Street in UAE Named After Pioneering Malayali Medic
Visionary medical doctor, trainer, administrator and consultant now has his name stamped on a UAE road.
There is a public road in the Al Ain township of Abu Dhabi that proudly bears the name of Dr. George Matthew. The 84-year-old medico, born and raised in the southern Indian state of Kerala, has been bestowed with this honour for 57 years of extraordinary service in the UAE. The good doctor earned his degree from the Trivandrum Medical College and was ready to board a flight for the U.S., when a missionary friend lured him to Al Ain instead by speaking of its scenic beauty and need for medical intervention.
So, as a mere 26-year-old in 1967, Dr. Matthew became an inseparable part of the UAE... 4 whole years before the Emirates even united into sovereignty. What’s more the distinguished gentleman played a pivotal role in the country’s changing medical scene and the development of related infrastructure and administration. With a glint in his eye, Dr. Matthew recalls the challenging early days when he had to make do with make-shift camps and minimal equipment to tend to his patients.
Under the auspices of the Father of the UAE - Sheikh Zayed - Dr. Matthew inaugurated Al Ain’s first clinic before being appointed Medical Director of the region in 1972. Goaded on by his political benefactor and friend, the doctor sought to expand his medical know-how by obtaining a degree in England on Tropical Diseases and then a diploma in Hospital Management from Harvard University, USA.
Dr. Matthew put this acquired knowledge to superlative use back in the UAE till in 2001, he secured the coveted post of Health Authority Consultant. In fact, the doctor's contribution to the health sector was so impeccable that 3 years later the UAE accorded him, his wife Valsa and their daughter Maryam Priya with permanent citizenship. This was a fitting reward especially given that the doctor’s career has run concurrently with the origin and growth of his adopted nation.
But the accolades didn’t stop there. In 2018, the accomplished medico was a glowing recipient at the Abu Dhabi Awards. Now, even after training generations of health-care providers, the indefatigable doctor refuses to hang up his mask and gown. He is currently working in the Presidential Affairs’ Private Health Department. All that’s left to be said is that the illustrious Dr. Matthew’s career path has led him to... his very own street.
