Indian expat doctor from Kerala found dead in UAE

Abu Dhabi: An Indian expat doctor from Kerala was found dead at her apartment in Abu Dhabi early morning on Tuesday, the hospital she was working for confirmed to Gulf News.

Dr Dhanalakshmi, 54, was a general dentist with Lifecare Hospital in Musaffah.

The death of Dr Dhanalakshmi, who was also a popular author and an active community member, comes just days after the death of another doctor from the south Indian state in the UAE. Dr Anwar Sadath, an orthepaedic surgeon with Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital in Dubai, part of the Aster DM Healthcare group, had died suddenly. The cause of his death has not been announced yet.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, Lifecare Hospital said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Dr Dhanalakshmi, General Dentist at Lifecare Hospital, Mussafah. Her demise has left a profound void in our hearts and in the lives of those who knew and loved her.”

“To us, she was much more than a colleague. She was a valued member of our team and a constant source of positivity. Many of us will remember her for her kindness and the genuine warmth she shared with everyone around her.”

The hospital said her contributions extended far beyond the clinic, touching lives in meaningful and lasting ways. Her patients appreciated her not only for her clinical expertise but also for the comfort and care she brought into every interaction. A passionate advocate for dental health, she often volunteered her time for community awareness sessions and used her voice to promote health, well-being, and harmony.

Dr Dhanalakshmi was also a gifted writer, a compelling orator, and a truly versatile individual.

“It is truly hard to accept that she is no longer with us. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her memory and the many lives she touched will always remain with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed,” the statement added.

Hailing from Kannur, she had over two decades of dental experience.

Dr Dhanalakshmi was a skilled general dentist proficient in a wide range of dental procedures, according to her profile on the website of the hospital, which has been removed since the news of her death.

Her warm and empathetic approach made her an excellent communicator, adept at building trust with patients and their families, it said.

Dedicated to oral health education, Dr Dhanalakshmi had actively participated in numerous awareness campaigns and conducted seminars in schools and colleges. She had also shared her expertise by delivering talks on dental care and the latest advancements in dentistry to the public and dental students.

A graduate of the College of Dental Sciences, MAHE University, Mangalore, Karnataka, Dr Dhanalakshmi was also a member of the Indian Dental Association.