UTMB’s Dr. Janak Patel, who lost his wife to COVID-19, is now committed to vaccinating Houstonians

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Getting thousands of people vaccinated each day in one location is a huge undertaking.

Walter Hall Park in League City has become one of those Galveston County locations.

On Friday they would vaccinate 3,000 people. It is part of a major effort by Galveston County, the county’s health district and the University of Texas Medical Department.

One of the doctors at UTMB, Dr. Janak Patel, has worked to make all of this possible.

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“It’s a drive-thru program and we’ve had it for almost two months now,” said Patel.

For Dr. However, Patel has gotten the vaccine personal.

“I am passionate about this vaccination program,” said Patel. “I know it saves lives.”

From the start of COVID-19, his wife, Nisha, gave back to those on the front lines.

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“During the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, many health workers were working day and night,” he said. “She cooked meals and also delivered them to hospitals.”

Then his wife of 38 years got COVID-19 and unfortunately did not make it.

“I watched everyone struggle to give her the best possible care, and like many others, she succumbed to it,” Patel said. “It gave me extra meaning in terms of my work in the fight against COVID-19.”

That’s why Patel is motivated to keep doing what he’s doing today.

He is determined to help others fight this virus that he said has taken from so many.

“Her life has given me extra meaning,” said Patel.

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