An 'incredibly dedicated' leading surgeon in Wales has died after contracting coronavirus.
Dad-of-two Jitendra Rathod was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after falling ill before being transferred to intensive care.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of his colleagues, Mr Rathod, a cardiothoracic surgeon, died on Monday morning.
The tragic news about the 58-year-old was confirmed by health officials on Monday evening, Wales Online reports.
A statement by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that Mr Jitendra Rathod, associate specialist in cardiothoracic surgery, has passed away.
"He died early this morning on our general intensive care unit after testing positive for Covid-19."
Mr Rathod, a specialist who operated on the heart, lungs and other thoracic (chest) organs, worked in the department of cardio-throacic surgery since the mid 1990s.
Known to colleagues and friends as Jitu he later had a brief stint abroad before retuning to UHW in 2006.
He was described as an "incredibly dedicated surgeon" who cared deeply for his patients and was highly regarded in the medical profession in Wales.
"He was well-liked and and greatly respected by one and all," the health board statement added.
"He was very compassionate and a wonderful human being. His commitment to the speciality was exemplary. He is survived by his wife and two sons."
Public Health Wales announced 27 further deaths related to the virus - bringing the country's total to 193.
A total of 5,373 people in the UK have died from coronavirus.
