Photos: Doctor under Covid-19 treatment in UAE gets birthday surprise from colleagues

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Abu Dhabi - Dr Asif Gani said the surprise birthday celebration on May 31 during such tough time has come as a morale booster for him.

by

Ashwani Kumar

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Published: Tue 2 Jun 2020, 4:30 PM

Last updated: Wed 3 Jun 2020, 8:27 AM

A doctor, who tested positive for Covid-19 and has been under treatment for a month, was surprised to find colleagues outside the patient room to celebrate his birthday.
Dr Asif Gani, operations director, Medeor Hospital, Al Ain, said the surprise birthday celebration on May 31 during such tough time has come as a morale booster for him.
"I tested positive for the infection on May 11. It is now nearly a month since I have been restricted to a patient room. I got calls from my family and friends wishing me on birthday. I wasn't expecting any other celebration, especially as I was hospitalised."
However, Dr Gani, 46, was in for a surprise as his colleagues turned up singing birthday song with a cake, balloons and a huge greeting card with wishes and prayers of Medeor Hospital staff.
"It was unexpected and comforting. It was an overwhelming moment and instilled confidence in me. I thank the entire team for their love and care."
Dr Gani has been at the forefront in managing the operations of the fever clinic and the emergency department since the pandemic broke out in the UAE. And he is clueless as to how he got infected.
"We had extensive arrangements at the hospital to deal with patients coming with varied symptoms. I was at all these places. I used to spend hours in the emergency department and fever clinic. I was careful and always used PPE but do not know how I got infected. There are chances that I contracted it from one of the patients."
'Keeps negative thoughts at bay'
Initially, Dr Gani had high temperature and infection in lungs, signs which made him depressed.
"My family is not here. Infection in lungs meant that any aggravation would require ventilator support as there would be breathing difficulty. I informed my family and they were very supportive and had a positive attitude towards my recovery. The motivation of the staff helped me a lot."
He got better after few days and now spends his time mostly working from his room.
Dr Gani noted that those who are infected and undergoing treatment should always try to be positive and motivated.
"Patients in hospital shouldn't bother too much reading about the viral infection and the increasing caseload around the world. This would make things grim. You should be engaging in activities that give you positive energy and keep negative thoughts at bay."
Dr Gani advised people to maintain physical distancing norms wherever they go and take precautionary measures to avoid infection.
Ligy Ranjith, nursing manager, Medeor Hospital, said the whole team prays for speedy recovery for Dr Gani and the birthday celebration was to comfort him. "We just wanted to show our love and care for him in a unique way. We are excited that he is also happy."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 


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