People

Pioneer female paediatrician Dr Rebecca George dies at 88

Trailblazer Dr Rebecca’s efforts were pivotal in improving Malaysia’s children's healthcare, especially throughout 70s and 80s

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 17 Jun 2022 12:40PM

Pioneer female paediatrician Dr Rebecca George dies at 88
She was involved in implementing the National Immunisation Programme, child growth monitoring, tackling the dengue epidemic among children, and pushing for more research on childhood diseases. – Instagram/@chackovadaketh pic, June 17, 2022

KUALA LUMPUR – Puan Sri Dr Rebecca George, one of Malaysia’s well-known paediatricians and an expert in keeping Malaysian children safe and healthy has died at age 88.

She was involved in implementing the National Immunisation Programme, child growth monitoring, tackling the dengue epidemic among children, and pushing for more research on childhood diseases.

Dr Rebecca did not stop contributing her service even in her retirement.

“She was a talented paediatrician, an amazing mother and an elegant homemaker,” said her son, Chacko Vadaketh, when contacted by The Vibes this morning.

“My mother instilled in me the love for literature and art, and I have so many fond memories of our time together that it’s hard to single out one."

The late Dr Rebecca together with her husband, Tan Sri Vadaketh Chacko George, and son, Chacko Vadaketh. – Instagram/@chackovadaketh pic
The late Dr Rebecca together with her husband, Tan Sri Vadaketh Chacko George, and son, Chacko Vadaketh. – Instagram/@chackovadaketh pic

He added that the passion and patience his mother contributed in dengue research to overcome the disease in the country, saving many lives in the process, is one to be honoured.

“Right now, we (the family) are busy preparing for her funeral and will keep family and friends updated,” said Chacko.

Dr Rebecca was also the wife of renowned lawyer and retired Court of Appeal judge Tan Sri Vadaketh Chacko George, or best known as V.C. George.

In addition to her son Chacko, Dr Rebecca also leaves behind daughters Anna and Anuka and three grandchildren.

Those wishing to pay their last respects may attend the funeral service on June 19 (Sunday) at the St Thomas Marthoma Church at Jalan Ipoh, here, at 1.30pm. – The Vibes, June 17, 2022

Related News

Health / 4mth

As dengue cases surge, health authorities resort to technology to fight disease

Malaysia / 5mth

Virologist urges govt to provide access to new dengue vaccine

Malaysia / 6mth

Ipoh records over 300% spike in dengue cases

Malaysia / 10mth

Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to be released in stages to curb dengue

Malaysia / 10mth

Dengue cases in Kelantan spike 225%: state health director

World / 11mth

Bangladesh sees deadliest dengue outbreak in five years

Spotlight

Malaysia

Malaysia lost a 'gem' with the death of Syed Husin Ali

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

No Malaysia tourist spot shall solely cater to one religious group, says minister

Malaysia

MP urges police to step up efforts to reunite mother with missing daughter

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Beacon of hope for stateless children in Sabah

By Jason Santos