GEORGE TOWN: At the height of the pandemic a few months ago, Dr Sophie Mak Yi Hong counted herself lucky if she managed to steal some time to take her first meal of the day at 4pm.
Covid-19 cases were skyrocketing and people were dying everywhere, almost everyday.
Seeing the pain and suffering of Covid-19 patients at Penang Hospital could easily make anybody forget about anything, Dr Mak said.
“Sometimes, I felt like passing out too. But as the cases slowly went down and there were fewer patients, we finally got to eat on time,” she added.
With the vaccination rate of the adult population now breaching the 90% mark, Dr Mak said the situation at the hospital has greatly improved.
“We managed to close six wards and also the dental blocks for low-risk patients.
“The field hospital at the carpark has also recorded a drop in the number of patients,” the 27-year-old said.
Dr Mak, who is a Universiti Malaya graduate, said the success of the vaccination rate in the country is owed mainly to the Health Ministry’s policies and strategies.
“Convincing the public to get vaccinated was the hardest part, and I believe the ministry has done very well on this matter.
“I can’t deny that we (the frontliners) have also done our part, be it at the hospitals or at the vaccination centres. Many of us had to devote our time and energy to fight the disease.
“We should not ignore the role played by charitable organisations and the private sector in donating health equipment to us, and also the media for disseminating the correct information to the masses,” she said.
As the country opens up more sectors, Dr Mak advised Malaysians to continue to be vigilant.
“Always wear a mask, practise social distancing and don’t forget to wash your hands often.
“Also, we should always keep abreast of the latest Covid-19 information,” she said.
Dr Mak said if someone had been vaccinated, then the likelihood of developing severe symptoms is statistically proven to be lesser.
“For a healthy person, even if you get it, you will most likely recover after a while.
“Achieving zero cases is no longer possible. We have to live with the virus and get back our life under a new normal,” she said.
The passion to save lives runs deep in Mak’s family as her older brother is also a doctor who was in charge of vaccinating the Orang Asli in Raub, Pahang.
Meanwhile, Penang Hospital infectious disease unit head Datuk Dr Chow Ting Soo reminded the public to be more responsible when visiting family members.
“If you’re going to visit your close relatives in another state, please do a self-test before starting the journey.
“Also try to reduce indoor activity, or gathering in a big group inside the house as this will affect the air circulation,” she said.
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