A DOCTOR who worked at a number of hospitals in Dublin during the coronavirus pandemic has died after contracting the virus himself.
Dr Syed Waqqar Ali passed away after spending three months in ICU at Mater Hospital.
Dr Ali was a frontline healthcare worker who "provided selfless emergency care to Covid 19 patients at a number of hospitals as a locum during this emergency pandemic", the hospital said in a statement.
"He had been due to begin a shift at the Mater Hospital in April when he felt unwell. He asked to be seen as a patient and was admitted immediately with Covid 19 illness," it said.
"His colleagues remember him as a hardworking and diligent doctor with a humble and down to earth personality.
"The Mater Hospital extends its deepest sympathies to Dr Syed Waqqar Ali’s wife, family and loved ones at this very sad time."
Observing a minute’s silence before handover from the night shift in Mater ED. @MaterTrauma Remembering Dr Waqar Ali. RIP. Condolences and Sympathies to his family his friends and his colleagues. #FrontlineHero #FrontlineSacrifice pic.twitter.com/dUGWvvuZUy
— geroconnor (@drgeroconnor) July 22, 2020
HSE chief executive Paul Reid has also paid tribute to Dr Ali this afternoon and said in a statement that he had learned with great sadness of the doctor's passing.
"In common with his colleagues, I know he worked diligently and selflessly to care for patients at all times, and particularly during the pandemic," Reid said.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said the death of Dr Syed Waqqar Ali "is a matter of sorrow for every health professional in Ireland".
"The IMO extends our deepest sympathy to Dr Shah’s family and colleagues. This tragedy reminds us of the risks faced and sacrifices made by health professionals in the fight against Covid-19."
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) also paid tribute, saying that he was an "exemplary medical professional with an immense dedication to public service".
"His expertise, care and warmth made an impression with patients and colleagues alike," it said.
