K-P loses philanthropic Sikh doctor to Covid-19

Dr Chand served poor patients at his private clinic in Swabi

PESHAWAR: The province lost at least three more doctors to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), officials said on Monday.

The doctors include philanthropist medic Dr Phag Chand, Dr Aurangzeb - a pathologist at Peshawar Police Service Hospital, and Dr Azam - a pediatric at a local hospital in Nowshera.

Dr Phag Chand, a resident of Swabi, had been appointed as the Medical Superintendent (MS) at a public hospital in Swabi. However, after serving for a brief period there, he left the position and preferred to run his private clinic to help the poor.

A member of the local Sikh community, he charged a consultation fee as low as Rs50 from patients.

However, after protests from some members of the local medical fraternity, he was forced to raise his fees. He doubled it to a nominal Rs100.

The revered medical worker was known for his generosity and even bought medicines for those who could not afford it.

Another doctor succumbs to Covid-19 in K-P

K-P Health Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra paying tribute to the medical professional said in a statement on Sunday said: “We have lost two doctors today in K-P to coronavirus.”

“Nothing I say may ease the pain of the families of Dr Aurangzeb and Dr Azam. But as I pray for their souls, I urge all of you to do the same. This country will not forget the sacrifice and courage that our healthcare community is showing.”

On Monday, Adviser to K-P Chief Minister on Information Ajmal Wazir also paid tribute to the medics.

"We are proud of our doctors, nursing and paramedics staff and all front liners [workers of] Covid-19 and the entire nation salutes them.”

Wazir said that Dr Aurangzeb and Dr Azam sacrificed their lives for the nation, the sacrifices of doctors and medical staff against Covid-19 will not be in vain.