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Tributes to Dr Kailash Chand OBE

Tributes to Dr Kailash Chand OBE

The enormously popular and committed GP, Dr Kailash Chand OBE, sadly died on the evening of Monday 26 July 2021. He was a long-term blogger for and friend of Pulse; GP in his home area of Tameside; active political campaigner nationwide; and defender of a fully-funded and public NHS.

Pulse’s news story shares a summary of his life – including how he moved from India in 1978 and became dedicated to the NHS – varied career, and plentiful achievements, which continued to span well into his retirement from clinical practise, and in fact into the day he died.

Dr Chand’s son, cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra, posted last night (26 July): ‘This will be the longest train journey of my life. On route to Manchester to say goodbye to the most wonderful, kind loving father in the world. I’m in total shock.’

Here, we are collating some of the many hundreds of tributes that have already been posted on social media or sent to us in the first 24 hours since this saddening news. If you would like to add your own at any time, please do send them to Ellie at eleanorphilpotts@cogora.com.

All of us at Pulse are grateful to have known Kailash, and his memory and legacy will live on.

Dr Radhakrishna Shanbhag, trauma and orthopaedic surgeon and member of the BMA Council – ‘Kailash Chand influenced everyone he came in contact with. He has been my guiding light. He will certainly be missed by one and all within the healthcare community and beyond… his extended family, who will now collectively grieve for him. He was without question, one of the giants of British healthcare. RIP.’

Dr Ameen Kamlana, GP in East London – ‘I spoke to Kailash over the phone for the first time a couple of months ago. He was so warm and supportive. I instantly felt like I was speaking with a community leader, uncle, and mentor. I’ll miss not having him around. There are few people in senior roles willing to speak truth to power. He was one. 

‘I came across a quote today on social media by Maryam Hasnaa, that reminds me of him: “My love language is truth.” He loved the NHS and its people, and hated the injustice of those with power over it. Kailash, you will continue to inspire me and many other NHS activists. Thanks for everything. Rest in power my friend.’

Dr Andy Hershon, GP in Manchester – ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Kailash Chand this afternoon. A very good man who did so much for primary care locally and nationally. He shall be sadly missed. Condolences and good wishes to all his family.’

Dr Raj Patel, deputy medical director of primary care at NHS England – ‘Deeply saddened by his sudden departure. A neighbour GP. My boss at Tameside and Glossop PCT. A leader, a friend, a mentor, a guide. Someone who called me his little brother since we met over 30 years ago. I will desperately miss you, Kailash. RIP.’

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the BMA Council – ‘A cherished memory of my dear longstanding friend Kailash; a magnificent principled, kind and generous human being who has contributed so much to the NHS, the BMA and society. You are so sorely missed Kailash, but your very being will live on in all who knew you.’

Dr Farzana Hussain, GP in East London – ‘I am so sorry Aseem. When your dad was at the GP awards in 2019, he called me his daughter. I was so touched and will never forget his kindness. You will carry on your parents beautiful values l know. My prayers and love with you.

‘I am grateful for all the South Asian healthcare staff who left their homes and often their families behind to come & serve our NHS so we could be here today. RIP Kailash.’

Dr Richard Vautrey, chair of the BMA’s GPC – ‘So sorry and saddened that we have lost such a wonderful GP, powerful advocate for the NHS, supportive mentor for many and such a thoughtful and generous man. So many will be thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.’

Dr David Wrigley, vice chair of the BMA – ‘Devastating news. I was talking on phone to him yesterday about BMA politics, Labour politics and other life issues. A true gentleman with wise words & time for everyone. He loved the NHS to the bottom of his heart. He was a giant in so many ways.’

Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the Labour party – ‘So sad Aseem, your Dad was the best. Condolences to all family and be very proud of his principles and determination to ensure everyone gets health care.’

Dr Shaba Nabi, GP in Bristol – ‘I am truly sorry to hear this sad news. I met him a few times and he was always a gentleman and a role model. He has left a tremendous legacy.’

Dr James Thambyrajah, GP in South London – ‘Shocked and saddened to hear this news -Prof Kailash Chand was always a hero and role model for me as a junior doctor and as a GP. It was only last week , I was beaming with pride when I saw him on the BBC documentary “Our NHS: A Hidden Story”. RIP Prof Kailash Chand.’

Matt Makin, medical director of North Manchester General Hospital – ‘Very sad to learn of the death of Prof Kailash Chand OBE – a passionate advocate and defender of the NHS and champion for equality – you will be missed Kailash Sir.’


          

READERS' COMMENTS [3]

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

Vinci Ho 27 July, 2021 6:14 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 .

Grant Jonathan Ingrams 28 July, 2021 11:48 am

Kailash was so committed to the NHS and equality of access to healthcare. He was always a gentleman. Never too busy to stop, say hello, and to listen. He was very supportive when I needed it, and I know heped many other doctors. RIP

Subhash Chandra Bhatt 28 July, 2021 8:28 pm

I have been his friend since 1982. He was such a kind and gentleman who helped Tameside and glossop gps. Always ready to help. Though not in regular touch when ever I got in touch he always responded to my messages. He had thousands of friends but never forgot his old friends like me.
All need to be said has been said above.
He received well deserved OBE .
I recently saw him and Aseem in glossop. Unfortunately it was last time I saw him.
He looked slim and fit .we talked our old times as gps.
Like all his friends and colleagues I will miss him.
Rest in peace my dear Kailash .
OM shanti shanti