Sam Ramaiah obituary

Sam Ramaiah, who has died aged 62 from a sudden heart attack, had been Walsall's director of public health since 1993, and was visiting professor of health and wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton. He qualified in Bangalore in 1972; and made the transition to Britain in some style, acquiring new tastes and revelling in the culture and customs of his adopted homeland, while retaining his pride in all things Indian. He began work for the NHS in Wales and Middlesbrough. In the West Midlands, as "Dr Walsall", he built a flourishing department that led local efforts to reduce inequalities and improve health. Sam was a tremendous networker, enabling, empowering and enthusing others with his vision. He attracted talented and skilled staff, including a steady stream of public-health trainees, some of whom stayed on or later returned to Walsall. He loved his job. His working day often extended into an evening meal and a drink with colleagues in his favourite restaurant in Walsall. One of these "curry evening" discussions led to the creation of Welcome – an informal voluntary group of NHS managers, doctors and public-health workers devoted to promoting the cause of minority and disadvantaged groups. Sam loved company, blending workplace colleagues and family friends into one large circle. Diwali, Christmas, New Year's Eve, birthdays, anniversaries, a bright summer's day or no particular occasion at all, Sam needed little to justify making an event of it. He is survived by his wife Jyothi, daughter, India, and son, Bharath.