The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

2020 • 06 22 eature A s of 2019, the estimated number of refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was 170,000, while 180,000 others have yet to be registered. Following the enforcement of the MCO, the refugees, a vulnerable community that has been living precariously on the fringes of society, are thrown into further hardship owing to the lack of access to medical attention. UNHCR Tzu-Chi Project Coordinator Dr. Foo Seay Liang remarked, “From March onwards, we’ve suspended our outdoor free clinics. Currently, only the KL Tzu-Chi Free Clinic remains operational in order to curb the spread of Covid-19. Yet, the suspension of our services has complicated the process of seeking medical attention for refugees.” The previous phase of the MCO had restricted movement and travel to a 10 km radius from our homes, closely monitored by police officers manning roadblocks and conducting checks on passing vehicles. The stringent security measures had deterred refugees from venturing outside to seek assistance, not only adversely affecting the well-being of refugees with chronic illnesses, but also inconveniencing refugees who used to travel to the Free Clinic from other states for medical consultations. During the MCO, the Free Clinic took the initiative to contact the refugees who were due for follow-up sessions to remind them to present Creating a safe space for refugees By Wong Kiew Moi Photograph by Chan Soo Lai As a healthcare institution, the KL Tzu-Chi Free Clinic implemented the necessary precautions to protect its medical staff serving on the frontlines, who are at a high risk of infection, as well as volunteers and patients equally susceptible to contracting the virus. themselves for their medical appointments. Meanwhile, a team of volunteers were on hand to deliver medication to refugee patients who faced difficulties in personally making the trip to the Free Clinic. The thoughtful gesture touched the hearts of many refugees. On several occasions, the Free Clinic received phone calls from police personnel in other states to confirm the identities of refugees applying for permission to travel across state borders to seek medical attention at the Free Clinic. The authorities made allowances for these refugees, approving their requests for interstate travel in their heart-warming efforts to care for the refugees’ welfare in distressing times. Furthermore, the Free Clinic has been The seats in the waiting area at the KL Tzu-Chi Free Clinic have been strategically cordoned off to facilitate social distancing.