A Montford family has saluted the staff and medical personnel at the R K Khan Hospital who helped and comforted them through the loss of their father, Nadarajan Govindsamy Padayachee, during the recent civil unrest.
Family spokesperson and daughter of the late Padayachee, Sivendrie Naicker, said her father’s treatment at the hospital restored their faith in humanity and public healthcare. She said the incident occurred on 21 July when her father had suddenly taken ill and started suffering with chest pains. “R K Khan was our nearest hospital. When he was taken into casualty, the emergency room, a doctor came to my mom and asked her some personal questions about my dad. Upon answering the questions, she also stated that my dad had medical aid. The doctors at that time, who were of African descent, never refused to help despite being in the midst of a civil unrest. They even mentioned that if required, he should stay and they will treat him.”
According to Naicker, the doctors tried their best to save Padayachee but he unfortunately did not survive. “He sadly passed after the doctors tried everything they possibly could to save him. The doctors and nurses on duty consoled my mom and even neatened up my dad for the viewing of his body to his family in a very dignified way. My family and I would like to thank each and every doctor who assisted and supported us during that time. The professionalism and ethical way that they handle it showed us that there is no race separation that can hold back humanity,” she said. Padayachee, fondly known as Nad and Rajen, was described as a humble man who served the community well.
