The world of Tzu Chi December 2020(Vol.129)

TZU CHI 129 35 Sending recovered patients home Renting vans for patient transfers Photograph by Chong Shu Khiun Photograph by Tse Ning Siong A s operating hours of public transport services are limited during CMCO, and the Lahad Datu Hospital faced difficulty in recovered patient transfers especially those living in remote areas, TIMA doctors offered help by arranging vans to take them home from the temporary quarantine and treatment centre set up in Taman Seri Sapagaya. According to the Hospital, 10 to 20 patients are discharged on a daily average. One of the drivers, Abdul Usri, whose usual job is to send students, is more than willing to take on this role as schools are closed. Besides their salaries, Tzu Chi also fully subsidizes their petrol costs. As of November 7, Abdul Usri had sent more than 150 patients home, and the services are still ongoing. T he overwhelming number of Covid-19 patients left Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu short of ambulances for patient transfers. Some at remote areas with no means of transportation had no choice but to stay put and self-quarantine at home. Learning that the Hospital needs an estimate of ten more ambulances to cope with the demand, volunteer Chong Chee Kim tried to rent tour vans from local travel agencies as an alternative. However, some rejected upon learning of the usage, while others asked for higher rents. With relentless effort, he managed to get two vans at reasonable charges. The Hospital promised to perform professional disinfection upon return of the vehicles rented by Tzu Chi. Lahad Datu Kota Kinabalu Go, Sabah!