It is with great sadness that Renal Association wishes to honour the memory of our colleague and friend Dr Raj Purgus. He passed away on the 21st of April after a year long illness. Born in Fond du Sac in the north of Mauritius, he studied at Royal College Port Louis and then went to read medicine in Marseille.
He practised Nephrology in Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille initially specialising in dialysis then transplantation. He gave nearly 40 years of loyal service to his hospital and patients.
Dr S Gaya, Consultant in Charge at J Nehru Hospital, got to know him quite well. He makes this heart felt tribute:
” Although he settled down in Marseille, he always had his native country close to his heart. I first met him in the early 1990’s during one of his many visits to Mauritius. He was proposing to donate some dialysis machines to the Ministry of Health. “
“He has always wanted to share his knowledge and experience in Nephrology with the local team. Since 2006, he expressed a wish to organize training for local surgeons in kidney transplantation and for MHOs to have full time training in Nephrology with the help of Aix-Marseille University.”
“He has helped in the upgrading of our dialysis services through his yearly “Renal Week” when he would visit all the dialysis units in the regional hospitals. During that week, he would give lectures and talk patiently to patients and relatives. He would discuss tirelessly with the nephrologists and nursing staff on issues related to dialysis, transplantation and nephrology.”
“He was always very enthusiastic and his advice was appreciated by one and all. He was a very kind hearted person, very devoted to his patients and always ready to help. He was a very good friend and he was a great fan of Manchester United Football club. We would often have lengthy discussions on WhatsApp regarding the team performances in certain games!”
“He is sorely missed by his family both in Mauritius and Marseille as well by all his patients and friends. Thank you Raj for all that you have contributed to Renal services in Mauritius. May your soul rest in peace.”
We have lost a great colleague and friend indeed. May we be able to continue the work he started. He leaves behind his wife and two sons. Our deepest sympathies to them and his family.
Renal Association of Mauritius 