27-year-old had recently joined surgery postgraduation at Srinivas Medical College; not on COVID duty
Mangaluru (Karnataka) – In a deeply saddening development, a 27-year-old postgraduate medical student at Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Mangaluru has succumbed to COVID-19, despite not being assigned to COVID duty.
The deceased doctor, originally a native of Hardalli in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district, had recently enrolled in the postgraduate surgery program and was undergoing treatment after testing positive for the virus. A college source told Coastal Digest that while the doctor had tested positive for COVID-19, he was reported to be in stable condition and admitted in a general ward.
His parents, currently residing in Mudigere, Chikkamagaluru district, will conduct his final rites in their hometown, sources said.
COVID Now Endemic, Say Experts
This isolated tragedy comes at a time when COVID-19 in India is largely endemic, with sporadic clusters replacing the widespread waves seen in earlier years. Public health authorities have stated that newer sub-variants such as LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, although detected, have not led to significant spikes in mortality or hospitalisation.
Government data from June shows a steady decline in active COVID cases, falling from 7,000 on June 11 to 4,425, with only one COVID-related death reported in the past 24 hours.
Earlier, Karnataka’s expert committee had clarified that there is no direct link between COVID, vaccines, and heart attacks, following recent public discourse sparked by political commentary.
A Sobering Reminder
While India’s COVID-19 outlook is largely under control, the death of the young doctor is a stark reminder that the virus still poses risks, especially for vulnerable individuals. His passing has prompted grief within the medical community, with colleagues and fellow students expressing condolences and calling for continued vigilance.
