'You are one of us': SKH doctor comforts migrant workers stuck in their dorm

The Covid-19 outbreak has undoubtedly been an overwhelming and anxiety-inducing time for many, none more so than the migrant workers who have been sequestered to their dorms as the number of cases rises in Singapore.

But one doctor is doing what he can to provide some much-needed reassurance to the migrant workers under his care.

Dr Muntasir Mannan Choudhury of Sengkang General Hospital received kudos from Singaporeans after the hospital shared a clip of him yesterday (April 19), capturing the wholesome moment when he comforted several Bangladeshi workers in their native language.

Pacing around the ground floor of the dormitory and toting a loudhailer, Choudhury told the workers:

"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 went on to offer some tips, advising the workers to wash their hands "as many times as possible", keep their masks on and avoid mingling with those from other rooms.

Choudhury also urged the workers to come forward if they felt unwell, assuring them that they were in good hands.

"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."

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/SengkangGeneralHospital/videos/171444370707820/[/embed]

The heartwarming clip attracted over 300 positive comments and well wishes for the medical team on-site as well as the residents of the dormitories.

As part of efforts to manage the spread of Covid-19 in the dormitories housing migrant workers, all dormitories are "effectively on lockdown", Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo announced in a press conference on April 14.

This means that workers are not allowed to leave the premises. They are also advised to avoid interacting with residents from other rooms or floors.

In dormitories which contain clusters and have been gazetted as isolation areas, workers are required to stay in their rooms as much as possible.

Medical posts will be set up at the gazetted dormitories. The Ministry of Manpower is also aiming to set up medical touchpoints at all purpose-built dormitories, Teo said.

Factory-converted dormitories will be supported by the national network of Public Health Preparedness Clinics.

The 43 purpose-built dormitories house about 200,000 workers while the 1,200 odd factory-converted dormitories accommodate another 95,000 workers.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

kimberlylim@asiaone.com