
‘Remarkable' Mosque paid tribute to Glasgow's ‘first Asian GP'
He was born in India in 1938 before migrating to Pakistan and settling in Multan. He became a doctor in 1965 after working as a trainee surgeon when the war broke out between India and Pakistan.
After leaving the army to pursue a career in medicine, Dr Kausar came to Glasgow in 1972, where he said he 'fought' to become a GP.
Speaking in an interview with Colourful Heritage, he said: 'Outsiders were not allowed to become GPs here and the local GPs only gave us very minor, underpaid and overworked duty jobs. They (British Medical Association) offered me the same, but I said I wanted to be a partner. They didn't give me a job.
READ NEXT: 'Many great memories': The Pogues inducted into Barrowland Hall Of Fame
"Then I said I'd open my own surgery so I looked for a place in Pollokshields and submitted an application to open my surgery there. They said 'unless you have a thousand patients, we will not give you any money which means you will be giving a free service so how will you live, eat and pay the bills'.
He served as a medical officer in the 1965 war (Image: Facebook) "I said it's no problem, I'll see for myself but they still rejected my application. They refused to allow me to become a GP even though I was fully trained in all aspects. I appealed, and it was rejected again. I made a final appeal to the Secretary of State and told them I would fight it up to the European Committee."
An independent inquiry was set up following his appeal and soon after, he applied for a GP role at a practice in the west end and was given the job.
He said: "I was the first GP who fought and got his rights on his merits."
READ MORE: 'We will always be grateful': Barras stall announces closure - and new plans
Following the news of his passing Glasgow Central Mosque, where he was heavily involved, has paid tribute to him.
Omar Afzal from Glasgow Central Mosque said: 'I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Kauser. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this time. He lived a remarkable life as a physician, a soldier, a poet, and much more.
'He dedicated many years of his life to the Glasgow Central Mosque, where he served as General Secretary, bringing with him the decorum and strength such an office demands.
'Remarkable' Mosque pays tribute to Glasgow's 'first Asian GP' (Image: Facebook) 'He was also a formidable advocate for Muslim communities in Scotland; often speaking truth to power, and challenging misconceptions around Islam and Muslims.
'Well over a thousand mourners took part in his funeral prayer - a reflection of the impact that he had, and the way he touched people's lives.
'Whilst his warmth and wisdom will be sorely missed, his legacy will live on through the impact he made across civil society.'
Lawyer and Activist, Aamer Anwar, also paid tribute to him, in a post he said: 'Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Surely we belong to Allah (SWT) and to Allah (SWT) we shall return. Sad to hear Dr Kauser has passed away.
Dr Kauser spent much of life serving the Muslim community and the wider community. For many years, he was the President of Glasgow Central Mosque. He was a pioneer, a trailblazer, a father to the community and will be hugely missed.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I always lose my erection when I'm with my girlfriend because she reminds me of my late mother – it feels like incest
The thought that my interest in her is some sort of weird incest thing makes me feel sick DEAR DEIDRE I always lose my erection when I'm with my girlfriend because she reminds me of my late mother – it feels like incest DEAR DEIDRE: SEX with my girlfriend is a flop – and I'm worried it's because she reminds me of my late mother. She's not my normal type at all, but I love being around her. Advertisement It's just whenever we try to have sex, I lose my erection. I'm 57 and have been divorced for four years. A few months ago, I decided to try dating again. I quickly met my now girlfriend, 48, on a dating site. I generally like petite, dark women, and she's tall and curvy with blonde hair, just like my mother was. That did unsettle me a little, but I brushed the thought away. Advertisement Her personality instantly attracted me. She is so warm, kind and funny, and she has a successful career. We had lots of interests in common too. When we met up, I realised I had developed strong feelings for her. Being around her felt comfortable and easy. We had lots of kisses and cuddles, and held hands in the street. So, the first time we went to bed together, I wasn't worried. But, within a couple of minutes, I lost my erection — and whatever we tried, I couldn't get it back. Advertisement Dear Deidre: Understanding why your man's gone off sex This has never happened before. I've tried to reassure her that I do find her attractive, but it's starting to affect our relationship, and I'm now questioning whether the problem is her resemblance to my mother. The thought that my interest in her is some sort of weird incest thing makes me feel sick. Of course, I haven't mentioned this subject to her. Please help before she leaves me. Advertisement DEIDRE SAYS: Being attracted to someone who looks like