84-Year-Old Indian Doctor George Matthew Honored with Street Name in UAE

Dubai:

A path in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi has been labeled after an 84-year-old physician with Indian origins as a mark of his substantial contributions to the nation’s health sector.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has titled a path in Abu Dhabi after Dr. George Matthew to acknowledge his contributions as part of its “Honouring UAE’s Visionaries: Commemorative Streets” project, which aims to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s progress.

The street near Sheikh Shakbooth Medical City in Al Mafraq will now be recognized as George Matthew Street.

Reflecting on his voyage, Dr. Matthew stated, “When I initially came to the UAE, the infrastructure was still developing. Inspired by the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation, I devoted myself to assisting the people. I am deeply thankful that my endeavors have been acknowledged.” Dr. Matthew arrived in the UAE in 1967 at the age of 26. Initially preparing to relocate to the US, he was convinced by a missionary friend’s depiction of Al Ain’s beauty to stay.

His application for a position as Al Ain’s first government physician was successful, resulting in the establishment of the first clinic under Sheikh Zayed’s blessing.

Starting his service as a General Practitioner, Dr. Matthew, fondly called Matyous (Emirati pronunciation of Mathew) by the locals, observed and contributed to the expansion of modern medicine in the UAE.

He occupied several crucial positions, including Medical Director of Al Ain Region in 1972 and Health Authority Consultant in 2001. His contributions significantly progressed healthcare services in the emirate and advocated for a contemporary medical culture in the country.

Dr. Matthew traveled to England to study management of tropical diseases, and later to Harvard for specialized studies in hospital management.

His dedication to education and professional growth has been pivotal in shaping the healthcare environment of the UAE. He played a crucial role in educating and training healthcare workers, and his commitment earned him the trust and admiration of his colleagues and the community.

Renowned for his commitment and expertise, Dr. Matthew has been a valuable resource of medical knowledge for the Al Ain community.

In acknowledgment of his service, the UAE granted Dr. Matthew and his family citizenship a decade ago.

Dr. Matthew continues to operate in the Private Health department alongside Dr. Abdul Rahim Jaafar, another prominent healthcare specialist in the country.

Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Matthew mentioned, “I am prepared to do whatever I can for the country and its citizens as long as I exist. I pray that God will grant me more time to serve.” Dr. Matthew grew up in Thumpamon, Pathanamthitta, in Kerala, and graduated with an MBBS in 1965 from Trivandrum Medical College.

He relocated to the UAE with his wife, Valsa, after their wedding. Their daughter also works in the government sector. PTI CORR GSP AKJ GSP