Nursing community in Oman mourns demise of colleague in plane crash
Ranjitha Gopakumar Nair, aged 40, a native of Thiruvalla Pullad, died in the Ahmedabad plane crash. She had served Oman's Ministry of Health for nine years before migrating to the UK a year ago.
Her colleagues, Sneha, Jisha, Rani, Asha, Sinu, and Ashame, remember her as a soft-spoken and dedicated staff nurse who was very hardworking. "We are still in shock over the news of Ranjitha's death. Working with her was very enjoyable because she was proactive, supportive, and cooperative. She worked in the cardiac department for many years and had a brief stint in the VIP section as well. We are all saddened by this shocking news," they said.
Ranjitha, a nurse in the British government service, boarded the ill-fated Air India 171 Dreamliner from Kochi to her workplace in the UK via Chennai and Ahmedabad to renew her service when the accident occurred.
Ranjitha is survived by a son and a daughter. Two siblings are employed in Muscat while her mother is in her hometown. Ranjitha's death has left her friends in grief and they are trying to come to terms with the tragic news that has also claimed several UK citizens.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
MoH calls for visitors to stay safe during khareef
MUSCAT: As the mist flows over the mountains and the Khareef Dhofar Season reaches its peak, thousands of visitors continue to arrive from within Oman and abroad to experience the lush greenery, waterfalls and cool weather. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has once again called on the public to enjoy the season safely and responsibly. The ministry has urged all visitors to follow basic preventive guidelines to avoid health issues and accidents during the season, including wearing appropriate footwear in slippery areas, using sunscreen to protect the skin, and ensuring that individuals who take regular medication or use medical devices carry them at all times. The advisory also stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene, avoiding uncovered food and being cautious while using public restrooms and facilities. The ministry specifically warned of increased risk of slipping in elevated areas and near water springs, advising visitors to walk carefully in these locations. Due to continuous drizzle, the terrain in Dhofar during khareef becomes wet and slippery, increasing the chance of injuries that can range from mild sprains to more serious fractures. Walking in mountainous areas, highlands and coastal regions requires extra caution, as does engaging in water activities, which can become more dangerous due to rising waves. The ministry emphasised the role of first aid as an essential aspect of public healthcare that can save lives and minimise complications in case of accidents. It cited sprains and fractures as common injuries during the season and explained how to identify and manage them. In the case of sprains, which involve injury to tissues and ligaments caused by falls or impact, symptoms may include swelling, bruising, muscle spasms and difficulty walking. Regarding fractures, the ministry explained that they can occur due to strong force or trauma, such as falling or slipping, and may also be linked to health conditions like osteoporosis. First aid instructions included stopping any bleeding with a clean cloth, avoiding movement of the injured area — especially if the injury involves the neck or spine — applying ice wrapped in a cloth to control swelling, and monitoring for symptoms of shock such as fainting or shortness of breath. In such cases, the patient should be placed in a position that supports breathing or have their legs elevated while waiting for emergency services. The ministry concluded by emphasising that the joy of the khareef season can only be fully experienced by adhering to safety measures, demonstrating health awareness, and acting with a sense of shared responsibility to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Omani doctor's tech firm joins forces with US healthcare giant
Muscat – An Omani doctor's tech venture, born from the chaos of overburdened hospital wards in the UK's National Health Service (NHS), has joined forces with one of the largest healthcare staffing firms in the United States. Aya Healthcare, based in San Diego, has acquired Locum's Nest, a British company that connects NHS hospitals with healthcare professionals through a mobile app. The platform helps fill staffing gaps more efficiently and has already saved the NHS over £750mn since its launch in 2016. The company was co-founded by Dr Ahmed Shahrabani and Dr Nicholas Andreou, both NHS physicians at the time. Dr Shahrabani, who was born in Muscat and studied at the British School in Madinat Qaboos, told Muscat Daily that the idea for Locum's Nest came from witnessing daily inefficiencies in the hospital system. 