For Indian PhD researcher and educator Jinal Parmar, improving health is about more than treating illness — it is about ensuring people have a fair opportunity to live healthy lives.
Parmar, who came to Australia from India, is pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Western Sydney University while working with the university’s Health Equity across the Lifecourse (HEAL) Research Lab and teaching health science and public health students.
Her community-focused work has now earned her the 2026 Western Sydney University Unsung Hero Award, part of the annual ZEST Awards recognising contributions across Greater Western Sydney.
Parmar’s research focuses on health equity among culturally and linguistically diverse communities, particularly the barriers created by language, culture, health literacy and access to healthcare.
One recent study involving 309 Indian migrants with Type 2 diabetes in Greater Western Sydney found that more than two-thirds had low health literacy, while almost 69 per cent reported low medication adherence.
The findings reinforced Parmar’s belief that better health outcomes require culturally appropriate support and a deeper understanding of people’s lived experiences.
Parmar first studied at Western Sydney University in 2015, completing a Master of Public Health in 2017. After working in research and health-related roles, she returned in 2021 to begin her PhD.
Today, she combines research, teaching and community engagement, with a focus on turning evidence into practical solutions.
For Parmar, the award is recognition of work that often happens quietly — through conversations, trust-building and helping people navigate the healthcare system.
Her hope is that her work will ultimately be remembered not for a single paper or award, but for helping create more equitable and inclusive health outcomes.
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