As we approach the third week of self-isolation in the war against Covid-19 in the comfort of our living room, there is a group of individuals we should all be thankful for. They are our medical practitioners who are putting themselves at risk to save lives.
These are our courageous heroes on the frontline, who are stretched beyond their limits to treat the outbreak despite fatigue, exhaustion and time away from their loved ones.
At times, they even enter the war zone without proper safety equipment because of lack of resources, leaving them even more vulnerable to the disease.
Hence, it is only right that the government recognises their efforts and duly compensates them for their sacrifices. The Sarawak government announced its own incentive packages for the 6,232 medical doctors, nurses and medical personnel who are working tirelessly in hospitals and clinics throughout the state.
Private sectors are also joining in the chorus, including ECM Libra Foundation, together with the support of hotelier Ormond Group, by providing healthcare workers free stays at the Tune Hotel Putra World Trade Centre branch.
Various communities of individuals are also chipping in to contribute to the medical team and frontline workers to show their appreciation.
For example, when a Facebook video of healthcare workers using plastic bags and cling wraps as makeshift personal protective equipment (PPE) made its rounds, many expressed concern about the well-being of our selfless heroes. It was reported that the PPE which includes gowns, helmets, gloves, face shields, goggles, and masks, were in short supply.
There was also a tweet showing healthcare professionals in Sabah folding and sewing headscarves as protection because they did not have enough PPE.
And while it is one thing to watch our healthcare officers hard at work, it is another thing to send them in without the protection they deserve. It is like entering a war zone without ammo.
As such, people have come together to crowd-source the use of 3D printers and other methods to make much-needed face shields for those fighting the spread of Covid-19 and to help meet demand for the single-use disposable PPE.
In Sarawak, some have raised funds to buy PPE for the medical frontliners in Sarawak General Hospital.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has since told the media that PPE supply has been secured and some 33 million PPE items are ready for distribution
There are also some in Sarawak who are lending support by providing food for our frontliners, for example Bon Appetit.
Bon Appetit founder Jacqueline Chang said the project was initiated by the Federation of Chinese Association. She said as a charity mobile food truck operator, a team of regular volunteers was already there to step in.
“Bon Appetit has offered home-cooked menu to our frontliners in Sarawak General Hospital,” she said.
“During such difficult times, we should all contribute in any way we can to support our frontliners and without hesitation.”
The response has been overwhelming with many Kuchingites, from companies like Little Foot Café, Pullman Hotel, Dijon Catering and Japangi, throwing their support through food preparation.
Perhaps, Covid-19 is a timely reminder that there is still humanity in the world and that we are all in this together. We have a common enemy and we have sent our best to man our fort. Thank you, doctors and nurses, and other medical personnel. You are our true heroes.
