thin telescopic instrument known as a nephroscope, which is inserted into the kidney through a small incision. According to reports, the procedure can allow stones of around 2 centimetres to be removed through an incision of approximately 1 centimetre.
The approach can reduce the amount of time patients spend in hospital, with discharge possible within about 24 hours compared with hospital stays of up to five days associated with some earlier procedures.
Dr Ahmed completed his medical education at Dow Medical College in Pakistan before undertaking higher surgical training in urology in Newcastle, UK. He later pursued advanced training and fellowships in endourology and stone disease in the UK and specialist centres in Southeast Asia.
Professional Contribution in the UK
Dr Ahmed has held senior positions within the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), including trustee and Vice President/Treasurer.
He became the first Pakistani medical graduate to serve on the BAUS Council during its 80-year history, according to reports. He is also a founding member of the Association of Pakistani Physicians in the UK.
Alongside his clinical work in Birmingham, Dr Ahmed has maintained academic links with Pakistan. He serves as a visiting or honorary professor at Dow University of Health Sciences and the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT).
Healthcare and Charity Work in Pakistan
Dr Ahmed’s contribution extends beyond specialist medical practice.
He has been involved in charitable healthcare initiatives in Pakistan and other developing countries and serves as a trustee and UK representative of SIUT. He is also associated with the Indus Health Network.
In 2018, he helped establish urology services at a charitable hospital in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and has continued to support the programme. He has also organised or participated in charitable urology camps in southern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and rural Sindh.
His work also includes medical education and postgraduate training. He serves as an examiner for the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) and the Master of Surgery programme in urology, while also contributing to medical training programmes in Pakistan and internationally.
Dr Shabi Ahmed Thanks Pakistan
Reacting to the honour, Dr Ahmed said the award was particularly meaningful because it was presented by the country where he was born.
He said the recognition reflected his work with charitable organisations, efforts to support healthcare delivery and fundraising for disadvantaged communities, as well as his contribution to strengthening the health sectors of Pakistan and the UK.
Advocacy During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Dr Ahmed also gained attention in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic after appearing on national television to raise concerns about shortages of personal protective equipment and their impact on healthcare workers from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Subsequent research highlighted disparities faced by ethnic minority doctors who raised concerns about workplace safety. Dr Ahmed has continued to speak about the treatment of ethnic minority doctors and has advocated for medical professionals experiencing distress.
Recognition of Medical and Public Service
The Tamgha-i-Imtiaz recognises Dr Ahmed’s combined contributions to urology, medical education, charitable healthcare and professional service across Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
His award also highlights the contribution of Pakistani-origin medical professionals working abroad while maintaining professional, academic and humanitarian links with Pakistan. Pakistan’s UK High Commissioner Tipu Usman separately praised the Pakistani diaspora’s contribution following Dr Ahmed’s recognition.
