While everyone has been urged to ‘Stay Home’ and mask up during this circuit breaker period, our doctors are on the ground battling against Covid-19 head-on day and night, away from their families. Whether they're working in the Emergency Department, wards, clinics, or deployed to support the foreign worker dormitories, they are our heroes who are crucial in fighting this battle. They knowingly put themselves at risk to save lives and remain committed to the cause of reducing the number of patients infected, and to break the chain of infection.

Being on the frontline is no mean feat. Doctors, alongside the medical team, spend hours donned in their personal protective equipment (PPE) and persevere in spite of the heat and intensity of the work. Yet they find time to encourage patients who are anxious, afraid, lonely and urge them to stay strong and fight the virus till they recover.

Meet Dr Ubaidullah Shaik Dawood, who shares what it is like to make sacrifices beyond the call of duty to fight this invisible enemy.

Dr Ubaidullah Shaik Dawood 
Consultant 
Department of Renal Medicine 


Life on the frontlines

When I was informed that a patient I was managing tested positive for COVID-19, it felt so surreal. The virus was getting closer to us than we had realised. Fear and uncertainty crept in. Did I maintain my hand hygiene and wear my mask properly? Was there a possibility that I could be infected? What will happen to my junior doctors and nurses? 

Being a senior doctor with juniors under my wing, my sense of responsibility kicked in. This situation is real and we have to face the challenges. It's an opportunity for me to inspire my fellow healthcare workers through our hard work and leadership. Together, we can motivate each other and keep our spirits high to avoid getting burned out. 

What do I miss most? My kids - their warm hugs when they welcome me home from work. COVID-19 has changed some of the rules at home. Now there are no hugs at the door. I'll shower immediately and put my clothes into the laundry before I start interacting with them.

We are doing our best to tackle this tough period in history. Everyone has a part to play in flattening the Covid-19 curve by staying at  home, practising safe distancing, and being socially responsible.  We can only overcome this pandemic together! Let us stay united.