your mother isn't uncommon, and doesn't mean you ever wanted an incestuous relationship. Perhaps you're so comfortable around this woman because she feels familiar. But now you've focused on this, it has understandably become a turn-off. And, like any psychological problem affecting sex, the more you worry, the more your erection problem happens. Then again, you're now 57, so it's possible there's a physical reason behind your inability to sustain arousal. See your GP to rule out any health problems. My support pack, Erection Issues, has more information about this. Advertisement Sometimes, taking sex off the table for a while helps arousal to come back naturally. And the better you get to know your girlfriend, the less like your mum she will seem. Get in touch with Deidre Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays. Send an email to deardeidre@ You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page. FAMILY LEFT ON THE BRINK OVER VIOLENT YOUNGER SIS DEAR DEIDRE: MY younger sister is spiralling out of control, it's destroying our family. She's become increasingly violent and, the other day, when we had a row, she punched me in the face, leaving me with a black eye. I'm scared she's going to seriously hurt someone – or herself. She's 26 and I'm her 29-year-old big brother. She's had behavioural problems since she was a teenager and has dabbled with drugs and alcohol too. Yesterday, our dad tried to talk to her, and she threatened to jump out of the window, just to get attention. Advertisement Our parents are at a loss as to how to deal with her. They are distraught and I can see it's taking a toll on their health. I know she needs professional help – maybe even to be sectioned – but I don't know where to start. DEIDRE SAYS: Few people realise how much someone's mental health struggles impact the whole family. You're right to be concerned and it does sound like your sister needs specialist help. You and your parents also need support. Advertisement Contact Rethink Mental Illness ( which helps people with mental health problems, and their loved ones. It has a Siblings Network. If she's in denial, you could also try talking to your sister's GP. Tell them you're worried she's a danger to herself and others. BLOKE'S PLAYING WITH MY FEELINGS DEAR DEIDRE: I KNOW I should leave my on-off boyfriend, but every time I break up with him, he love bombs me until I take him back. I don't feel like he's really there for me and whenever he lets me down, I end up turning to drink. We've been in a relationship for five years and are both in our mid-30s. When we first started seeing each other, he was the perfect boyfriend – making me feel I was special. Then he disappeared. I was just starting to get over him, when he came back and started up with the love bombing again. Since then, we've been in this constant pattern. Our relationship is always conducted on his terms. It's making me feel so confused and I have no idea how he really feels about me. But I still love him. DEIDRE SAYS: This relationship doesn't sound healthy for you. Love bombing someone isn't the same as loving them – it's manipulation. He seems incapable of committing to a proper relationship, and after five years, things are highly unlikely to change. You deserve better. Read my support pack, Addictive Love, for more advice on how to deal with this type of relationship. Counselling could help. Perhaps it's time to take control and walk away from him for good. FEEL GUILTY FOR JAILING VILE EX DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN my abusive ex was sent to jail for his violent behaviour, I thought I'd finally feel safe and happy. But instead, I just feel sorry for him and I'm scared that when he comes out he will convince me to take him back. Advertisement We were together for ten years and have a daughter together. I'm 30 and he's 42. He was physically abusive throughout our relationship and it got worse when I was pregnant. I often felt in danger for my life. For a long time, I was scared to leave. Then I became afraid he'd start on our little girl. I told him I wanted to break up. He said if I left, he'd break both my legs and put me in hospital for months, so I couldn't look after her. I went to the police and got a non-molestation order. But he broke it. As he had previous convictions, he ended up being sent down for three years. Advertisement I can't move on. I keep thinking about him, feeling guilty that he's in jail because of me. I still love him and worry he might manipulate me into giving him another chance. What can I do to stop feeling like this? DEIDRE SAYS: He's in prison because of his own actions. You protected yourself and your daughter which was the right thing to do and have no reason to feel guilty. But your conflicted feelings are natural. You have a child together, and presumably some happy memories. Try to remind yourself how much he hurt you emotionally and physically. Advertisement Talking to one of the organisations listed in my support pack, Abusive Partner, and having counselling, will help you to work through your feelings and to build your strength so that you're in a stronger place mentally when he comes out. You can also get legal advice from Rights of Women ( 020 7251 6577).


