The emirate of Abu Dhabi has donated a street’s name in memory of Dr. George Matthew, an Indian -origin doctor who has spent more than 6 decades serving the United Arab Emirates healthcare sector. This honor is part of the “Honoring UAE’s Visionaries: Decidedly, it is the “Commemorative Streets” project approved by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The latter is called aptly George Matthew Street and is near Sheikh Shakbooth Medical City in Al Mafraq.
After his arrival in the UAE at the age of 26 in the year 1967, Dr. Matthew has a very productive career compressed with various achievements. Initially, he started his practice as the first government doctor ever in Al Ain the place he opened the first clinic ever with the patronage of Sheikh Zayed. In the course of his service, Dr. Matthew undertook major positions such as; 1972 spearheading the medical services in Al Ain and 2001 as the consultant to the Health Authority.
These have been of great impacts in changing the health care in the UAE. Dr. Matthew popularized new methods of treatment, contributed to the creation of qualified healthcare, became a doctor trusted by the population. Education in England and Harvard in the fields of tropical diseases and the management of hospitals also added to his training on how to positively affect the delivery of health care.
Also known as Matyous, Dr. Matthew being a committed and a hardworking person, he was awarded UAE citizenship. He is currently 86 years of age but is still an active employee at the health facility where he serves in the Private Health department with Dr. Abdul Rahim Jaafar, another professional. Dr. Matthew’s unwavering commitment is encapsulated in his words: “For as long as I am alive I want to be able to work for the country and its citizens. ”
