PRESS RELEASE
30 March 2020
MCB and BIMA express gratitude to all NHS staff, and pay tribute to physicians who have lost their lives
Today, the MCB and the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) recognise the invaluable work of the three doctors in the UK who have lost their lives in recent days to Coronavirus. These three physicians were all Muslims who had illustrious careers in healthcare and in the NHS.
Dr Adil El Tayar died on 25 March in London after having been tested positive for coronavirus and being admitted into intensive care. Dr El Tayar was an organ transplant consultant who became the first working NHS doctor to die in the UK from COVID-19. On 27 March, Dr Habib Zaidi, a GP from Essex, passed away while being treated for suspected coronavirus. Dr Zaidi had been a GP for more than 45 years, and if test results confirm he had COVID-19, would be the first doctor in the UK to die after contracting the virus. Amged El-Hawrani died on 28 March in intensive care while being treated for suspected coronavirus. Mr El-Hawrani was an ear, nose and throat consultant, and the first senior medic to pass away of Coronavirus. Post-script: On 31 March, news was announced of the sad passing of Dr Alfa Sa’adu, a Nigerian-born retired Geriatric Physician in London as well.
The tragic loss of these lives are a stark reminder of the sacrifices given by so many in public service. All staff in the NHS and in health and social care are working tirelessly to protect the lives of their fellow Britons, making extraordinary contributions to public life which are beyond measurable.
The Coronavirus pandemic has sadly taken the lives of over 1,000 individuals in the UK, many of whom were Muslim. Thousands of Muslims across Britain will have been affected by the loss of a loved one from COVID-19, and we pray for their health and forbearance.
Commenting, Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB said:
“Today we pay tribute to the incredible work of Dr Adil El Tayar, Dr Habib Zaidi and Amged El-Hawrani, who dedicated their lives to helping others. Our society is undoubtedly poorer without them, but we thank them for their service and offer our condolences to their families and loved ones. We pray Allah forgives them, accepts their deeds and grants their families patience and relief.
“It is not possible to pay tribute to these three sterling individuals without recognising the incredible work of all staff in the NHS, who are giving all of their time and energy to serving their nation, helping the vulnerable, and keeping us all safe. These are trying times for all of us, but it is our healthcare workers who are bearing the brunt of this.
“We thank them for all of their hard work, recognise their tremendous efforts, and heed the advice of medical professionals to take all necessary precautions, stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
Dr Sharif Al Ghazal, President of BIMA, said:
“The medical and the Muslim community mourns the loss of these brilliant individuals. Dr Adil El Tayyar, Dr Habib Zaidi and Amged El-Hawrani were senior clinicians who were devoted to their profession and to serving their communities. They have given the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their patients, and for this, we are incredibly grateful.
“We urge everyone to follow public health advice for their own safety and the safety of everyone working in the NHS. Everyone must stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
ENDS
This post was updated on 1 April 2020 to include Dr Alfa Sa’adu, who sadly passed away on 31 March 2020.