NBC News
2 hours ago
- NBC News
U.S.-born Asian Americans no longer the healthiest group among older adults
For the first time in two decades, older Asian Americans are no longer the healthiest U.S.-born aging racial group with the lowest rates of disability, according to a study published last month in the Journals of Gerontology. The report focused on adults aged 50 and older, and used disability prevalence as an indicator for overall health. The paper shows that while disability rates have decreased among aging adults in every racial group, it's remained unchanged among U.S.-born Asian Americans. The findings suggest that one contributor to the stagnating disability rate is income inequality, which has impacted Asian Americans more than any other group in recent years. Previous research had shown that both foreign-born and U.S.-born Asian older adults had lower mortality and disability rates than their counterparts in other racial groups. According to the new report, non-Hispanic white Americans have overtaken Asians Americans as the healthiest U.S.-born population, with the lowest disability prevalence. 'This study shows that the 'model minority' stereotype is wrong about the overall experience of U.S.-born older Asians in terms of health,' said lead author Leafia Ye, an assistant sociology professor at the University of Toronto. The report is the first to focus solely on the health of U.S.-born Asians, a group that experts say has been understudied due to its limited population size. The study drew on data from the American Community Survey, which has a sample size of more than 18 million U.S.-born adults aged 50 and older. The sample size for U.S.-born Asians is roughly 116,000, Ye said. The study authors defined disability as any chronic physical or mental health condition that limits an older adult's self-care or independent living capacity, which includes carrying out tasks like eating, bathing and grocery-shopping without assistance. Two decades ago, just 5.5% of U.S.-born Asian elders had trouble living independently — compared with 7% of white and 14% of Black elders. From 2005 to 2022, the report found, disability rates fell by at least 2% among U.S.-born non-Hispanic white, Black, Hispanic and Indigenous populations, as well as all foreign-born groups. (Black older adults experienced the largest drop from 14% to 10%.) Among native-born older Asian Americans, however, the rate has stayed at 5.5%. Ye said the trends preceded the Covid-19 pandemic, so it's unlikely that rising anti-Asian racism was a key risk factor. 'What's striking about this study is that U.S.-born Asians are the only group that hasn't experienced improved outcomes,' said Mansha Mirza, principal investigator at the Aging Services Inclusive of Asian American Networks, a national technical assistance and resource development center focused on Asian Americans older adults. Mirza was not involved with the new study. The trend could be attributed to the fact that U.S.-born Asians 'are more assimilated into the American way of life,' Mirza said, while foreign-born Asians were more likely to 'retain practices from their home countries related to nutrition and diet.' Disability prevalence varies across the racial group. Cognitive disability is more prevalent in Vietnamese, Filipino and Japanese older adults, according to a 2024 paper in Innovation in Aging. For self-care disability, on the other hand, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino and Indian older adults have a higher prevalence. In the past, older Asian Americans have had better health outcomes than other groups because the large majority were foreign-born, Ye said. People with poorer health and lower socioeconomic status were less likely to resettle in another country, she said, so Asian immigrants became a 'very positively selected' group that's 'healthier and more successful economically compared with both the source and the destination populations.' By contrast, Ye said, U.S.-born Asians were immediately exposed to the country's cultural and political realities. Socioeconomic status has a particularly strong influence on health outcomes, as college-educated older Asian Americans saw a slight decline in disability, while those without a degree saw an increase. While the data didn't contain mental health measures, like loneliness and anxiety, Ye said it's possible that these conditions could have also contributed to stagnating health outcomes. 'In a way,' Ye said, 'U.S.-born Asians are both less selected and more exposed throughout their lifetime.' Mirza said a point of further study could be desegregated research on the impact of migration history on health outcomes. First-generation Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees, for example, survived war, famine and genocide. Research has shown that exposure to these adverse conditions could contribute to 'altered diets and physiological capacity' in their U.S.-born children, who are now advancing in age, Mirza said. Mirza also emphasized a need to study the impact of social isolation on Asian seniors, which she said is gradually emerging as a social determinant of health as much as smoking and alcohol use. 'We need to see what social isolation looks like for foreign-born Asians Americans and U.S.-born Asians Americans,' she said, 'and the extent to which social ties are preserved within these groups.'


