'You are one of us, we will take care of you': SKH doctor assures migrant workers in dormitory

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Ashley Tan | April 20, 2020, 01:46 PM

The number of new Covid-19 cases in migrant worker dormitories continues to rise daily—505 of the 596 new cases on Apr. 19 are Work Permit holders residing in dormitories.

But healthcare professionals from Sengkang General Hospital have taken it upon themselves to personally reassure these workers.

Follow the rules

The hospital recently shared a video of one of their doctors, Dr. Muntasir, addressing the workers at a dormitory.

Holding a megaphone and donning a mask, surgical cap and scrubs, Muntasir can be heard speaking in what sounds to be Bengali.

The doctor told workers not to be worried as he and his colleagues were there to care for their health.

"As you all know, there is a massive spread of the Coronavirus infection all around the world. Unfortunately, it has come to your dorms too. Should you be afraid? I will tell you that there is nothing to be afraid of as we are already here for you all. We will be taking care of your health."

He urged workers to follow the strict rules, which involved wearing masks constantly, maintaining personal hygiene and keeping one's surroundings clean, and ensuring safe distancing.

Workers are "one of us"

"Cleanliness remains the key to fight this disease. All these rules will keep you safe from the infection," he said.

Muntasir asked workers not to hide their symptoms, should they have any, as the medical staff were simply there to help them.

He also gently assured workers that they will be well cared for.

They had contributed to Singapore's growth, and it was Singapore's turn to care for them.

"You have done your part for Singapore, you have built the buildings we live in, you have built the roads we travel upon, your contribution to Singapore is enormous. You are one of us and we will take care of you."

Full translation

Here's the full translation of his speech, according to the post:

"May I have your attention please? I am Dr. Muntasir from Sengkang General Hospital and I am here with many of my colleagues to look after your wellbeing. So please, do not be worried.

As you all know, there is a massive spread of the Coronavirus infection all around the world. Unfortunately, it has come to your dorms too. Should you be afraid? I will tell you that there is nothing to be afraid of as we are already here for you all. We will be taking care of your health.

Now there are some things you can do which will benefit both you and us. First and foremost please follow the rules strictly:

  1. Always wear your mask.
  2. Please stay in your rooms at all times and please do not go to other rooms or other floors.
  3. Please keep your surroundings clean. Keep your beds clean.
  4. Wash your hands with soap as many times as possible, at least 4 to 5 times a day.
  5. Those who are carrying out their daily prayers, this is also an opportunity to wash your hands and your face as frequently as possible. This applies to people of all religions.

Cleanliness remains the key to fight this disease. All these rules will keep you safe from the infection.

If you feel unwell, please inform the doctors at the command centre. Do not be afraid and hide things as we are here to help you. We will take care of you.

You have done your part for Singapore, you have built the buildings we live in, you have built the roads we travel upon, your contribution to Singapore is enormous. You are one of us and we will take care of you. Be strong, be confident, drive away your fears. We are here for you. Sengkang General Hospital is here for you.

Thank you!"

Watch the video here.

Top photo from Sengkang General Hospital / FB