KUALA LUMPUR: They are regarded as the nation’s first line of defence in the battle against Covid-19, which is gripping the world in unprecedented horror.
For the medical workers and hospital staff tasked with what seems to be the biggest challenge in their profession, failure is not an option.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah reminded hospital staff and medical officers to be steadfast in their mission to defeat the virus.
“To all the frontline workers, please stay strong and safe. Failure is not an option here. It is up to us to take the lead in this battle ... our country depends on you,” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham shared this heartfelt message as Malaysia entered the second week of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Since the first two deaths were reported on March 17, more people had succumbed to the virus with the death toll reaching 15 yesterday.
As the Covid-19 infection curve continues to rise, Dr Noor Hisham urged the people to do their part to break the chain of transmission.
“To the public, the government has implemented an unprecedented MCO. Each and every one of us can help to win this war — stay at home and break the chain of transmission, practise social distancing and wash hands frequently.”
The ministry, he said, would continue with active case detection, as well as finding, testing, isolating and treating infected patients.
“We will continue to take public health measures and enhance our healthcare system. Let’s do this together for our nation.”
He shared the hashtags #DudukDiRumah and #StayAtHome, which are trending on social media.
Frontliners, through Rayuan Pengamal Perubatan, a Facebook group that advocates the importance of staying at home to fight Covid-19, urged Malaysians to do their part in the battle against Covid-19.
Some related how they have left their families and dependents behind to do their job, while others described being lied to by patients who have had close contact with Covid-19-positive patients.
Dr Harjun Singh, a medical officer with Kuala Lumpur Hospial’s Radiotherapy Department, said he was stationed at the Emergency and Trauma Department during the second wave of the Covid-19 infection.
“I was selected by the department because I was not married, had no (underlying) health issues and no family burden. I couldn’t argue much and be selfish, and refuse this calling.
“It reminded me of the movie, Mulan, in which the emperor of China asked each family to send one representative to defend the kingdom. Mulan answered the call to defend her family and kingdom.
“Our brothers and sisters are dying out there, we need all the help we can get, put your feet forward, keep your chin up, suit up in your personal protective equipment (PPE) and give them all you got.”
Dr Then Moli, a medical officer at a public hospital, said patients who did not disclose their travel history exposed many of her colleagues to the virus.
“By telling us the truth, you can minimise the risk of exposure to healthcare providers, their families and everyone around you. Any healthcare provider who attends to you without PPE needs to be tested for Covid-19 and quarantined for 14 days.
“Remember, we have families too. I am also someone’s daughter, wife, sister, family member and friend.
“It has been weeks since I visited my parents and siblings in fear of exposure at work and risking their lives.”
Dr Nur Farihan Mukhtar, an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist from Kangar, said she left her home and five children, the youngest barely 3 months old, to carry out her duty.
“This is our responsibility. We pray that things will get better and we can fight this together.
“We need you to help us by staying home, telling the truth about your travel history, washing your hands and practising social distancing.
“Also do not spread false news and create panic.”
Dr Richard Lim, the head of palliative medicine at the Health Ministry, recalled having an exhausting day.
“I had an exhausting day yesterday caring for a patient, who just returned from China.
“Believe me, caring for a patient can be so challenging under the circumstances, with PPE and all.
“As the number of patients rises, you can only imagine how exhausted the healthcare workforce will be.”