The former chairman of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) receives the British Empire Medal for services to health and diversity in Greater Manchester.
Dr Bhatiani was a GP in Bolton for 40 years and a senior partner at Peter House Surgery, Westhoughton, before retiring three years ago.
He led the development of Bolton CCG – the organisation that was responsible for most local health services until it was replaced by NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care this year – and was its chairman for nine years until 2021.
Among other things, he was a trustee of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Bolton Arena and Bolton Hospice.
Dr Bhatiani said: “It is an honour and a privilege to receive this recognition; this reflects the work of the CCG working in partnership with our GPs, the hospital, the council and the voluntary sector.
“My thoughts are currently with the health and care staff who are working in an extremely difficult situation.”
Fiona Noden, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care – Bolton place-based lead for health and care integration, said: “A massive congratulations to Wirin for receiving the British Empire Medal.
“Wirin has made such an incredible difference for people throughout Bolton during so many years and this recognition is so well deserved.”
New Year Honours have been awarded to an array of NHS staff including frontline doctors and nurses, hospital volunteers and leaders in the world-beating Covid vaccination programme.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “As the NHS heads into its 75th year, I am delighted to see the fantastic work of so many of my excellent health service colleagues reflected again in this year’s honours, including many for their work during the pandemic and the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
“I want to congratulate all those receiving recognition today for their fantastic efforts.”
