A London GP who was leader of a now-banned Islamist group has been suspended from NHS practice.
NHS London confirmed that Dr Wahid Shaida, who practised at the GP Direct surgery in Harrow, has been suspended from the NHS primary care performers list.
Dr Shaida, using the name Abdul Wahid, led the UK branch of Hizb ut-Tahrir, which was proscribed by the UK Government last week after ministers claimed the group is antisemitic.
Following the 7 October attacks by Hamas and Israel’s military response, the Islamist group has attended rallies in London and called on ‘Muslim armies’ to attack Israel.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: ‘Hizb ut-Tahrir is an antisemitic organisation that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks.’
While Dr Shaida has been suspended from the NHS, he remains on the GMC register, which he joined in 1992 after graduating from the University of London.
His profile has now been removed from the GP Direct website, but it previously said he had worked at the practice since 2002.
‘His special interests lie in the field of medical education. He is a GP trainer for recently qualified doctors. He is currently the information governance and complaints lead within the practice,’ the website stated.
A spokesperson for NHS London said: ‘We take any issues relating to professional conduct seriously and have procedures in place to make sure that individuals are fit to work in the NHS.
‘We can confirm that Dr Wahid Shaida has been suspended from the NHS primary care performers list.’
Pulse approached Dr Shaida for comment.
