Doctor in Karachi loses battle against coronavirus but wins hearts

Dr Abdul Qadir Soomro established a special ward for virus-infected patients at Al-Khidmat Hospital

KARACHI: A senior doctor and leading dermatologist Dr Abdul Qadir Soomro died from coronavirus in Karachi on Monday, raising safety concerns among health professionals who have been fighting the pandemic on the frontline.

Dr Soomro breathed his last at a local hospital, becoming the third doctor in the country to succumb to the virus.

The virus has claimed 51 lives so far while at least 257 coronavirus patients have recovered. The nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients too has soared past 3,700.

The late doctor was tested positive with COVID-19 on April 2 and was admitted to Indus Hospital.

He established a special ward for coronavirus-infected patients at Al-Khidmat Hospital and was on the forefront in fight against the deadly virus.

Cops clash with protesting doctors in Quetta

Dr Soomro was the former president of Pakistan Islamic Medical Association Sindh and also held the post of medical superintendent at Steel Mills Hospital.

On his demise, the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association, Pakistan Medical Association, the Young Doctors Association and various other organisations related to the health sector expressed their deep grief and sorrow.

Dr Soomro was born on February 1, 1956. He completed MBBS from Chandka Medical College, Larkana in 1981.

During his time as a student, he remained the nazim for Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba Sindh.

Dr Soomro obtained a diploma in dermatology and served as a skin specialist and family physician for 38 years. He also served as the Sindh president and vice president for nationwide organisation PIMA.

With hospitals stressed, US enters 'peak death week' in coronavirus crisis

He was also the incumbent vice president for Al-Khidmat Foundation Sindh and its former general secretary.

Dr Soomro spent his whole life serving humanity and died while assisting his nation in the fight against coronavirus.

(With additional input from Anadolu Agency)