Concerns over Harrow GP exposed as leading member of Hizb ut-Tahrir

A leading Jewish doctor has expressed concerns that an NHS colleague known to be a leading member of extremist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT) is still free to treat patients in north London.

Dr Wahid Shaida, whose connection to HT was exposed by Mail on Sunday, has referred to the Hamas terrorists who carried out the October 7 attacks as “brave Mujahideen” and called the attack “a very welcome punch on the nose”.

Dr Shaida remains listed on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) register as having a licence to practice. He also is approved to train other GPs, according to his record on the database.

A Jewish doctor who did not want to be named said: “My formative years were in Harrow, which has a wonderful multicultural community. I personally do not believe that this individual is fit to practice medicine in the UK , in light of his involvement in an extremist, Islamist supremacist organisation. His praise for the atrocities committed by an illegal proscribed terror group are not compatible with good medical practice.”

A GMC spokesperson told Jewish News: “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised. However, we are not able to provide information about complaints or concerns unless the matter has been referred to a full hearing at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).

“We can and will investigate serious concerns that suggest patient safety or the public’s confidence in doctors may be at risk and will take action where it is necessary.”

Remaining registered by the GMC does not necessarily mean action has not been taken by Welbeck Road surgery, where Dr Shaida has worked for 20 years. However, the practice still names him as a salaried member of staff on its website.

When the surgery was contacted, it passed Jewish News to the North West London Integrated Care System (ICS). This body is responsible for planning and delivering NHS services in the local area, including primary care. While it oversees services, it is not responsible for commissioning GPs. A North West London ICS spokesperson said: “We are actively engaging with the practice and NHS England on this matter. The conduct of individual practitioners sits with NHSE and the GMC. Both are aware of the concerns raised and are investigating the matter.

NHS North West London abhors anti-Semitism and all forms of hate crime and has written to all GP practices in North West London reminding them of the zero tolerance approach that we expect all staff working in GP practices to adopt.”