Dr. George Matthew– A Tribute to a Pioneer in Healthcare
Abu Dhabi has honored Dr. George Matthew, an 84-year-old UAE citizen of Indian descent, by naming a street after him in recognition of his extensive contributions to the emirate’s healthcare sector over nearly six decades. This significant gesture highlights Dr. Matthew’s enduring impact on the medical landscape of the UAE, a journey that began in 1967.
Early Contributions and Recognition
Dr. George Matthew arrived in the UAE as a 26-year-old, years before the nation’s unification. He was the first doctor to work in a government hospital in Al Ain, setting the stage for a transformative period in the country’s healthcare system. Recognizing his pioneering efforts, the road near Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in Al Mafraq area has been named George Matthew Street. This initiative is part of the ‘Honouring UAE’s Visionaries: Commemorative Streets’ project by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
A Journey of Dedication
Initially planning to move to the US, Dr. Matthew was persuaded by a missionary friend’s description of Al Ain’s beauty. He successfully applied for a position as Al Ain’s first government doctor, opening the first clinic with Sheikh Zayed’s blessing. Over the years, he held several prominent positions, including medical director of the Al Ain region in 1972 and health authority consultant in 2001.
Meeting Sheikh Zayed and Further Studies
Dr. George Matthew, originally from Kerala, India, graduated from Trivandrum Medical College. He moved to the UAE with his wife Valsa, and their daughter Maryam (Priya) works in the government sector. His dedication was recognized by Sheikh Zayed, who supported his further studies in England for tropical diseases management and at Harvard for hospital management. Dr. Matthew fondly recalls a significant moment from 1969 when Sheikh Zayed praised his medical skills, an endorsement that fueled his commitment to the community.
Recognition and Continuing Service
In recognition of his dedication, Dr. George Matthew and his family were granted UAE citizenship in 2004. He also received the Abu Dhabi Awards in 2018. Today, he continues to work in the private health department under the Presidential Affairs, alongside other leading experts like Dr. Abdul Rahim Jaafar.
A Message of Sincerity and Service
Dr. George Matthew‘s advice to those working in the UAE is to “work with 100 percent sincerity, and you will succeed.” His commitment to serving the country and its citizens remains unwavering. “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,” he says.
This honor is a testament to Dr. George Matthew’s exceptional contributions and the lasting legacy he has created in the UAE’s healthcare system.
