SINGAPORE: “TILL DEATH DO US PART.” That is the title of a Facebook posting by a doctor, describing the last journey of a stage-four cancer patient to meet her beloved father across the causeway.
The 46-year-old Malaysian woman was repatriated from Singapore to Malaysia in the midst of stricter travel restrictions by both countries to curb the spread of Covid-19 on May 21, with the help of many.
One of them was Dr Kaarthigan Ramaiah, a director at Lifesaver Ambulance Johor, who was with the woman in an ambulance throughout the two-hour journey to the Putra Specialist Hospital Batu Pahat.
“Sampai at pickup location…my pilot brought the stretcher and we transported the patient as fast as we can to Hospital Putra while I’m trying to give my best management to the patient,” wrote Dr Kaarthigan.
The woman, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer seven years ago, was picked up from Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore.
In the posting, Dr Kaarthigan also shared his conversation with the lady, whose condition worsened at the start of 2020, while in the ambulance.
Pt: My father waiting Dr…
Me: Yes madam, don’t worry, we will be there in less than 2 hours.
Pt: Thank you so much for your help Dr. I never expect to see my father again. Scared that will die in Singapore.
Me: Just relax ya madam. You’re doing well. (while patting her head)
Pt: I have been fighting for almost 7 years. I think it’s my time already.
Me: You’re a fighter madam. Keep fighting. You definitely can do this. (while holding her hand).
According to Dr Kaarthigan, the ambulance reached the hospital as scheduled with the patient’s father seen waiting at the emergency entrance.
“Belum sempat pilot tarik handbrake, he already open (sic) the ambulance door to see his daughter. Pilot asked him to hold on as we need to bring the patient out from the ambulance.
“Once the patient was out from the ambulance, both father and daughter were speechless, no single word came out but only tears. (Goosebumps),” he wrote.
Dr Kaarthigan ended his posting by saying: “We received the news that she passed away yesterday (May 22). She was a true warrior. May her soul rest in peace.” – Bernama
