PANAJI
Described as an 'angel', 'gem' and gentle human being Goa's top cardiologist Manjunath Desai, all of 45 years old, passed away early Sunday of a long term illness (Hodgkin Lymphoma) leaving Goa mourning and paying him rich tributes.
Dr Desai was the acting head of the fledgling cardiology department of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). He breathed his last at his ancestral home in Borim and was cremated later in the day where hundreds attended to pay their last respects.
Described as the backbone of GMC's cardiology department, he is credited with saving hundreds of lives conducting heart surgeries and procedures at the GMC.
Despite being ill himself, he carried on his work without complaints and suffering in silence. The news of his death left many bewildered and began trending on microblogging sites and social media platforms.
Several doctors at the GMC described him as humble, sincere and "100 per cent committed to his vocation. He was liked and admired by co-workers, students and patients.
As recently as in early August, Dr Desai headed the team that treated a rare heart disease and performed a rare procedure to save the life of a 9-month-old male infant at the GMC.
His passing away is the second major loss for GMC in less than three months. Earlier in July, Dr Rachita Gupta-Velho fell victim to post Covid-19 complications.
Both Desai and Gupta-Velho were crucial hands in the premier health institution's medical fraternity's herculean efforts in the fight against Covid.
In fact, Desai and his team at the Cardiology department of GMC have treated and operated on dozens of both Covid and post-Covid patients through difficult working conditions and situations in the pandemic.
People across all sections of society expressed sadness over his passing away and paid tributes to the yeomen services he rendered to hundreds of heart patients.
