Derry doctor receives a MRANI Award for his exceptional service to the community

Dr Mukesh Chugh, a consultant anesthetist at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, was honored with the prestigious MRANI Award for his exceptional service to the community.

Chosen from a highly competitive category, Dr Chugh’s contributions have made a significant impact. 

The award ceremony, held at the iconic Titanic Belfast on October 4, was co-hosted by the remarkable duo Lata Sharma, a BBC broadcaster, and Ibe Sesay, both captivating the audience with their charm and energy.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr Chugh has been a strong advocate for ethnic minority communities, actively promoting cultural diversity and integration.

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His efforts have earned him national recognition, including the Points of Light Award from the UK Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street for fostering interfaith harmony and the Anti-Racism Leader of the Year award from the NWMF.

These accolades are a testament to his dedication to community cohesion.

Dr Chugh’s innovative leadership has also been recognized locally, where he was named an Ambassador for the City by Visit Derry, further reflecting his commitment to uniting the community and celebrating its multi-ethnic heritage.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Chugh played a pivotal role in increasing vaccination uptake within the BAME community through his leadership in outreach initiatives.

He was featured in poster campaigns and video messages for The Trust and the Department of Health, educating the ethnic minority community on the importance of immunization.

In addition to his community work, Dr Chugh has made significant contributions to healthcare worker advocacy.

He founded the Northern Ireland chapter of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) and was elected Honorary Secretary of the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA), demonstrating his commitment to improving the rights and working conditions of healthcare professionals.