Dr Syed Waqqar Ali, who died after contracting Covid-19, has been described as a "hero" by his eldest daughter.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Dr Samar Fatima Ali said there are "no words for the pain they are experiencing. My father has been incredibly selfless".

She said: "There are no words for the battle he fought everyday.

"He's been an outstanding doctor and the best dad we could of asked for.

"It was very difficult to see our father in so much pain."

The family was making plans for when Dr Ali when he came home. 

Samar recently qualified as a doctor herself and had hoped to work with her father in the field. 

"My dream was to work with my father and to work together someday. There's still a Dr Ali and she will carry on his legacy."

His youngest daughter Zara wanted her father to come home and finish the puzzle they started before he was hospitalised.

Dr Ali, who was due to celebrate his sixtieth birthday tomorrow, lived in Tyrrelstown, Dublin with his wife and five children, three boys and two girls.

We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences


Earlier, the Mater Hospital in Dublin confirmed that Dr Ali, who worked at the hospital, died after contracting the virus.

In a statement, the hospital said he died after spending three months in ICU being cared for diligently and attentively by his colleagues at the hospital.

It said Dr Ali was a frontline healthcare worker who provided selfless emergency care to Covid-19 patients at a number of hospitals as a locum during the pandemic.

He was due to begin a shift at the Mater in April when he felt unwell, the hospital said. He asked to be seen as a patient and was admitted immediately with Covid-19.

The Mater Hospital said Dr Ali's colleagues remember him as a hardworking and diligent doctor with a humble and down-to-earth personality.

A minute's silence was observed for Dr Ali at the Mater's emergency department.

It said it was confirming his death with "profound sadness" and extended its deepest sympathies to his wife, family and loved ones at this very sad time.

His death brings to eight the number of healthcare workers confirmed to have died from Covid-19.

Speaking to RTÉ's Drivetime, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said his heart goes out to the doctors, colleagues, friends and family of Dr Ali and said it was an awful tragedy.

Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid said Dr Ali, in common with his colleagues, worked diligently and selflessly to care for patients at all times, and particularly during the pandemic.

The Vice President of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association said it was a very sad day to hear the news of the death of Dr Ali.

Also speaking to Drivetime, Dr Gabrielle Colleran said he was a hugely valued doctor on the frontline, and it was a hugely upsetting day for his family for his colleagues.

She said it is very difficult looking after a colleague, who then becomes a patient, and added all staff who stepped up are exhausted and they are calling for investment into the system that meets the need.