Dubai: Renowned Emirati doctor Mohammad Sharrif Al Mulla, a pioneer in the health care sector in Dubai and one of the most respected figures in the UAE, died on Wednesday.
Dr Mohammad Sharrif Al Mulla |
Dr Al Mulla who established the first pharmacy in Gold Souq, known as Mohammad Sharrif Pharmacy, passed away in London. He was in his 80s.
One among a handful of doctors between the 1950s and 1960s in the UAE, Dr Al Mulla was known for his full-time dedication in treating patients at his pharmacy and ensuring their recovery, sources close to him told Gulf News.
Due to the difficulties Emiratis used to face in commuting at the time, Dr Al Mulla also took up a humanitarian role in treating patients at their homes and walking across town on foot to vaccinate families against diseases and epidemics.
He served as a pharmacist and a doctor who many people relied on, said Mohammad Al Zarouni, director of Emirates Red Crescent. Al Zarouni is Dr Al Mulla’s son-in-law.
“He was distinguished by his humanitarian work and his heartfelt affection towards the community. He served many people in the emirate of Dubai and worked persistently on improving his knowledge in medicine so that he could treat people with various diseases and illnesses,” said Al Zarouni.
Many locals living in Dr Al Mulla’s area relied on him during an emergency and when their children fell ill.
“He offered services to everyone and was loved by the entire community,” he said.
When someone knocked at his door, Dr Al Mulla was quick to respond, even if it was in the middle of the night, Dr Najib Al Khaja, a cardiology consultant, told an Arabic newspaper.
“He was an example of love and goodness. His expertise and knowledge of medicine helped him in understanding the nature of diseases at that time,” he said. “The residents of Dubai in the 1940s and 1950s came to him from different areas to get treatment.”
Dr Al Mulla also visited his patients late at night to check on their health and recovery after the treatment. “He put in a lot of effort to identify the needs of the health sector in Dubai, and serve UAE citizens and residents.”
Dr Al Mulla is also being remembered for his great impact in improving the lives of many poor and needy people across the country.
He is survived by a son and five daughters.
