NRI doctor Shiv Pande wins Asian Jewel Award,
"life time achievement award 2004"

London, February 8, 2004

The Lloyds TSB lifetime achievement awarded to NRI, Dr Shiv Pande, of Stockport, national chairman of the International Doctors Association, and the first ethnic minority member of the General Medical Council, appointed in 1994.
The awards are sponsored by Lloyds TSB and the Institute of Asian Professionals, and recognise achivement by Asian people across the UK, with other award ceremonies held in Birmingham and London.

Receiving the accolade Dr Pande said: "Britain is my home and I have received lot of affection, love, friendship and fellowship from all citizens of this country."I hope all friends will keep extending their valuable support to me as they have done so far. I have never walked alone in Liverpool".

Last year's awards attracted more than 300,000 nominations.

Mike Fairey, deputy chief executive of Lloyds TSB said: "Lloyds TSB is committed to strengthening our relationships within the communities in which we do business. Sponsoring the Asian Jewel Awards is an ideal opportunity to recognise and celebrate the wealth of experience and expertise in the Asian community today." Chairman of the Asian Jewel Awards, Khalid Darr lauded the contribution made by the Asian community, saying, "Asian men and women are injecting energy into communities, bringing new qualities to the world of business, introducing fresh thinking to the arts, fashion and modern pop culture.

Dr Pande is the Hon. Secretary of the Indo British Association (N), Vice-Chairman of the Merseyside Council of Faiths and national Chairman of British International Doctors' Association.

In 1996, as a delegate Dr Pande initiated and negotiated with the Indian Government and set up the PLAB test (Part I) (preliminary test for doctors before their final selection in the UK) to be held outside UK for the first time.

This, according to the citation, helped thousands of young doctors to take this essential test in their own countries without disturbing their professional or domestic lives. PLAB is now being held twice in a year in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Egypt.

Dr Pande raised funds by staging first-ever India-Pakistan XI Vs International XI Charity Cricket match at Lancashire County Cricket Club, Manchester and presented funds to both Mother Teresa for her charity and the then Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi for orphans of Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

He raised 36,000 pounds for the healthcare of the victims of the Latur earthquake through reception hosted by Prince Charles at Kensington Palace.

Both as GMC's elected member and its first ever Asian Treasurer in its history of 148 years, Dr Pande contributed to public protection and doctors guidelines through GMC's several committees.