The Kenya medical fraternity is mourning after another senior doctor succumbed to Covid-19 complications.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) on Saturday confirmed the death of Dr. Nira Patel.
In a statement, KMPDU noted that Dr. Patel was a dental surgeon specializing in orthodontics.
“We mourn the passing on of Dr. Nira Patel due to COVID-19 complications. A dental surgeon specialized in orthodontics, a mentor to many, and was recently bestowed with the life membership of the Kenya Dental Association. Condolences to the family & friends. May her soul Rest In Peace,” said KMPDU.
Dr. Nira Patel adds to the growing number of doctors who have succumbed to Covid-19.
On Friday, Dr. Anthony Were, who was working as a consultant at the Kenyatta National Hospital, succumbed to the virus. Dr. Were, a nephrologist, was in the Intensive Care Unit for more than two weeks before succumbing.
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Dr. Chibanzi Mwachonda eulogized Dr. Were as a teacher, mentor, and leader in nephrology, saying he was the president of the African Association of Nephrology and the deputy director of the East African kidney institute.
In the past two weeks, at least six senior doctors have succumbed to Covid-19.
On Friday last week, Dr. Emarah Ashraf, Dr. Vladimir Schukin, Dr. Hudson Inyangala, Dr. Robert Ayisi, and Dr. Hudson Alumera succumbed to the virus.
Initially, KMPDU had issued a 21-day strike notice calling on the government to offer medical practitioners insurance and effective Personal Protective Equipment.
