Tributes paid following passing of pioneering GP

Dr Kailash Chand

The life and work of a Tameside GP have been honoured following the passing of D Kailash Chand, aged 73.

Dr Chand was a board member of the Manchester India Partnership. The doctor, who had retired as an Ashton GP, had also worked as deputy chairman of the British Medical Association and was a campaigner against the privatisation of the NHS.

He had said: “The NHS is one of the most unique systems on the planet where healthcare is given according to need, not your ability to pay. I think everybody understands that the NHS is under threat and my message is very simple – healthcare is not a privilege, not a charity, it’s a fundamental human right and we have got to preserve and defend it.”

Born in India he moved to Britain in 1978 and was honoured in 2010 with an OBE for his services to healthcare.

He was featured on a list of the Health Service Journal’s top 50 healthcare pioneers from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Colleagues and local politicians announced his sudden and shock death on social media this evening.

Former colleagues and leading figures have paid tribute to Dr Chand, including former leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, who said: “So sad at death of Dr Kailash Chand a true socialist who always defended our NHS. In his memory stop privatisation and create a National Care Service.

“RIP and thank you for a wonderful life of care.”

Labour MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, Jonathan Reynolds, wrote on Facebook: “Terribly sad to learn that my friend Dr Kailash Chand has passed away.

“Kailash made a tremendous contribution to British healthcare including as Chair of Tameside and Glossop Primary Care Trust.

“He was honorary Vice President of the British Medical Association; a writer on health issues for The Guardian and HSJ; and for many years, as my GP.

“He was a long serving Labour Party activist and campaigner, and will be deeply missed by his children and the Tameside community. Sleep tight dear friend.

The British Medical Association tweeted: “We are shocked and saddened to hear that Prof Kailash Chand OBE FRCGP has passed away.

“Vice President, former deputy council chair, GPC member and staunch defender of the NHS, his was a life of service to his patients and fellow doctors and all at the BMA will miss him deeply.”

And Tim Newns, chief executive of Manchester inward investment agency, MIDAS, tweeted: “Truely (sic) devastating news to lose one of the kindest most thoughtful people I have met. Kailash stood for equality and was passionate to see his beloved health service be the basis for this, both in the UK and also Internationally. He will be sorely missed as an adviser and friend.”

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