UTMB’s Dr Janak Patel, who lost his wife to COVID-19, is now determined to help vaccinate Houstonians

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Getting thousands of people vaccinated in one day in one place is a colossal undertaking.

League City’s Walter Hall Park has become one of those Galveston County sites.

On Friday, they were to vaccinate 3,000 people. It’s part of a larger effort by Galveston County, the County Health District, and the University of Texas medical branch.

One of the UTMB doctors, Dr Janak Patel, helped make it all happen.

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

However, for Dr Patel, the vaccine has become personal.

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

Since the onset of COVID-19, his wife, Nisha, has been giving back to those on the front lines.

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“During the initial phase of the COVID-19 crisis, many health workers were working around the clock,” he said. “She prepared meals and delivered them to well hospitals.”

Then his 38-year-old wife contracted COVID-19 and unfortunately did not survive.

“I saw 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 does today.

He is determined to help others fight this virus which he says has taken hold of so many people.

“Her life gave me extra meaning,” Patel said.

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