As the fight against Covid-19 will be a long-drawn one, TODAY’s Voices section hopes to shine a light on the triumphs and struggles of Singapore’s front-line workers by publishing their first-hand accounts.

In this instalment of Voices from the Front Lines, Ms Lavania Subramaniam of the National University Hospital writes about assuming roles as Tamil translator and “naggy sister” to migrant workers with Covid-19 as she volunteered to support her hospital’s operations at a dormitory.

Did I make a mistake by volunteering? What if I get sick? What will happen to my family?

When I am alone, these thoughts linger.

Being deployed to support the hospital’s efforts in migrant workers’ dormitories was something I never expected when I joined the National University Hospital recently.

Yes, there were risks and it was daunting to think we were going to the front lines.

When I decided to volunteer in April, I felt it was important for my family to be on board with my decision. What surprised me was my mum’s reply: “Follow your heart.”

So I did.

I am on the team that monitors Covid-19-positive migrant workers, and our goal is to ensure they keep well, administer medication and do the necessary follow-ups. Initially, these tasks were not easy.

When we began our medical duties at the dormitory, many of the migrant workers were afraid to come forward to see us.

Imagine seeing a group of people coming to your “house” all geared up, looking as though an apocalypse is about to happen.

We had to begin this journey by gaining their trust. They needed to understand that we were here to help. As soon as they understood, they were receptive to accepting our care and concern.

There were instances when our migrant brothers approached me and asked if I spoke Tamil. When they knew I did, they anxiously shared their concerns and asked if I could convey them to the doctors.

This was not an ideal situation for them, especially for those in pain as they could not articulate their concerns to the medical team.

I often stepped up as the translator between some of the workers and our doctors. Many were afraid to tell the doctors that they did not understand them. I reminded them to keep asking if they were unsure of the advice that the doctors had given.

Sometimes, I felt like a naggy sister.

They started to recognise me as I could speak Tamil, and repeatedly expressed how much they were missing their families and how terrified they were.

A foreign brother that I would not forget was Mr Ramu (not his real name). He had sleepless nights, as he was unable to accept that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and had fears coursing through his mind.

His plight overwhelmed me, but I had to remain strong and reminded him that the situation was temporary.

After several conversations, he accepted his situation and looked forward to getting better. He also said that our conversations allowed him to clear his mind.

Sometimes, all they need is a listening ear. 

From this episode, I realised how my words of motivation gave strength and courage to those who were helpless and lonely.

This pandemic has pushed the boundaries of care. But it is also these times that truly demonstrate how the human spirit has risen to the challenge. 

ABOUT THE WRITER: 

Ms Lavania Subramaniam, 25, is an operations and administration executive with the Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute at the National University Hospital. She was first deployed to the Sungei Tengah Lodge, a migrant workers’ dormitory, on April 22.

If you are on the front lines of the Covid-19 outbreak or know someone who wishes to contribute to this series, write to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.