Tributes are pouring in for Dr Raymond Yuen, a GP who practised at Hosanna Medical Centre and is believed to be the first doctor in Singapore to succumb to Covid-19. 

Salt&Light understands that Dr Yuen, a specialist in occupational medicine, died from Covid-19 complications on Oct 9 at Tan Tock Seng Hospital after being diagnosed with the virus a week ago on October 4.

Clinic staff Sujeewa told 8World News that the clinic has been closed since October 4 and clinic staff are in isolation.

News of Dr Yuen’s passing circulated quickly after Member of Parliament for MacPherson SMC, Tin Pei Ling, as well as friends of Dr Yuen, posted tributes on social media today (Oct 11).

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a caring GP in MacPherson,” said Ms Tin in a Facebook post. “I learnt about the great things he had done for our community in MacPherson from residents who used to see him at his clinic.

“They shared about how the affable doctor made visits to the clinic less intimidating. They enjoyed the small talks (sic) and tips on leading a healthy and holistic lifestyle which he was so passionate about. Residents knew that he did so out of sincerity and care for their well-being. Many of his patients became friends with him.

“Perhaps as a resident himself he saw how MacPherson has a significant community of elderly and less privileged residents. He therefore kept consultation charges low so that the more vulnerable residents would be encouraged to seek medical care when needed. Many of us are moved by his benevolence to the community.”

David Lam, with whom Dr Yuen “grew up together in a church in the 1980s and later immigrated to Singapore” from Hong Kong, said in Chinese in his Facebook post that news of Dr Yuen’s passing “brought me to tears”.

An online memorial for Dr Yuen, who was 65, was posted on Youtube on Oct 10. 

Missional in life and medical practice

Dr Yuen’s generosity and empathy for the community earned him a reputation as a “doctor with a big heart”, said Reverend Dr Alby Yip, who was Dr Yuen’s pastor at the Grace Singapore Chinese Christian Church.

“Dr Yuen was not only mission minded, he was also missional in his life and medical practice. It was widely known that he made charges affordable and also had no qualms about waiving charges altogether, including even the medicines for those he knew were financially strained.

“I once brought a visiting missionary to consult him. Not only did he not charge a single cent, he even called me a few days later to check if the missionary is well and if he needed further consultations and medicine,” Rev Alby told Salt&Light.

“He personified the vision he set for his clinic, Hosanna Medical Centre. He lived with an open palm, investing his life, skills and material wealth with an eye on the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus.

“Dr Yuen is now with his Lord, the One whom he waited upon, loved and lived for.

“Raymond, thanks for the friendship, co-labour and shining example of what it means to be a Living Sacrifice.”

Dr Yuen is survived by his wife and daughter.

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