As our public medical institutions hunker down to fight the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore, the pressure is also felt in HealthServe, a non-profit organisation that provides heavily subsidised health and dental care to migrant workers.

It had to close its clinics at Geylang, Mandai and Jurong over the weekend (February 8 and 9) due to a severe shortage of doctors. 

“Only 10% of doctors from our regular pool of volunteers are able to help now, as those working in the public sector are tied up,” said Low Suwen, HealthServe’s head of communications and engagement.

On its Facebook page, Healthserve shared: “Moving forward, we will strive to keep our Geylang clinic operational at three sessions a week, as yesterday’s clinic session showed that many still need medical and dental support.” 

It put out a call on its various social media platforms for more volunteers to step forward to help during its clinic operation hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, 6:30pm to 9:30pm.

Of those infected with COVID-19, two are migrant workers who worked at the Seletar Aerospace Heights construction site.

To allay concerns, the clinic is adhering to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines for healthcare institutions.

“We are not taking this situation lightly, that’s why we have already implemented precautionary measures at all our clinics and centres, including separation of teams, temperature and travel screenings, and disinfecting areas on a regular basis,” it explained in its latest Facebook post.

Low shared that HealthServe has also ceased all traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) consultations, occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions for the time being, to limit unnecessary exposure for volunteers and migrant workers. All large group meetings at its premises have also been put on hold indefinitely.

However, its casework and social services are continuing. These ensure that migrant workers with work injury claims or legal, criminal or employment-related issues are being helped, while unemployed migrant workers will continue to have access to free meals.

Despite the challenges, there have been sparks of encouragement. HealthServe shared how a South Asian man gave up his spot in the queue for whoever “needed more help” – a gesture that may have meant a significant financial sacrifice.

HealthServe photo of migrant workers reserving their spots in the queue outside its Geylang clinic on the afternoon of February 12, even before the clinic opened at 6.30pm.

“Our patients can queue up to five hours to see a doctor at our clinics and many give up a work day (which means one day less income for their families) in exchange to get the medical help they need from our clinics,” HealthServe explained.

During this challenging and uncertain period, HealthServe urged everyone to practise understanding and kindness.

“Many healthcare centres like ours and even government centres have been working longer hours than usual … Thank you to everyone on the front lines. We know a lot of our volunteers are in public hospitals sacrificing time with family and friends to serve in this crucial time. Let’s show appreciation, not hate.”

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