Dr. Shikha Pitalia MBChB, MRCGP

Dr. Shikha Pitalia is a distinguished General Practitioner and visionary entrepreneur whose innovative contributions have significantly enhanced healthcare delivery in the North West of England. In 2002, alongside her husband, Dr. Sanjay Pitalia, she co-founded SSP Health, which has grown to become the largest provider of primary care GP services in the region, managing over 40 practices and caring for approximately 230,000 patients.

Under Dr. Pitalia’s leadership, SSP Health has championed the ‘federated General Practice’ model, centralising clinical and non-clinical functions to reduce bureaucracy and improve patient access and continuity of care. This approach has empowered general practices to thrive amidst evolving healthcare challenges. Notably, she devised the Acute Visiting Service (AVS), an innovative solution that efficiently organises GP home visits, reducing inappropriate hospital admissions. The AVS has been widely adopted across numerous regions in England, earning recognition for its impact on patient care.

Beyond SSP Health, Dr. Pitalia co-founded Pall Mall Medical, a private healthcare provider, further exemplifying her commitment to accessible and quality healthcare services. Her leadership extends to her role as Chair of the Wigan GP Alliance, where she oversees the provision of 24/7 services for approximately 330,000 patients across the borough, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for the community.

Dr. Pitalia’s dedication to the medical profession is evident through her involvement with the British International Doctors’ Association (BIDA). In December 2022, she was honored as a fellow of BIDA, recognising her contributions to supporting doctors from diverse backgrounds and promoting inclusivity within the healthcare sector.

Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is further reflected in SSP Health’s workforce, which comprises professionals from various ethnic backgrounds, collectively speaking over 20 different languages. This multicultural environment fosters equitable career development opportunities and enriches patient care.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pitalia has received numerous accolades for her innovative contributions to healthcare. Her unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare disparities, and supporting the professional growth of doctors underscores her status as a transformative leader in the medical community.