"Dr Onkar Sahota's family arrived in the UK from Punjab, India in the 1960’s. His dad worked in a factory and later ran a grocery shop. His family instilled the values of working hard, sharing with others and working for the common good.
Fulfilling a lifelong ambition to be a doctor, Onkar graduated in Medicine from Sheffield University and was elected Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2006. He holds an MBA from the London Business School and worked on World Bank and DFID funded project on Health Reforms in Russia for 3 years.
He has been a GP in West London since 1989 and the practice now serves 10,000 patients from two sites. Like many clinicians who’ve been elected to public office, he still practices part-time to stay in touch with issues that his patients encounter.
He has been Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee since 2013 and is Labour’s health spokesperson at the Assembly.”
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I’m lucky enough to call London my home. The diversity of cultures, heritage and people make London a great city. We have the world’s best galleries & museums, many of which are free for all to enjoy. I am proud to say that London celebrates diversity, and that London is Open!
2 What are your proudest achievements?
Winning my seat at the London Assembly in 2012 by overturning the 28,500 majority of the Tory incumbent, and being re-elected in 2016 were very proud moments. Another community success I am proud of is leading the ‘Ealing Save our Hospitals' campaign, securing access to healthcare for my constituents.
3 What inspires you?
The community that I serve inspires me. My constituents and patients regularly approach me to champion issues and causes they believe in, and their tireless determination to do good for others is a source of great inspiration to me. I am honoured to advocate on their behalf and represent them.
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
As a medical professional the biggest obstacle has been the change in the culture of the NHS. Patients have become numbers in a system and are no longer treated as individuals. This frustration with the NHS system is what drives me to lobby for change and better healthcare for all.
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
Growing up in a working class family, the value of honest, hard work was instilled in my childhood. I was encouraged to choose the path that served my community best. This is why I initially chose to be a doctor, and the reason I am a London Assembly Member now.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
At the beginning of my career I could only help my community from the consultation room in my capacity as their doctor. Now I have the platform, ability and opportunities to makes a difference in people’s lives on a much bigger scale, by influencing policy and lobbying for change.
7 And the worst?
I have absolutely no complaints, I feel very priviliged and grateful to serve as an Assembly Member.
8 What are your long term goals?
I am committed to continue to serve my community. And also to inspire and help younger generations to achieve their ambitions, by demonstrating that through helping others and working hard we can achieve great things, and make a lasting, positive impact in the world.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would like to make trade equitable in the world. I would advocate strongly for fair trade agreements and legislation, to ensure that global communities can enjoy lives of dignity, free from exploitation and 'modern slavery'.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Louis Armstrong. If you are sitting on a desert island paradise, it would be lovely to enjoy a melodious song and a moment to appreciate "What a wonderful world" we are living in after all.
