The heartbroken daughter of a Dublin doctor who tragically died in hospital has issued a warning over the danger of coronavirus.
Dr Syed Waqqar Ali had been cared for “diligently and attentively” for three months at Dublin’s Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.
He sadly passed away on Tuesday after his lengthy battle with Covid-19.
And his daughter Dr Samar Fatima Ali paid tribute to her "hero" father as he was laid to rest yesterday.
She told the Irish Times: “People are only finding out now that he’s a hero, but he’s been a hero to us our whole lives.
"He’s gone above and beyond for his patients, for his family, for his parents, for his sisters, for their children."
Dr Ali also pleaded with the public to follow all the public health guidelines to combat the killer bug.
She added: “The only way people will understand is if Covid hits them as hard as it hit us.
“If you’re not going to do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones, because life is really precious.”
Paul Reid, chief executive of the HSE, was another of those to heap praise on the brave doctor following his tragic death.
He said: “It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of Dr Waqar Ali Shah in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, following a long illness from Covid-19.
“Dr Shah is the eighth healthcare worker to die as a result of Covid-19.
“In common with his colleagues, I know he worked diligently and selflessly to care for patients at all times, and particularly during the pandemic.
“I wish to extend the sympathy of all in the HSE, and all healthcare staff, to Dr Shah’s wife, family and loved ones at this very sad time.
“My thoughts are also with all of his colleagues in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.”
