Dr Chand, a Greater Manchester GP for over 25 years before becoming chairman of NHS Tameside and Glossop, opposed the Health Act and his ‘Drop the Bill’ petition won over 179,000 signatures, making it the most popular e-petition.
Dr Chand denounces the NHS reforms as a recipe for both privatisation and disaster.
He said: ‘I am truly honoured to receive this national merit award in recognition of my commitment to the NHS. I will continue in my defence of the health service now it is under attack more than ever before.’
Dr Chand was given the award at Labour's conference in Manchester on Sunday.
