Frontline cardiologist fighting COVID-19 dies–PHA

Photo from the Philippine Heart Association

MANILA, Philippines — A cardiologist who was among the frontliners against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has passed away.

Dr. Raul Diaz Jara, a doctor from the Philippine Heart Center (PHC), succumbed to COVID-19 on early morning of Tuesday, March 24.

PHC Executive Director Joel Abanilla said that Jara, who tested positive for the respiratory disease, died of multiple complications.

“He died of multiple complications. He tested positive for COVID-19 at mayroon siyang [and he had] pre-existing conditions,” he said in an interview over dzBB.

Abanilla added that they do not know where Jara contracted the coronavirus but he volunteered to be admitted at the hospital when he started experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Jara is one of two doctors from the PHC who tested positive for the disease that escalated into critical condition.

Four others who are also confirmed to have the disease are relatively in stable condition, Abanilla said.

The association that Jara formerly headed, the Philippine Heart Association, mourned for the loss of the cardiologist.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of one of the great pillars of Cardiology, PHA Past President Dr. Raul Diaz Jara,” the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

“He was a great father, teacher, mentor, poet, author, singer, colleague, friend. One who has spent his life teaching,” it added.

“We deeply mourn for your loss but we want this more to be a celebration of your life. Philippine Cardiology will not be the same without you,” the statement further read.

Edited by JPV