Coronavirus: Indian doctor on frontline dies of Covid-19 in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - The Indian doctor from Nagpur, Maharashtra state, breathed his last on Saturday and his funeral was held on Sunday morning.

A frontline doctor who took care of Covid-19 patients in Abu Dhabi died of the virus. Dr Sudhir Rambhau Washimkar was an internal medicine specialist at Burjeel Royal Hospital, Al Ain. He was 61.
The Indian doctor from Nagpur, Maharashtra state, breathed his last on Saturday and his funeral was held on Sunday morning.
VPS Healthcare mourned the loss of a Covid-19 warrior, hailing Dr Sudhir as a selfless doctor, who was always available to his patients.
He was a frontliner who passionately treated and attended to Covid patients since the outbreak began. He tested positive for the virus on May 9. Two days later, he was transferred to Al Ain Hospital for treatment.
Dr Arun Menon, regional director for VPS Healthcare's Al Ain region, said the Dr Sudhir's demise was a "great loss for the institution".
"Dr Sudhir became a member of VPS family in 2018. He joined as an internal medicine specialist. A very experienced and skillful doctor, he always adorned a smile on his face. Humble and gentle, he was a master at his work and one of the most popular doctors in the hospital. He valued his profession the most and was always keen to attend to his patients at any time."
Dr Menon remembered him as someone who had always been determined to serve patients, especially when Covid struck.
"He was one of the most courageous and bravest frontline warriors at the forefront in giving care to the patients since the beginning of the outbreak of the pandemic in the UAE. The staff at Burjeel Royal Hospital and the entire VPS family will miss him," he said.
Dr Sudhir is survived by his wife and two sons, both of whom are pursuing medicine.
Dr Menon extended VPS Healthcare's full support to the bereaved family. "They are part of our great family and will continue to be so. We will be taking care of all their needs," he said.
The group will now fulfil Dr Sudhir's dream of making his children doctors.
"VPS Healthcare will take up the responsibility of financing the education of the children and will bear the entire cost of about Dh300,000 annually until the completion of their studies," Dr Menon added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi