By Charlotte Webster-
A Uk doctor has become the seventh to die from Covid-19, it has been revealed today. Dr Kamlesh Masson – a 78-year-old GP from Grays, Essex had worked for the NHS in the south Essex area for over 30 years.
He died on 16 April, more than three weeks after being admitted to Basildon Hospital with bilateral pneumonia caused by COVID-19. The Essex GP had been transferred to University College London Hospital on 31 March – his 78th birthday.Dr Masson moved to the UK in 1973, after undergoing medical training in India. He also worked as a doctor in East Africa.
He proceeded to practise across the UK, including in Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire, and Kings Lynn, Norfolk, before settling in South Essex in 1975. He founded Grays’ Milton Road Surgery a decade later in 1985, where he worked until 2017.
Dr Masson spent the subsequent three years as a locum in the Thurrock and Basildon areas, completing his last day on 12 March. Other doctors who have died from Covid-19 includes the deaths of fellow Essex GPs Dr Habib Zaidi and Dr Fayez Ayache, Dorset GP Dr Craig Wakeham and London GPs Dr Yusuf Ismail Patel, Dr Syed Zishan Haider and Dr Krishan Arora. In an obituary posted on the Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group’s website, his family said he would have wanted to practise for many more years to come had he not contracted Covid-19:
“He was an excellent clinician whose drive to constantly improve his clinical skills and knowledge with passion and enthusiasm will remain with us all as a reminder to always try to be the best.
“Dr Masson was an honest, kind and generous man who was deeply respected by anyone who was privileged to cross paths with him.
“He was jovial, funny and kind, always wanting to make the best of any situation.”
“He was well-known locally and recognised as a dedicated, determined, positive individual who would always do his utmost to help in all endeavours.”’Our lifelong thanks will go to the doctors and staff at University College London Hospital who fought tirelessly to save a hero’s life. He was a true gentleman who will be missed, but not forgotten.’
Thurrock CCG chair Dr Anil Kallil said: ‘We were very sad to hear of the passing of Dr Masson. He was a well respected and liked GP in Thurrock, with a significant contribution over the last 30 years in the borough caring for patients and providing support.
‘Later he provided GP services in both Thurrock and Basildon. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Masson for his commitment and passion and our condolences to his family for their loss.’ Dr Masson’s family described hin as an ‘excellent clinician whose drive to constantly improve his clinical skills and knowledge with passion and enthusiasm will remain with us all’. immediately.’