Dr. Ravin Sadhai OAM, a dedicated medical practitioner from Bacchus Marsh, has been recognized with an Order of Australia Medal as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours. His innovative community health initiatives, including the “Pub Clinic” and the “Ladies Lounge,” have transformed how medical care is accessed and delivered in his region.
Dr. Sadhai launched the Pub Clinic in 2008 after observing a disturbing trend: many men in their forties and fifties were passing away without having undergone routine medical check-ups. He realized traditional settings weren’t effective in reaching these individuals. “Most blokes don’t generally listen to what you say if you simply sit them down and force them to listen,” he noted. The Pub Clinic provides a relaxed atmosphere where men can gather, enjoy a drink, and engage in casual conversations about health.
This initiative has flourished over the past 17 years, drawing nearly 130 attendees to its most recent event in 2025. At the Pub Clinic, participants receive health assessments such as blood pressure and sugar level tests, alongside valuable advice about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Sadhai reported that anecdotal evidence indicates more men are now visiting their general practitioners for necessary tests following their participation in the Pub Clinic.
Expanding Health Access for Women
The success of the Pub Clinic led to the establishment of the Ladies Lounge, which focuses on women’s health issues. This initiative mirrors the casual, welcoming environment of the Pub Clinic, offering women a space to discuss their health concerns and seek information from medical professionals.
Dr. Sadhai’s commitment to community health extends beyond these initiatives. He has been a familiar face in Bacchus Marsh since 2005, when he began serving as a medic for the local football club. His role as a medic for the Victorian Football League further solidified his connection to the community, allowing him to maintain relationships with players who have since become patients.
While Dr. Sadhai finds joy in sports medicine, he considers his work in palliative care to be the most rewarding. “As a GP, most of our interactions with patients are transactional. But in palliative care, you very quickly develop a deep understanding of your patients,” he explained. His dedication to these patients provides him with a sense of privilege and purpose.
A Legacy of Community Service
Receiving the OAM is a significant moment for Dr. Sadhai, who credits his success to the support of his family, particularly his late father, Dr. Jay Sadhai. After emigrating from South Africa in 1977 at the age of seven, Dr. Sadhai witnessed his father’s profound impact on the Bacchus Marsh community. Dr. Jay Sadhai practiced medicine in the town for 30 years and was also an active anti-apartheid activist. “He’s the biggest inspiration in my life,” Dr. Sadhai said, highlighting the values of hard work and community service instilled in him by his father.
The legacy of Dr. Sadhai’s father continues through the Pub Clinic, the Ladies Lounge, and other initiatives aimed at fostering strong relationships with patients. These connections not only contribute to individual health improvements but also strengthen the fabric of the Bacchus Marsh community.
Dr. Ravin Sadhai OAM’s recognition serves as a testament to the impact of innovative approaches to health care and the importance of community engagement in promoting wellbeing.
