Dr. Ong Ee works at anaesthesiology department in a hospital in Perlis. Working as a Covid19 frontliner in the operation theatre, emergency department and intensive care unit, one of his major tasks is the intubation of patients who require breathing support.
Performing duties in the PAPR suit can be physically and mentally draining. During the intubation, he would need to lean in to open the patient’s mouth and airway. With one’s face just inches away from the patient’s mouth, it is probably the most dangerous procedure which puts one at risk of being exposed to aerosols and droplets.

In March, a doctor from the hospital tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from overseas and eventually passed away. Other medical staffs also had to be quarantined and this led not only to the lack of staff but left many of them in a state of despair.
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda said, “It is important not to be defeated by the environment. You mustn’t lose faith in yourself. Each of you has a mission that only you can fulfil.“
“Instead of feeling small and powerless, I realised that I must challenge my own weaknesses and persevere. I strengthened my determination to be undefeated and used dialogues to encourage my colleagues.” By illuminating the lives of the people around him with courage and hope, Dr. Ong Ee and his colleagues were able to fortify their solidarity to keep their sense of mission burn ever brightly.

Source: SGM Facebook, 2020