TWO Burnley doctors have spoken of their pride at receiving MBE awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Dr Venkataswamy Narayana, a senior partner at Thursby Surgery, was given the honour for his service to general practice.
Ruskin Health Care stalwart Dr Narenda Singh also received an MBE for 46 years exemplary service to the community.
The pair will officially accept the honours at a special ceremony in London later this year.
Dr Narayana, who began work at Thursby Surgery back in 1980, has spoken of his delight at the award.
He said: “I am both humbled and honoured. I have known for a while, but have had to keep it quiet.
“It was very thrilling - I celebrated with my wife, Elizabeth, and my children, Chamu and Dileep.
“In the next few weeks I will get to go to a ceremony at St James’s Palace, London, where I will be presented with my medal.”
He added: “I really owe it to the people of Burnley. I love this town.”
Respected GP Dr Narendra Singh described the award as the highlight of his life.
The long-serving GP, who works at the St Peter’s Centre, helped pioneer the Fitness for Work pilot which revolutionised NHS “sick note” medical certificates.
Dr Singh was the first GP in East Lancashire to have a Job Centre Plus advisor in his surgery and helped hundreds of patients back into employment.
He was given the GP of the Year Award in 2008 by the Royal College of General Practitioners and became a Fellow of the British International Doctor Association helping tackle discrimination and injustice in the medical profession.
He said: “I was overjoyed when I heard. I am absolutely delighted and most surprised. It is a super job. There have been many highlights but this is the highest of the highlight.”
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