Sajayan, an Indian-origin doctor working in the National Health Service, has been awarded the first Imran Yousaf Memorial Award by the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

The award has been instituted in memory of Imran Yousaf, a Pakistan-origin doctor who committed suicide after being adversely affected by changes to immigration rules in March 2006.

When BAPIO initiated legal action against the changes, it needed an applicant who was willing to allow his name to be used as an individual in the court proceedings.

Yousaf, who faced the prospect of serious financial and other problems due to the rule changes, agreed to lend his name, but did not live to see his petition being upheld in the courts. He committed suicide in January 2007.

The award in his memory has been instituted to recognise contributions of young doctors towards the cause of International Medical Graduates.

"Sajayan has whole heartedly dedicated himself to the cause of IMGs whether it was organising the March or collecting funds for the legal case," said Ramesh Mehta, president of BAPIO.

Sajayan set up a special web site for the legal challenge and volunteered actively to help the IMGs affected by the changes to immigration rules.