My role during this pandemic as a laboratory manager, is that I have to take care of the COVID-19 tests. I have to co-ordinate and ensure that the doctors and nurses are doing the right sampling before we can run the tests at our lab. Triple packing is especially important for the COVID-19 samples for safety purposes. Usually on normal days, we only do double packing.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, the most obvious change was that our normal samples such as general screenings reduced, instead our COVID-19 testing saw an increase of about 500%! Due to the influx in tests, we needed to call for help from all our branches in Klang Valley, ranging from CEOs to scientists and junior scientists. We were on rotation basis for 24-hours.

I didn’t say much to my family about my work during this period. Late nights for scientists are a usual thing – we work odd hours and we have night duties. So, my family is already aware of that and they are understanding. But whenever I head home, I immediately shower for hygiene purposes and also for the safety of my family.

Even prior to the pandemic, Malaysia has already received lots of recognition for having one of the best healthcare in the world. With our government and MOH being proactive during COVID-19, it will naturally increase healthcare travellers trust in us as a healthcare destination.

• To find out more about ‘A Hundred Unsung Heroes’ click here:
  https://www.mhtc.org.my/mhtc/2020/10/21/paying-tribute-to-frontliners-malaysia-healthcare-expresses-gratitude-to-the-nations-marvellous-unsung-heroes/

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