Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, recently called the families of frontline heroes who sacrificed their lives in the national fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Among them was the family of Dr Sudhir RambhauWashimkar, 61, who contracted the disease in May when he was working as an internal medicine specialist at Burjeel Royal Hospital in Al Ain.

Sheikh Mohamed called his wife Dr Varsha Washimkar and expressed thanks and appreciation for the crucial role played by her husband and other fallen heroes in the national efforts to combat the virus.

During the telephonic conversation, Sheikh Mohamed also affirmed that the Emirati community will never forget the sacrifices of frontline heroes in the battle against COVID-19.

As per reports, Dr Varsha’s husband, Dr Sudhir RambhauWashimkar, breathed his last on June 6 after receiving treatment for COVID-19 for nearly a month. Dr Sudhir Washimkar has left behind a grieving wife and two sons - Siddharth (29) and Rahul (25). Dr Varsha Washimkar is a general practitioner at the Abu Dhabi Police Clinic in Al Ain and her sons are also doctor working in India.

Speaking to media, Dr Varsha said that she received a call from the Ruler's office, saying that the Crown Prince would like to speak to me. She asserted that it was a beautiful and unbelievable gesture by the Crown Prince that she will cherish all her life.

"He called at around 6 pm, showering heaps of praises for my husband and our family for being on the frontlines and serving the UAE with our heart and soul," Dr Varsha added.

The conversation lasted a few minutes and Sheikh Mohamed's words of appreciation left the doctor speechless.

“There was so much concern in His Highness’ voice when he said he was grateful for the effort my husband had put to serve the country he called home for the last 12 years," she highlighted.

Dr Varsha affirmed that she always felt a deep respect for the nation's visionary leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. She added that his call revealed his softer side, showing that he has a heart of gold.

Talking to Khaleej Times, Dr Varsha stated that His Highness made her feel at home and regarded her as his sister.

"His Highness said ‘you are my sister and the UAE is your home, we will try to help you and your sons in every possible way to help you settle here comfortably’,” she added.

In addition, Dr Varsha received the medal of honour "Fallen Frontline Heroes Order" for her late husband's sacrifice on the occasion of UAE's Commemoration Day on November 30. The medal has been conferred on all those heroes who sacrificed their lives while working at the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. It is an expression of gratitude for frontline heroes and their families, aimed at recognising their courage, dedication and sacrifices for the UAE and its people.