Indian Frontline Volunteer Recovers From Covid-19

Naseer requested the Indian government to take immediate measures to repatriate NRIs who are struggling in the Gulf countries due to the pandemic

- Imran Mojib

The novel coronavirus pandemic has succeeded in bringing the world to a standstill. But the viral infection has failed to break the healthy spirits of Naseer Vatanappally, an Indian social worker who was in the forefront to help thousands of people in Dubai’s Naif area to get tested for the disease.

Naseer was tirelessly working in coordination with Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Police in the emirate’s worst affected areas when he tested positive for COVID-19 on April 6. Strong-willed, albeit confined to a hospital bed, he worked for over 12 hours a day attending to the needs of hundreds of people who reached him over the phone seeking help.

He had virtually converted his room in the hospital as a control room fighting COVID-19. “I was extremely sad to hear about my result. I wanted to help more people. Once I felt that I have failed. But then, I realised that I should not lose my hope. I started attending to each case over the phone and connecting with the government authorities.”