KUCHING: Every one of us is a hero in fighting this Covid-19 pandemic, said a Sarawakian doctor.
Dr Rafeeq Ruslan, 33, from Kuching has been serving with the National Health Service (NHS), United Kingdom for nearly a year, and he is pleading with fellow Sarawakians to play their part in the fight against the pandemic.
“Everybody, please do your parts to reduce the burden for us in healthcare and believe me when I say that it works vice-versa. We are not the only heroes and soldiers fighting this virus. All of you are also heroes and soldiers in this fight,” he said in his Facebook post.
He said this pandemic requires global cooperation and there is no time to point fingers and blame one another.
“Every individual has an important role to play, not only the healthcare workers,” he said.
According to him, healthcare workers in the UK do not have the luxury of donning quality protective equipment due to national shortage unlike healthcare workers in Malaysia.
“Malaysians must be thankful for that. Why? So that your local doctor, physicians and surgeons, nurses, ward clerks, physiotherapists, dentists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, paramedics, cleaners, security guard, clinical healthcare workers, bed site managers, receptionists, and radiographers are able to prevent themselves from getting sick while caring for patients in hospital and clinical settings, not only those infected with Covid-19,” he said.
“Please, don’t forget there are people who need hospitalisation for other conditions. We need all the manpower we can get to provide the best care we can — for you, for your family members, your friends, and your loved ones.”
He therefore urged everyone to look after their health by following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, that is, to get checked if they feel unwell, practice good hygiene and do social distancing as much as possible.
“I’m not seeking praises or expect endless ‘thank you’s’ just because I’m a frontline worker. The main reason I’m posting this is because I believe I have a duty to help, serve, inform and protect the public to the best of my capabilities.
“We chose this line of work not for fame, social status and definitely not to become rich. The time has come to fulfill your Hippocratic oath. Do no harm, serve and protect all with excellence and selflessness,” he said.
