A road in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has been named after Dr. George Matthew, an 84-year-old doctor with Indian roots. This honour recognizes his significant contributions to the country’s health sector.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) named the road near Sheikh Shakbooth Medical City in Al Mafraq as George Matthew Street. This is part of their “Honouring UAE’s Visionaries: Commemorative Streets” project, which celebrates individuals who have greatly contributed to the nation’s development.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr Matthew said, “When I first arrived in the UAE, the infrastructure was still evolving.” Inspired by the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation, he dedicated himself to helping the people. Dr Matthew arrived in the UAE in 1967 at the age of 26. Initially planning to move to the US, he was persuaded by a friend’s description of Al Ain’s beauty to stay.
Dr. Matthew applied for a position as Al Ain’s first government doctor, which he got, leading to the opening of the first clinic with Sheikh Zayed’s blessing. Starting his service as a General Practitioner, he was affectionately called Matyous (the Emirati pronunciation of Matthew) by the locals. He witnessed and contributed to the growth of modern medicine in the UAE.
Throughout his career, Dr Matthew held several key positions, including Medical Director of the Al Ain Region in 1972 and Health Authority Consultant in 2001. His contributions significantly advanced healthcare services in the emirate and promoted a modern medical culture in the country.
Dr. Matthew went to England to study the management of tropical diseases and later to Harvard for specialized studies in hospital management. His commitment to education and professional development has been instrumental in shaping the healthcare landscape of the UAE. He played a vital role in educating and training healthcare workers, earning the trust and admiration of his colleagues and the community.
Known for his dedication and expertise, Dr. Matthew has been a valuable source of medical knowledge for the Al Ain community. In recognition of his service, the UAE granted Dr. Matthew and his family citizenship 10 years ago. He continues to work in the Private Health department alongside Dr. Abdul Rahim Jaafar, another leading healthcare expert in the country.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Matthew said, “I am ready to do whatever I can for the country and its citizens as long as I live. I pray that God will give 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 moved to the UAE with his wife, Valsa, after their marriage. Their daughter also works in the government sector.
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