A LEADING GP has been honoured for his many years of medical services with an MBE in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Dr Murthy Lakahmi Narayana Motupalli, 71, has received the award for his work in education, training and support for BAME doctors and for general practice.

Along with his role as a GP, for over 30 years he has supported professional development and educational activities for international medical doctors.

Dr Motupalli said: "It's a great feeling, I never imagined that I would get this honour."

He added: "I'm a GP in Accrington which is one of the most deprived areas in the CCG so it's been difficult, especially during the pandemic.

"We've had to deal with that, we've taken all the precautions we can to reduce infections in the practice.

"But I must admit that without my practice and all the staff their helping me this wouldn't have been possible."

According to the NHS, Dr Motupalli has become renowned as a GP for his caring and compassionate service with a focus on providing and recognising the importance of the valuable role that carers play in supporting the most vulnerable in society.

Colleagues say that he is an advocate for family carers, a contribution that if often overlooked by health professionals, he has developed and continues to support carers, both directly and through wider practises with initiatives including designated areas within the practice, the installation of carer-specific facilities in the waiting room and encouraging carers to come forward and access support.

He has also been secretary and chair of the British International Doctors’ Association for Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley since 1994, leading on running a training and educational programme which is geared towards providing valuable insight and integration of primary and secondary care physicians and addressing all aspects and principles of good medical practice.