The world of Tzu Chi May 2020 (Vol.122)

TZU CHI 122 07 O n March 18, 2020, the first day the MCO came into effect, I received a notice from the Ministry of Health, informing me that I would have to report for duty at the Sungai Buloh Hospital. As one of the handful of hospitals nationwide designated for treating Covid-19 patients, Sungai Buloh Hospital requires ample manpower to deal with the pandemic. The medical team is led by infectious disease specialists. As a precaution, we had to adhere to stringent hygiene and safety protocols, particularly before coming into contact with infected patients, which include health consultations, face shield fittings, guidelines on the proper use of PPE and the zoning of wards. Once, I was about to conclude my midnight shift when two Covid-19 patients were admitted to the hospital, one of whomwas only able to converse in Mandarin. Since I was the sole doctor of Chinese ethnicity on duty that night – and to prevent wasting another set of PPE – I took over my colleague’s shift and returned to the consultation room to resume my duties. This is a doctor’s obligation. We should care for one another and fulfil our responsibility to society in combating the virus. Each and every one of us plays an indispensable role in the fight for victory. Striving for a better tomorrow Narrated by Dr. Dalson Tan (Resident physician, Sungai Buloh Hospital Covid-19 medical team) Composed by Yap Chai Hoon Many have asked if I ever felt anxious. Anxiety does nothing to solve the problem. Medical personnel strive to serve to the best of their abilities regardless of the number of patients.Nevertheless, numerousheart-warming encounters have taken place within the cold, sterile confines of the hospital. The hospital received a batch of protective face shields from Tzu Chi volunteers not long after the MCO was implemented. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers for their willingness to contribute their time and effort to this endeavour despite the logistical inconveniences associated with the MCO. In fact, many others are working hard alongside doctors and nurses on the frontlines, from pharmacists and laboratory staff to the cooks who have been preparing our meals and the janitors keeping our surroundings clean, as well as the police and army personnel manning the roadblocks and delivery riders who ensure food and other essentials are delivered to our doorstep. All of them are frontline heroes in their own right. There is currently no end in sight to the battle against Covid-19. The pandemic is expected to leave behind a long-lasting impact beyond the termination of the MCO. I hope all of us will continue to do our part for society, within our capacity and the limits of the law, for a better future.