JOIN USAs Kozhikode in Kerala grapples with the aftermath of a Nipah Virus (NiV) infection that killed six people in the district, an offer from distant Uttar Pradesh to serve the infected is winning hearts.
The offer came from Dr Kafeel Khan who worked in the Paediatrics Department of the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur where over 60 children died at the hospital due to lack of oxygen supply in August 2017.
Dr Khan who was hailed as a hero for his proactive interventions when tragedy struck but was later imprisoned for about seven months on charges of criminal conspiracy, attempt to commit culpable homicide and criminal breach of trust. In April, the Allahabad High Court granted him bail citing lack of evidence.
In a Facebook post, Dr Khan said he was trying to sleep after his namaz but was disturbed by the deaths due to Nipah virus and the rumours spreading on social media.
“I request Kerala Chief Minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives,” he said.
Dr Khan said Lini, the nursing assistant who died after contracting the virus while treating the infected, was an “inspiration” and he was “more than willing” to sacrifice his life for the noble cause.
The message was widely shared on social media with many welcoming him to the state. Vijayan said the state government was happy to provide the opportunity to doctors like Dr Khan to work for the infected people. He said Dr Khan was one of the many doctors who toiled in the face of danger to serve the society.
“Many medical professionals have expressed their interest to work in the Nipah-affected areas of Kozhikode. The Government of Kerala welcomes their service. Those who are interested in volunteering must contact the director of the Health Department or the Superintendent of the Government Medical College, Kozhikode,” he said.