Corona Warrior: Indian Origin Dr Poornima Nair Passes Away In UK

Dr. Poornima Nair, an Indian origin doctor who had been practicing in the UK, has passed away from COVID-19. Two weeks after contracting the virus she was admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital in Stockton, UK. Since March 27^th Poornima was on life support.

It’s quite unbelievable that seven weeks down the line, as a practice we are having to mourn the death of someone so important to us and a real focal point of the surgery.

Poornima completed her medical education from the University of Delhi in 1987 and started practicing as a general practitioner after moving from India to the UK in 1997. Her practice in County Durham announced her death on Wednesday.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Dr. Poornima Nair, an Indian origin doctor passed away due to COVID-19.
• She was on life support since March 27th. She didn't have any underlying health complications.
  
• Two weeks after contracting the illness she was admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital in Stockton, UK.
• Poornima started practicing as a general practitioner after shifting to the UK from India in 1997

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Station View Medical Centre in north-east England, where Dr Poornima practiced stated in their announcement, “The practice is very sorry to announce to our patients the death of our much loved and valued colleague and friend Dr. Poornima Nair. Moreover, We are all devastated and upset by this tragic news and hope you will join us in our thoughts and prayers”.

Dr Poornima who was 56, was described as positive, encouraging and caring by the practice manager, Sarah Westgarth. "It’s quite unbelievable that seven weeks down the line, as a practice we are having to mourn the death of someone so important to us and a real focal point of the surgery. Above all  I really feel for her family- her mum, husband, and son," said Sarah.

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Tenth general practitioner in the UK to succumb to COVID-19

There is a long list of medical professionals of Indian origin who have died due to coronavirus. As per reports, Dr Poornima is the tenth general practitioner to have lost her life to coronavirus in the UK. In March, the world mourned the death of Iranian doctor Shirin Rouhani who got infected while treating coronavirus patients. A physician and general practitioner of Shohada Hospital in Iran, Rouhani kept treating patients despite her failing health. A photograph of her treating patients while being hooked to an IV went viral after her demise.

Image Credit: Hindustan Times

Shreya is an intern with SheThePeople.TV