LONDON  (TIP): Jitendra Kumar Rathod a prominent Indian origin cardiac surgeon who worked for years in the National Health Service (NHS), has died after testing positive from coronavirus. Rathod, 58, was admitted to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff where he died on Monday, April 6 morning.

Rathod, who was based in Wales, was an associate specialist in cardio-thoracic surgery at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW). His death was announced by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that Mr Jitendra Rathod, associate specialist in cardiothoracic surgery, has passed away. He died early this morning on our general intensive care unit after testing positive for Covid-19. Jitu had worked in the Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery since the mid-1990s and came back to UHW in 2006 after a brief stint abroad. He was an incredibly dedicated surgeon who cared deeply for his patients. He was well-liked and greatly resected by one and all. He was very compassionate and a wonderful human being. His commitment to the specialty was exemplary. He is survived by his wife and two sons. We will miss him greatly.”

Dr Rathod went to the UK after earning his MBBS degree from Bombay University. He is survived by his wife and two sons.