Dr Habib becomes 'first doctor to die of coronavirus’ in UK

LONDON: The family of a respected British Pakistani General Physician (GP) in Essex recently confirmed his death in what was said to be the first coronavirus-related death of a doctor in the United Kingdom.

The family of Dr Habib Zaidi, a 76-year-old GP, said he died while being treated for what was probably coronavirus. Dr Zaidi passed away at the intensive care unit of Essex`s Southend Hospital just 24 hours after he fell ill.

He was tested for Covid19 but died in hospital before the outcome of the test was known.

His daughter Dr Sarah Zaidi, who too is a GP, said he showed “textbook symptoms” of the virus.

“For that to be the thing that took him is too much to bear. It is reflective of his sacrifice. He had a vocational attitude to service,” his daughter added.

The family expressed regret that the deceased doctor would not be given a proper funeral as the United Kingdom is under lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. At present, the UK has 11,658 confirmed cases of coronavirus and has reported 578 deaths.

Dr Habib Zaidi worked as a GP in Leigh-on-Sea for more than 45 years. He was a managing partner of Eastwood Group Practice with his wife Dr Talat Zaidi.

-MN Report