A well-known doctor, Dr Vinod Mahabir, passed away at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Arima General Hospital shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
Mahabir’s younger brother, Dr Dhiyan Mahabir, also succumbed to the disease three months ago.
Dr Mahabir was well known for his work at the Golden Grove Prison.
United National Congress MP Khadijah Ameen offered sympathies on behalf of the people of her St. Augustine constituency and her own family.
In a release, Ameen described him as “a renowned, dedicated and committed physician and DMO and worked for decades as the physician for the Golden Grove Prison.”
“He operated his office on Eastern Main Road, Arouca, where he served an abundance of patients on a daily basis. Dr Mahabir selflessly served his community and by extension the country. Dr Mahabir was committed to his profession, and many times would treat patients without charge. He was one of seven siblings, four of whom were medical practitioners and would often consult with one another,” she said.
However, since news broke of his passing, many people took to social media to express their grief.
Journalist Urvashi Tiwari-Roopnarine said on Facebook he was her family’s doctor.
“I’ve known Dr Mahabir for decades and during that time he became more than a doctor to my family. He became our advisor, confidante and well-wisher.
He was very proud of his roots and culture.
Educated in India, Dr Mahabir worked his way to and remained, until his death, one of the most respected physicians in T&T,” she said.
Another Facebook user, Davie Lutchman recounted her times visiting him as a patient.
“My No 1 and only Doctor. For almost 20 years. I remember you always know I going and bawl for injections you would hide the amount from me and just hit me my 3 or 4 one after the next. I would’ve always told you that blue outfit look good on you. This death hit very hard. I am sure you went straight to heaven you did God’s work what he sent you here to do. May you forever rest in peace. Love you, Dr Mahabir,” she said.
Ria Kissoon said on Facebook she felt “so numb” hearing the news.
“Saved me and my family so many times. R.I.P Uncle,” she said.
Mahabir is the fourth doctor to succumb to COVID-19 according to information in the public domain. On May 9, Shiva Sieunarine died in the Accident and Emergency Department at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.
On May 12 Dr Maniram Rampaul died.
Dr Dhiyan Mahabir died in the Accident and Emergency Department at the San Fernando General Hospital’s ICU.
