As some migrant workers are progressively heading back to work during Phase 2, they are still fearful of the virus and fear the unknown. Doctors like Dr Hamid Rahmatullah Bin Abd Razak, Associate Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, SKH, who speaks the same language as them are able to listen to their concerns, provide explanations and help allay their fears. Dr Hamid who has been deployed at various dormitories across Singapore makes it a point to explain to the migrant workers on the need for these serological/swab test. He also understands how difficult it must be for the migrant workers to leave their loved ones back home and to be dealing with the virus. Dr Hamid had left for the UK last year to pursue his fellowship training and a research degree. He had to return to Singapore with his family as the situation in the UK was worsening. Dr Hamid shared that he had wanted to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 upon returning from the UK and completing his stay home notice.

As the Deputy-Lead for SKH COVID-19 operations, Dr Hamid shared that he knew he was serving an important role and he took his responsibilities with pride and honour. This being a national crisis like no other that his generation has seen, he felt that it was important for him to step up. He also shared how Ramadan was different this year, but a meaningful one. He shared how during times like this, providing service to people is akin to service to the lord and he derived great satisfaction from doing this service as a part of the larger SingHealth team that was out there helping out and engaging with the migrant workers. He added that these migrant workers had toiled for our nation and this was the time to show them that the nation that they built cares for them in times of distress.