Lebanese doctor who gained prominence during Covid outbreak passes away

Prominent Lebanese doctor Ray Nasna who specialised in infectiology and gained prominence for his many TV appearances since the coronavirus outbreak has died battling cancer, according to local media reports.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab Staff

18 April, 2022

Rafic Hariri University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon

Dr. Nasnas became well known during the pandemic [Getty- archive]

A Lebanese doctor who gained prominence during the outbreak of the Covid pandemic passed away on Monday.

Doctor Roy Nasnas, who specialised in infectious diseases, died after a long battle with illness, according to local media.

I believe this doctor saved many lebanese lives during covid, ana shakhsian kel shi ba3refo 3an covid whow to deal with covid houwe from this doctor.

May you rest in peace Dr. Nasnas ❤ pic.twitter.com/1Ggzo53PBc
— Warren Bucket 🐋 (@tlebbucket) April 18, 2022

While it was not made clear what he had suffered from, unconfirmed reports said it was cancer.

Dr. Nasnas had become well known from the many television appearances he made when the coronavirus outbreak started, especially in Lebanon, regularly being invited on talk shows and the news to spread awareness about the virus.

He was head of the Department of Internal Medicine and Microbiology at the Lebanese Hospital Geitaoui in Beirut.

News of his death drew many messages of support and condolences from the Lebanese public, including celebrities.

Social media users thanked him for helping to saves the lives of many during the pandemic.

"This microbiologist has shaped the medical and scientific scene in Lebanon and the region and saved thousands of patients," wrote Lebanese TV presenter Ricardo Karam.

لم يكن طبيباً عادياً بل علامة فارقة في عالم أغناه من خلال شغفه وتفانيه وانسانيته. هذا الاختصاصي في الأمراض الجرثومية طبع المشهد الطبي والعلمي في لبنان والمنطقة وأنقذ الآلاف من المرضى. في زمن الفصح، نودّع كبيراً من بلادنا غلبه المرض وننحني أمام رحلة عنونها "خدمة الآخر".#روي_نسناس pic.twitter.com/m2gt6WJnpS
— Ricardo Karam ريكاردو كرم (@RicardoRKaram) April 18, 2022

Too well loved to ever be forgotten 💔
Rest In Eternal Peace my doctor Roy Nasnas #RIP #روي_نسناس pic.twitter.com/Tcz04zMpxq
— Haifa Wehbe (@HaifaWehbe) April 18, 2022

Thank you Dr. For everything you have done.
What a loss, rest in a better place 🕊
#روي_نسناس #RoyNasnas pic.twitter.com/p5VVndhMjs
— AOUN (@AounRasha) April 18, 2022