former Gujarat minister Thakorebhai passes away

Vadodara, Mar 1 (UNI) Noted nonagenarian social worker and former Gujarat health minister Dr Thakorebhai Patel died after a prolonged illness here today.

He was 94.

Dr.Patel who was discharged from the hospital a couple of days ago after a fortnight-long treatment of old age complications, died at his Raopura residence this evening.

He is survived by two sons and as many daughters.

Born on January 5, 1915, Dr.Patel was elected to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly in 1973 and inducted as the health minister during the tenure of Chimanbhai Patel.

Prior to his election to the state assembly, he was elected deputy mayor of Baroda Municipal Corporation in April, 1966 and took over as the second Mayor of Baroda Municipal Corporation in July, 1968 for a five-year term.

As the Mayor of Baroda, he took the historic initiative and was successful in providing pipeline cooking gas to the residents of the city, the first of its kind in Asia.

Dr Patel also set up a number of educational institutions and hospitals to serve the poory. The body of Dr Patel would cremated tomorrow, family sources said.

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