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Eminent GP and NHS campaigner Dr Kailash Chand dies

Eminent GP and NHS campaigner Dr Kailash Chand dies

Long-term Pulse contributor Dr Kailash Chand has died suddenly, leaving GP colleagues mourning a lifelong mentor and the NHS a staunch defender.

Dr Chand, a renowned and passionate GP who remained active in campaigning, politics, writing and policy long after his retirement from clinical work, died in Greater Manchester where he lived.

His son, Dr Aseem Malhotra, shared the news on Twitter that he had suffered a cardiac arrest at home late yesterday afternoon.

Hundreds of tributes have already poured in for Dr Chand, who also blogged regularly for Pulse over the decades.

Dr Chand, who died aged 73, moved to England from India in 1978, and went onto dedicate his life to one of service to the NHS.

As well as routinely contributing to various forms of media, he had been named an honourary vice president of the BMA, of which he also sat as deputy chair of the council. He was also awarded an OBE for his service.

He was a vocal defender of a public and sufficiently funded NHS, who would always do all he could to provide morale to the workforce, including during the current Covid pandemic.

Dr Chand, who was also a well-known figure in his home area of Tameside and worked closely on local and political issues such as homelessness, was passionate about anti-racism.

His many blogs for Pulse often divided opinion, but few readers could disagree with the energy and commitment he gave to his words.

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Among the many fellow GPs, organisational bodies, political leaders and members of the local community offering their condolences were former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who shared his ‘sadness’ at the loss of the ‘true socialist who always defended our NHS’, and thanked him for ‘a wonderful life of care’.

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth recalled reading his views in Pulse:

Former shadow Chancellor John McDonnell summed him up as a ‘courageous voice speaking out to expose the impact of poverty and inequality on people’s health’.

Further tributes heralded him as an ‘icon’, ‘a pillar of our society’, an ‘immense worth to humanity’ and ‘a visionary’.

Dr Chand is survived by his cardiologist son Dr Malhotra. His beloved wife Dr Anisha Malhotra, also a GP, died in November 2018.

Dr Chand was a long-term friend of Pulse, and a friend of so many. His loss will be keenly felt, and his presence sorely missed. If you would like to contribute further comments in tribute, do send them to Ellie at eleanorphilpotts@cogora.com.


          

READERS' COMMENTS [13]

Please note, only GPs are permitted to add comments to articles

Michael Mullineux 27 July, 2021 10:15 am

A staunch passionate and principled advocate of the NHS who never gave up trying and led by example. Condolences to his family. RIP Dr Chand

Anthony Everington 27 July, 2021 10:18 am

I am very sad. He was such a great friend and mentor to many of us. Always gently, kind and full of wisdom. A true leader that has had enormous influence on me and so many others in the NHS.
best wishes,
Sam Everington

Raj Patel 27 July, 2021 11:03 am

Deeply saddened by Kailash’s sudden departure. A leader, a friend, a mentor. Someone who called me his little brother over 30 years. I will desperately miss you, Kailash. Raj Patel

Patrufini Duffy 27 July, 2021 12:33 pm

RIP – timeless souls.

Subhash Chandra Bhatt 27 July, 2021 12:48 pm

Very very sad news .he was my friend and worked hard for Tameside and Glossop through LMC and CCG .
He was voice for gps and patients.
We all will miss him.
RIP dear Kailash

Dylan Summers 27 July, 2021 1:04 pm

I only knew Kailash through these pages but I will miss him.

John Glasspool 27 July, 2021 1:53 pm

Really sad news.

Dr N 27 July, 2021 4:34 pm

A great man, a great loss

Vinci Ho 27 July, 2021 6:05 pm

Life can be so fragile but belief is potent .
A legacy at a historic time will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace , my honourable friend .

James Cuthbertson 27 July, 2021 6:56 pm

His articles always displayed his obvious passion for improving the health of the nation. A sad loss

Scottish GP 27 July, 2021 7:10 pm

A good man.

David Mummery 27 July, 2021 8:08 pm

Yes total integrity and full of wisdom. RIP

Paul Cundy 29 July, 2021 9:07 am

A Great loss. He will be looking down on us with his wry smile.