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Fourth GP dies with coronavirus

A GP has become the fourth to sadly die with coronavirus (Covid-19).

Dr Krishan Arora, 57, was a senior partner at Violet Lane Medical Practice in Croydon, where he had worked for 27 years, and clinical director of GPNet5 primary care network. He sadly died on Wednesday (15 April).

In a statement, Violet Lane Medical Practice said: ‘Dear patients, it is with great sadness that the practice has to inform you Dr Krishan Arora died on 15 April. 

‘Dr Arora had been at Violet Lane Medical Practice since 1993, he will be sadly missed by his colleagues and his patients.

‘Our condolences go out to his wife and family at this sad time. Please bear with the practice at this sad time.’

Dr Arora graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1988, and had particular interests in family medicine, allergy and dermatology.

He is survived by his wife and children, including a daughter who is also a doctor. 

NHS South West London CCG stated that he self-isolated at home upon developing symptoms, and was not at work in the time before his death.

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, GP lead for the borough of Croydon, said: ‘We are all greatly saddened by the death of Dr Krishan Arora.

‘Krish was extremely well-liked and worked tirelessly to care for his patients and improve services for everyone in Croydon.

‘Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Krish’s family, friends and close colleagues at this difficult time.’

In a message to all Croydon GPs, Dr Fernandes added: ‘It is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know that Dr Krishan Arora passed away last night, Wednesday 15 April 2020. He had tested positive for Covid-19. 

‘Krish was a highly valued member of our Croydon GP community. As a driver for innovation, Krish greatly contributed to the development of general practice in Croydon throughout his career.

‘Krish was extremely well liked by his patients and peers and worked tirelessly to care for his patients and improve services for everyone in Croydon. We will miss him.

‘I know you will all join me in sending our thoughts and deepest sympathies to Krish’s family, friends and close colleagues at this difficult time. Messages of condolences can be sent to the practice at Violet Lane Medical Practice, 231 Violet Lane, Croydon, CR0 4HN.’

Three other GPs, Dr Fayaz Ayache, Dr Syed Haider and Dr Habib Zaidi, have died with Covid-19, as have at least 50 NHS staff.

The Government has now launched a review into why people from BAME backgrounds appear to be disproportionately affected by the virus. The BMA previously called for this, as well as warning that GPs ‘will die’ without proper PPE.