TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to a top Dublin doctor who tragically passed away yesterday after a three-month battle with coronavirus.
Dr Syed Waqar Ali had been caring for patients with coronavirus in Dublin's Mater Misericordiae University Hospital when he himself fell ill with the virus.
After a three month battle with the virus in the hospital where he had treated patients with the same disease, Dr Ali passed away yesterday, drawing an outpouring of love, support and tributes to the brave doctor.
Dr Syed Waqar Ali passed away after a three month battle with Covid-19 (Gofundme)His daughter, Dr Samar Fatima Ali yesterday spoke to RTÉ News where she described her beloved father as a "hero".
"There are no words for the battle he fought every day," Dr Ali said.
"He's been an outstanding doctor and the best dad we could have asked for.
"It was very difficult to see our father in so much pain. My dream was to work with my father and to work together someday.
"There's still a Dr Ali and she will carry on his legacy."
"He's been an outstanding doctor and the best dad we could have asked for” – Samar Fatima Ali, daughter of Dr Syed Waqqar Ali, pays tribute to her father. Dr Ali died after contracting Covid-19 and spending three months in ICU | More: https://t.co/tyLSF0qBEN pic.twitter.com/qcKSHS8j0x
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 22, 2020
The hospital in which he had both cared for and been cared in yesterday released a statement confirming his sad passing, and described 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."
Dr Ali's former colleagues yesterday held a minute's silence in the Emergency Department of the Mater Hospital to remember the doctor and send their thoughts and prayers to his family, including his six children.
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
Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid said there were "no words [to] express the sadness at the passing of someone who knowingly puts their life at risk to protect the rest of us."
Dr Ali Shah is the seventh medical worker to pass away from Covid-19 in Ireland since the pandemic began.
May he rest in peace.
