Late Sierra-Leonean 'Ebola Doctor' trained at Korle Bu

It has emerged that the Sierra-Leonean medical doctor who died earlier this week after contracting the deadly Ebola virus, trained at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

According to a tribute by staff and management of the hospital Thursday, the late Dr. Sheikh Hummar Khan served at the Department of Medicine of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after he was offered admission into the Ghana College of Physicians, to undertake a 3-year residency training programme in Internal Medicine.

Dr. Sheik Umar Khan, who was credited with treating more than 100 patients, died in his home country on Tuesday less than a week after his diagnosis was announced.

Ebola is believed to have killed 672 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone since the outbreak began in February, according to the World Health Organisation. The contagious disease has no known cure. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and internal and external bleeding.

In a tribute to the memory of the 39-year-old medical officer, management of Korle Bu simply described him as a man who “loved and cared for the sick”.

 
The tribute is reproduced below:
TRIBUTE TO THE FAMILY OF LATE DR. SHEIKH HUMMAR KHAN FROM STAFF AND MANAGEMENT OF THE KORLE BU TEACHING HOSPITAL

The Management and the entire staff of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital wish to express our deepest regret to the family of late Dr. Sheikh Hummar Khan who died on 29th July, 2014 when leading his country, Sierra Leone, in the fight against the worst Ebola outbreak.

The late Dr Khan made contact with the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in the year 2010 when he came to Ghana to do his Residency. Dr Khan was offered admission into the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to undertake a 3-year residency training programme in Internal Medicine. As part of the training, he was posted to the Department of Medicine of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. 

At his post, Dr Khan offered seamless services to his patients. He loved and cared for the sick. His humility, compassion and sense of humour won him the hearts of many people. His response to emergencies was simply outstanding.

In his team, Dr Khan was always the first to report at emergencies, made sure the patient was stable before leaving. Whenever he lost a patient, he would express deep regret as if the patient was a relative. It is no wonder that back at home, Dr Khan was the leading figure in the battle of the deadly Ebola virus. He saved at least 100 patients with the virus and such is a person committed to saving lives even in the face of death. 

Dr. Sheikh Hummar Khan has sacrificed his life for his country. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has lost a product, Sierra Leone has lost a son but Africa has lost a hero who stood to fight against what others run from. Your name will forever remain in the history books. Africa will never forget you. The world salutes your name.

You left the world better than when you came.  In your quest to give others an opportunity at life, you were fearless of death yet conscious of its reality.  We are certain that you are at peace with your Maker.

On this day, the Management and staff of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital say rest in perfect peace. May the Almighty Allah receive you in His bosom.

Dr. Sheikh Hummar Khan, you truly fulfilled your mission on earth. A true African indeed! Dr Khan, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital your alma mater is proud of you.

Author: Korle Bu PR Unit
  Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | [email protected]