Head of Surgery at Madadeni Hospital passes away

The beloved Head of Surgery at the Madadeni Hospital Dr Shalen Cheddie, tragically passed away, leaving behind a loving family and phenomenal ten-year career.

With Dr Cheddie’s passing on 25 November 2022, his wife Vereesha Soorju explained that her loving husband would always be remembered for his devotion, care and dedication to both his career and family. Whereby, she further said her husband’s life and personality could be summed up in one word, Altruistic.

“He was dedicated to his work and patients, always going the extra mile. If his patients did not have money for transport to get home, he would give them money for transport,” she said.

The kind hearted doctor, according to Soorju, would even go as far as purchasing equipment for the hospital, to ensure the patients received the necessary treatments. “He was also a true academic and published over 22 medical articles in medical journals,” told Soorju.

But despite giving willingly to the medical sector, whether financially or through his extensive knowledge, Dr Cheddie always remained humble and shied away from attention. In fact, the good doctor even put his health on the line, all for the well-being of others during the COVID pandemic.

“Dr Cheddie was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago, and still continued working in the height of COVID-19, never faltering with his work. He even operated on people with COVID, even though his immune system was compromised.”

Additionally, his wife explained that the doctor even refused to leave the government sector for the private sector, where he would have earned more money.

“I am a pharmacist at Madadeni Hospital and people would ask my husband why we did not go into the private sector, but he was concerned about the patients’ welfare and put them before money,” she emphasised.

While going beyond the call of duty for work, Dr Cheddie’s compassion and humility were not restricted to working hours, further explained Soorju.

“We were married for eight years and together for 13 years. At home, he was a loving husband, never complaining about the cancer. He would go out of his way to cook my favourite meals and his mind remained strong until the end.”