A POPULAR doctor who reformed healthcare in Bolton has died after battling coronavirus.

Dr Krishna Korlipara, 82, died at his home last Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest linked to Covid-19.

His family says they have inundated with people offering their condolences.

Daughter Veni, 52, said: “My father was such an active member of the community and the medical profession.

"He was such a kind and generous person and we have had so many calls and messages from people around the world telling us what he did for them.

"Many told us how much he helped them in their times of need in so many different ways. He was a very special person who gave a lot.

"It has helped us see that he was loved by so many people.

"Our lives are so intertwined as a family that being without him is like there is a piece missing from your favourite jigsaw.”

Originally from India, Dr Korlipara came to England 56 years ago and his first job was at the Royal Free Hospital, London.

He came to Bolton in 1968 and worked as a General Medical Registrar at Bolton General Hospital (renamed Royal Bolton Hospital) and from 1972 – 2008 served the community as a GP, opening Bolton’s first purpose built medical centre, Pike View Medical Centre.

At the same time, he also worked as a cardiologist at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, and was the president and fundraiser for the New Heart – New Start appeal, raising money for patients requiring heart transplants.

He was also the longest elected member of the General Medical Council, for 24 years. He was also founder of the first GP co-operative in the country, Bolton District Medical Services, and founder of the National Association of GP Co-operatives. He was elected general secretary of the Overseas Doctors’ Association.

In 2012, he received the BMA Fellowship award for his contribution to medicine. In 2018 he was featured in the exhibition ‘Migrants who shaped the NHS’ held at the Royal College of General Practitioners.

He is survived by his loving wife, Uma, three children and five grandchildren.

A private family funeral is being planned, with the family hoping to host a memorial service next year.