We are still in shock as we come to terms with the untimely death of Dr Mehnaaz Ally, a much loved and admired paediatric palliative care doctor who has been a part of PatchSA since 2018.

On the morning of Thursday 7 February, we received the news that our friend, colleague, and recently appointed Vice Chair of the PatchSA Board, Dr Mehnaaz Ally, had been found unresponsive in her home after experiencing a massive internal brain haemhorrage. Despite fervent hopes and prayers that she could recover, it soon became evident that Mehnaaz’s condition was deteriorating, and she would not survive this catastrophic event. We were not surprised to hear soon afterwards that she would be an organ donor, a decision very much in line with the kind and generous person that Mehnaaz was. Early the following morning a touching ‘walk of honour’ was held for Mehnaaz as she arrived at Milpark Hospital to become an organ donor. Despite the short notice, a large crowd of people turned up to show their deepest respects as she was wheeled through the ward. The request had been sent out to ‘wear bright colours’ as homage to Mehnaaz’s positive and colourful personality.

Across WhatsApp groups and Social Media platforms, loving tributes to Mehnaaz flooded in from across the country as hundreds of people whose lives she had touched expressed their shock and extreme sadness at losing such a vibrant person, still in the prime of her life.

Dr Mehnaaz Akbar Ally was a paediatric palliative care specialist based in Gauteng. After completing her undergraduate degree in Medicine from Wits University in 2005, she pursued post graduate studies in Paediatrics, and then in Paediatric Palliative Care. She successfully completed the post graduate diploma in paediatric palliative medicine through the University of Cape Town in 2017, with distinction. At the time of her passing she was practicing in both the private and public sectors in Gauteng, heading up the WitsPal Paediatric Palliative Care team at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, and Lambano Sanctuary, a paediatric step-down unit and hospice faculty in Germiston. Mehnaaz was passionate about educating fellow healthcare workers about paediatric pain and had a special interest in neonatal pain and palliation. She also ran support groups and debriefing workshops for healthcare workers burdened by burnout and compassion fatigue.

After her passing, PatchSA Board chair, Dr Samantha Govender, wrote the following heartfelt message:

I write this message with a heavy heart to inform you all that the vice chair of our PatchSA Board, a dear friend and beautiful soul, Dr Mehnaaz Akbar Ally, has passed away today. Mehnaaz was a special person with a heart of gold, always putting her patients, family, and friends first beyond herself. She was a stalwart and an icon in Gauteng, being one of the few paediatric palliative care doctors in that province, bringing light and love to her patients. She has touched so many lives, so many hearts, and so many souls that I’m sure they are rejoicing in heaven to welcome her.
We are deeply saddened by her loss. Mehnaaz was an absolute breath of fresh air who we shall all miss dearly. In her last few hours, she touched many more lives by giving them life through organ donation, and we honour her and her beloved family members even more for this heartwarming gesture to many in need. May they find comfort in knowing that she continues to give life and love, even in death.
Mehnaaz, we shall cherish, treasure and always keep you in our hearts. Thank you for carrying the paediatric palliative care flag as high as possible for our children and being such an asset to the board of PatchSA over the years. We salute you my dear friend.
Dr Samantha Govender
Chair of PatchSA
Memorial Service
A memorial service for Mehnaaz has been arranged by the staff at Lambano Sanctuary and will be held on Wednesday, 19 February between 16h00 and 17h30. Venue to be announced and there is a possibility of the service being live streamed. You can find out more on the Lambano Facebook page.