In a heartwarming nod to one of its healthcare pioneers, Abu Dhabi has etched the name ‘George Matthew Street’ near Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. This isn’t just any street; it’s a tribute to Dr. George Matthew, an energetic 84-year-old whose journey in the UAE began back in 1967.
A Tribute to the First Indian Doctor Who Made UAE His Second Home
Abu Dhabi Honours Dr. George Matthew with Street Name for Six Decades of #Healthcare Contributions#UAE #AbuDhabi @UAEembassyIndia pic.twitter.com/mpAIDmb36I
— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) July 12, 2024
Dr. Matthew, originally hailing from Kerala, India, embarked on his UAE odyssey at the tender age of 26, long before the Emirates’ meteoric rise to global acclaim. Back then, the landscape was far from today’s gleaming skyscrapers and state-of-the-art medical facilities. With his stethoscope and a missionary’s tale of Al Ain’s charm in mind, Dr. Matthew’s decision to forsake a potential life in the US for the UAE proved serendipitous.
Dr George Matthew Transforming Healthcare In Al Ain
His appointment as Al Ain’s inaugural government doctor marked the beginning of a transformative era in local healthcare. He started from modest beginnings in makeshift clinics & eventually took the role of Al Ain’s medical director. Later, he was bestowed with the title of a trusted health authority consultant, Dr. Matthew’s journey mirrors the UAE’s evolution.
Beyond medical milestones, Dr. Matthew’s anecdotes are interwoven with UAE history. Recollections of treating injuries in rudimentary conditions and forging enduring bonds with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan underscore his integral role in community health. His thirst for knowledge saw him journeying to England to master tropical disease management and to Harvard for specialised hospital administration studies.
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A Legacy Carved In Stone
Today, his contributions echo through the corridors of Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and beyond. Here his legacy as a mentor to countless healthcare professionals endures. His daughter, Maryam (known fondly as Priya), continues the family’s legacy in the public sector. This is a testament to Dr. Matthew’s enduring influence.
The UAE’s gesture of renaming a street after Dr. George Matthew is more than just a tribute. It’s a celebration of resilience, dedication, and the enduring spirit of community that defines this remarkable nation. Also, this is a reminder of the profound impact one can have on a nation.
Cover Image Courtesy: AbuDhabiAwards/YT, UAEForsan/X
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