'As a junior doctor, I saw time lost to rota gaps being filled through last-minute phone calls and emails. It was not safe and not sustainable,' he said. 'We created Locum's Nest to fix that – to give doctors and nurses more time, clarity and control so they can focus on their patients.' Dr Ahmed Shahrabani (R) and Dr Nicholas Andreou Today, the app supports over 70,000 clinicians across the UK. Following the acquisition by Aya Healthcare, Locum's Nest plans to expand its reach nationwide with Dr Shahrabani continuing as CEO. 'Our mission is not changing – it's accelerating,' he said. 'This partnership gives us the infrastructure to scale while staying true to our core: empowering clinicians and improving patient care.' Though the platform will continue to operate under the Locum's Nest brand, the acquisition aligns two leading healthcare staffing innovators on either side of the Atlantic. Aya Healthcare is the largest healthcare talent software and staffing company in the US, known for building flexible, tech-driven solutions for hospitals and health systems. Dr Shahrabani, who still practises medicine in North Central London, believes Omani youth can learn from his journey. 'My advice is simple: go for it. Start building and learning now. Oman has immense potential, especially in healthcare,' he said. 'The infrastructure is there. With the right mindset and innovation from within, Oman can become a regional hub.' He also expressed pride in his Omani roots, describing his school days in Muscat as formative. 'Those were some of the happiest years of my life. That foundation shaped who I am today.' Outside of medicine and business, Dr Shahrabani is a semi-professional race car driver in a British national championship, a tennis player and an off-roading enthusiast. 'Entrepreneurship is a lot like medicine – what sets you apart is how you connect with people,' he said. 'Communication, empathy and building relationships matter more than any textbook.' He welcomed aspiring entrepreneurs from Oman to reach out to him on LinkedIn, adding, 'I'd be honoured to support the next generation in any way I can.'
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
MoH warns of ‘silent' threat from viral hepatitis
MUSCAT, Aug 2 As part of its ongoing preventive health initiatives, the Ministry of Health has launched a new awareness campaign under the slogan 'Leading Sustainable Health for All' — this time focusing on the often-overlooked threat of viral hepatitis, dubbed by doctors as the 'silent disease' due to its tendency to cause severe liver damage without early symptoms. The campaign aims to enhance public understanding of the risks associated with Hepatitis A, B, and C, while reinforcing the importance of early detection, vaccination and safer personal practices. It follows earlier MoH awareness drives covering topics such as drowning prevention, children's e-game addiction during summer and general public health. Viral hepatitis is caused by infection with specific viruses. Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B spreads through blood and bodily fluids. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood, often via shared needles or unsterilised instruments. The Ministry highlighted several high-risk practices, including the use of unsterilised sharp tools and poor hand hygiene. Symptoms, when they do appear, may include extreme fatigue, jaundice, appetite loss and abdominal pain. In advanced cases, viral hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis or liver failure. The ministry stressed the role of prevention through timely vaccination for Hepatitis A and B, good hygiene and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as razors or toothbrushes. It also advised individuals to seek medical advice promptly if they suspect exposure to the virus or observe any concerning symptoms. Speaking to Observer, Dr Mona al Kaabi, a general practitioner, noted that many infections are detected only during routine screenings or after complications arise. 'Many people are unaware they're infected until late in the disease. This underscores the importance of awareness and regular checkups — especially for high-risk groups such as those with past surgeries, blood transfusions or shared sharp instruments,' she said. Dr Mona also emphasised the long-term effectiveness of vaccines and the need to follow national immunisation schedules. 'Prevention is far more effective — and less costly — than treatment. Protecting the liver means protecting overall health,' she added. The ministry concluded by urging all citizens and residents to take proactive steps. 'Prevention and early diagnosis remain our strongest defence against this silent disease,' it stated, calling for greater public awareness and adherence to preventive measures to ensure community well-being. MoH calls for greater public awareness to preventive measures to ensure community well-being.