The Courier
6 hours ago
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: 'Large-scale' investigation launched into Blairgowrie care home after complaint over care of resident
A 'large-scale' investigation has been launched into a Blairgowrie care home after a complaint over the care of a resident. Perth and Kinross care chiefs are probing Muirton House Care Home, which supports elderly people and those with dementia and learning difficulties. It follows a complaint from the family of a resident at the home, 40-year-old Heather Sandilands, who claimed she was not being given the proper care or support. The Care Inspectorate upheld a complaint made about Muirton House, including that Heather – who has Down syndrome and type one diabetes – was given 'inadequate access to meaningful social and recreational activities'. She was eventually moved from the Essendy Road home after eight years. Heather's sister Kirsty Cambridge, who is her welfare guardian, told The Courier that Muirton House seemed a good fit for her when she moved in. Kirsty said: 'She had a fantastic life there, better than I felt I could've provided myself. 'They were always out doing things, non-stop activities. 'I saw on Facebook all the things they were up to – they went to great lengths to make it a family home. 'Then came Covid, and all the activities stopped, and Heather started to have some behavioural issues. 'When lockdown passed, life went back to normal, but there were some staff changes at the home with new management. 'Heather used to spend the money I'd send her for when they were out doing things. 'I noticed she wasn't spending any money, and I could see on the Facebook photos her hair was long – she hates long hair. 'I phoned up to ask, and they told me they didn't have enough staff to take her out to do these things, like going to the hairdresser.' Kirsty claims Heather was being kept occupied by activities like cleaning her room instead of going swimming and out to eat food. 'Her life became like lockdown, and then the behaviour started again,' Kirsty said. 'I felt I had no alternative but to go to the Care Inspectorate.' All four parts of Kirsty's complaint to the Care Inspectorate were upheld. The watchdog found that: The report said: 'Ms Sandilands did not experience care planning reflective of her needs, wishes, choices and stress and distress symptom management.' Kirsty says when she saw the report, she was 'horrified' and it was 'actually worse than I realised'. In April 2025, Heather was given 28 days to leave Muirton House on the grounds it was unable to meet her clinical care needs. She has since been moved into a new care home in Clackmannanshire, closer to her sister. Off the back of concerns raised about the home, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership has launched a 'large-scale' investigation – a multi-agency probe that takes place when people may be at risk of harm in a care setting. The partnership is made up of representatives from Perth and Kinross Council, NHS Tayside and other agencies. A spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership is undertaking a large-scale inquiry into Muirton House. 'We are working with the provider, residents, other placing local authorities and families, as well as the Care Inspectorate, to ensure that any issues identified are resolved promptly and all residents receive the highest possible standards of care and support.' A spokesperson for Muirton House, which is run by Larchwood Care, said: 'It would not be right for us to discuss publicly any individual and their care needs. 'We are working with the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership to ensure that the care and support provided is of the required standard. 'The informal feedback has been very positive, and where necessary, changes have been made. 'We are confident in the care and support provided.'