My father, Samuel Bhima, who has died aged 97, was a trailblazing African obstetrician and gynaecologist who was dedicated to women’s health in his homeland, Nyasaland (now Malawi), and the UK.
Sam was the first black doctor to practise in Nyasaland and the country’s first – and from 1969 to 1973 the only – specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist. He helped to change healthcare for women in the country despite being twice exiled under the autocratic leadership of Dr Hastings Banda.
