GB Doctor Who Contracted Coronavirus While On Duty Passes Away
Dr Usama Riaz, a doctor in Giglit Baltistan who was under treatment in critical condition after contracting coronavirus while screening pilgrims returning from Iran, has passed away. He was placed on a ventilator two days ago.
Osama was busy screening pilgrims returning from Iran and other areas to Gilgit Baltistan (GB) when he contracted coronavirus and was tested positive for the disease. He remained in critical condition before losing battle for his life.
Gilgit Baltistan’s health department has confirmed the death.
The doctor hailed from Chilas area of Diamer district in GB. He was taken to Gilgit District Headquarter Hospital on Friday night.
According to Pakistan Today, he office bearers of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) had said that lack of protective measures and the government’s negligence was the reason for Dr Usama’s condition. They had also said that Usama could have been saved from the virus had he been given the required medical equipment like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits specific to coronavirus.
Meanwhile, social media users have paid glowing tributes to the doctor.
Doctor Usama Riaz lost his life while fighting against # Coronavirus
Gilgit-Baltistan government has declared Dr. Usama Riaz national hero for playing his role on the front-line of the battle against #COVID-19.
Dr Usama, 26, was the first Pakistani doctor who got affected. pic.twitter.com/JK5rxqTiJm— Afan (@AfanRoz) March 22, 2020
We all prayed for Dr Osama….he could not survive
26 year old Dr.Usama from Gigit who tested positive for Covid-19 and was on the ventilator for two days passes away. He was treating coronavirus patients who returned from Taftan despite adequate protective.
You are a hero doc! pic.twitter.com/pInMvAhS6K— Dr Pooja Tripathi (@Pooja_Tripathii) March 22, 2020
انالله وانا اليه لراجعون Rest in Peace Dr. Usama! Our real heroes are doctors, nurses and anyone actively fighting against #Covid19 in Pakistan. Please equip them with proper protective gear. https://t.co/bUuA6lBn4R
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) March 22, 2020
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