Medical frontliners ask us to do our part

KUALA LUMPUR (March 21): Our medical frontliners are giving their all and some have them have become casualties in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was reported yesterday 15 of them have been infected by the new corana virus.

Many have also not seen their families for weeks as they work long days in the hospitals.

And now, these medical frontliners have called on other Malaysians to do their part to support them in their efforts.

Very simple actually, just stay at home as much as possible, practise social distancing and keep those hands washed.

They have even started a Facebook dubbed Rayuan Pengamal Perubatan or ‘Pleas From the Medical Practitioners’ to showcase their endeavours and also to keep reminding the public to do their part.

Medical officer Dr Mandy Kua from the obstetrics and gynaecology in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan asked Malaysians to stay at home to stem infections of COVID-19.

“I have not met my family in months. Please help us #stayathome flattened the curve, so that we can go home soon to see our family. Or at least have a dinner with them,” she posted on the Rayuan Pengamal Perubatan Facebook.

Even doctors in private practise are doing their part by seeing long lines of patients, such as Dr S J Pang from DesaPark City, KL.

He worked so hard that he ended up with high fever and he checked himself in at Sungai Buloh Hospital.

“As you can see, I am in a hospital suit. About 1 week ago, I had high grade fever after a long patients seeing day. I self admit to Sg Buloh Hospital.

“Went through a lot with the team here and their services were excellent. My spirit is with you and sorry for becoming part of the problem at this critical moment. I'm covid negative.

“Mentally support you guys,” Pang wrote.

Some of the medical staff are also starting to be quarantined as they face patients constantly, such as Dr Nik Shaheeda, an MO Hospital Teluk Intan

“I am now on day three of quarantine, and awaiting my swab result. I have two beautiful children at home, who are dying to see and hug me.

“Please pray for us, as currently we are lack of manpower. I can’t wait to stand tall with other colleagues in the frontliner, having each other’s back.

“To Malaysians, stay safe, stay at home and don’t lie (about your medical symptoms),” she wrote.

Dr Darshini SK, medical officer from Klinik Kesihatan Gombak Setia, also called on Malaysians to heed the movement control order.

“The fear is real guys. Please stay at home so that we can protect you and do our job.

“Please don’t lie to us and put us at risk just because you are scared.

“God bless us all,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Dr Richard Lim, head of palliative medicine in the Ministry of Health, is also going all out.

“I had an exhausting day yesterday caring for one patient who just came back from China. Believe me, it is exhausting donning and doffing PPE and that is just one patient!!!

“As numbers rise you can imagine how exhausted the healthcare workforce will be. SO STAY AT HOME AND HELP MALAYSIA GET THROUGH THIS!” Lim wrote.

There are now 1,030 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Malaysia as the country recorded a 130 jump in new cases as at noon yesterday, according to the Ministry of Health.

There have also been three deaths as a result of the corona virus.