Hyderabad-Born Professor Wasim Hanif Awarded OBE in King's Birthday Honours List
Hyderabad-born diabetes specialist Professor Wasim Hanif has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List for his distinguished service in diabetes care and addressing global health inequalities.
Highlights
- •Professor Wasim Hanif of Hyderabad origin named OBE in 2026 King's Birthday Honours List.
- •Recognized for extensive work in diabetes care, obesity, and reducing health inequalities.
- •Currently serves as a key clinical figure at University Hospitals Birmingham and Diabetes UK.
- •Holds prominent leadership roles in the British Medical Association and South Asian Health Foundation.
A distinguished Hyderabad-origin academic has received prestigious international recognition for his significant contributions to medical science. Professor Wasim Hanif, a globally renowned diabetes specialist, has been officially named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) as part of the King's Birthday Honours List 2026. This esteemed accolade highlights his dedicated efforts toward improving diabetes care and effectively tackling health inequalities within the population.
Currently serving with the diabetes and endocrinology unit at University Hospitals Birmingham, Professor Hanif also provides expert guidance as a clinical adviser to Diabetes UK. His extensive career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals living with metabolic conditions and addressing systemic health disparities. This recognition underscores his influential role in shaping medical standards and policy frameworks internationally.
A Career Dedicated to Health Equity and Diabetes Research
The journey of Professor Wasim Hanif began in Hyderabad, where he spent his formative years. He attended St George's Grammar School before pursuing his medical education at the prominent Gandhi Medical College. Seeking to expand his professional horizons, he relocated to the United Kingdom in 1995, where he eventually rose to prominence in the fields of diabetes, obesity, and ethnicity-based health outcomes.
In response to receiving the OBE, the professor expressed that his professional path has been consistently guided by a deep-seated motivation to reduce health gaps across society. He emphasized that this honor serves as a reflection of the collaborative support he has received from various colleagues, researchers, students, and healthcare professionals throughout his career. His work continues to influence key institutions, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Union, and the UK Parliament.
Leadership and Professional Contributions
Beyond his clinical roles, Professor Hanif holds several vital leadership positions that demonstrate his breadth of influence. He is currently the president-elect of the British Medical Association and serves as a trustee for both Diabetes UK and the South Asian Health Foundation. Furthermore, his administrative contributions include serving as a non-executive director of the British Medical Journal and chairing the Association for the Study of Obesity UK. Through these various roles, he remains at the forefront of policy initiatives and research, striving to improve long-term health equity and clinical outcomes for patients worldwide.
