Montgomery County’s Asian Pacific American Advisory Group (APAAG) has released a new “Health Care Providers Handbook on Sikh Patients” to help medical professionals deliver culturally competent and respectful care.
According to the news release, it is adapted from a guide developed by Queensland Health in Australia and is designed for local use and reflects the needs of the county’s Sikh community, which includes about 10,000 residents. The project was led by APAAG Co-Chair Ishani Chowdhury, who previously helped develop a similar guide focused on Hindu patients.
The handbook encourages patient-centered care and provides guidance on religious practices, dietary considerations, modesty, communication, and end-of-life care, as well as information on the Five Articles of Faith. Marc Elrich said the resource helps ensure patients receive care that respects their beliefs and traditions. APAAG said the guide is intended to strengthen trust between providers and patients and improve health outcomes, and it is available through the Asian American Health Initiative website, with a similar handbook on Muslim patients planned for release in 2027.
