A doctor in Dubai who tested positive for the coronavirus on a trip home to India said quick treatment and the antiviral drug remdesivir saved his life.
Dr JS Rajkumar, a general and laparoscopic surgeon, and his wife Chitrakala led a medical team who treated thousands of workers in an isolation centre in Warsan during the first wave of the pandemic last April, and he has treated Covid-19 patients in private hospitals.
He travelled to Chennai last week to to operate on his mother and other patients at Lifeline Hospital, which he founded.
We should get patients in earlier to high dependency units, instead of waiting until oxygen levels crash
On landing, Dr Rajkumar, 58, tested positive for the coronavirus, despite having received the second dose of a Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine.
The body usually takes a month to develop antibodies to fight the virus.
Dr Rajkumar has a history of heart disease and has several stents, so doctors advised immediate hospital admission and use of aggressive medication to treat the virus.
"I thank my lucky stars I was in hospital," he told The National.
“Had I come in later and taken remdesivir 48 hours later, there is no guessing which route this would have gone.
“Early admission, instead of waiting to become low in oxygen, and starting me on early dosing of remdesivir – these were game changers.
“Also being on Indian remedies like gargling and inhalation with turmeric. I’m not giving all the credit to turmeric. But maybe it’s a combination that worked and why India’s mortality rate is among the lowest in the world.”
How effective is remdesivir?
Remdesivir was hailed as a wonder drug by former US President Donald Trump after he received an intravenous dose in May last year.
The World Health Organisation later advised doctors not to use the drug on Covid-19 patients in hospital, saying it had "no meaningful effect" on their chances of survival.
India has recorded more than 10 million infections, the second-highest in the world after the US. A recent drop in cases and low mortality rate among patients has surprised experts.
Dr Rajkumar has watched doctors adapt treatment protocols since the start of the pandemic and said a flexible approach was key to saving lives.
“WHO has almost put a halt on remdesivir, saying there is not enough data, but in India many centres including ours quickly start patients on the antiviral without waiting for blood markers to drop,” he said.
Doctors examine proteins in the blood of infected people that act as predictive biomarkers for how sick a patient could become.
“If you look at most countries ... everyone firmly follows protocols. Whether you are in Wisconsin or New York, you will the same treatment, you will get remdesivir [only] if your blood markers fall, or you don’t get it.
In India, he said, “if doctors find some treatment is working better they jump to it. Keeping steroids on standby also worked for me.”
When to administer steroids?
Dr Rajkumar had expected to be given steroids in the first week but doctors told him they would administered in the second week, if needed.
His treatment also included the antibiotic azithromycin, anticoagulant enoxaparin, turmeric inhalation and gargling, and Immunizer, a sachet containing powdered vitamins and minerals, which is also recommended by the Indian health ministry.
Dr KP Dinakaran, the internal medicine consultant who treated Dr Rajkumar, said his patient did not require the steroid dexamethasone, which is given when immune systems go into overdrive and patients are at risk of hyper-inflammation.
“We have learnt lessons about reducing the replication of the disease, when to start an antiviral and steroids,” Dr Dinakaran said.
“In India, patients have benefited because of starting early with remdesivir and starting at the right time with steroids to stop the progression of the disease. For renal and liver patients we reduce the remdesivir dose.”
Exchanging information with other centres showed that people with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, obesity or cancer, and some heart patients, should be placed in hospital early to avoid complications.
Liquid gold: the benefits of turmeric
Dr Rajkumar said patients and medics in India were open to using turmeric along with approved medication.
Resembling a ginger root, turmeric is known for antiviral and antioxidant properties.
In the US, the National Institutes of Health has said its health benefits are undetermined.
“The government of India has told people to gargle with turmeric. There is no hard evidence this works. Have they been subjected to multi-drug trials? No, they haven’t,” he said.
“Will it stand the scrutiny of the West, NIH or WHO? I don’t know. But this pragmatic approach, of taking the best out of all that is available, is working.”
Centres for moderately ill patients
As chairman of the medical group, Dr Rajkumar was admitted to hospital. But with the pressure on health services in most parts of the world, other patients are not as lucky.
He suggests increasing bed capacity and creating centres to treat moderately ill patients.
This will ensure regular blood tests and Cat scans to check the size of lesions in the lungs so that intervention is swift.
“The important question is: who needs hospitalisation and how soon should you start treatment?” Dr Rajkumar said.
He said the key was to treat people as early as possible to “avert disaster”.
Patients are usually asked to come to hospital if oxygen levels fall below 90. When he was admitted, Dr Rajkumar’s hovered at 92.
Hospitals restrict admissions so they can care for the seriously ill.
“The disease is spreading quicker with the UK and other variants, so we should get patients in earlier to middle-of-the-road centres instead of waiting until oxygen levels crash. Or people get treated a day or two later with possible bad effects,” Dr Rajkumar said.
He said that being a patient has also taught him some lessons.
“The pandemic has shown me, a pigheaded academic, that we have to think beyond the rigid discipline of trials,” he said.
“How much of all this worked, as a scientist I don’t know. As a patient, I don’t care as long as it helps.”
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Sky Is Pink
Director: Shonali Bose
Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf
Three stars
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The five pillars of Islam
The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
Children: She has one son, Casey, 28
Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite Author: CJ Sansom
Favourite holiday destination: Bali
Favourite food: A Sunday roast
Profile of Foodics
Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani
Based: Riyadh
Sector: Software
Employees: 150
Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing
Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.
Racecard
5pm: Al Maha Stables – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: The President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: The President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m
RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner Canvassed, Par Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m
Winner Dubai Future, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mouheeb, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
8.15pm Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
9.50pm Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
9.25pm Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Man Of Promise, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
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'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness'
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams
Rating: 3/5
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
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Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Drishyam 2
Directed by: Jeethu Joseph
Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba, Murali Gopy
Rating: 4 stars
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
More coverage from the Future Forum
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The biog
Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
