The Aidilfitri open house, organised by Orthopaedic Surgery Department head Dr Timothy Cheng (left), extends to all hospital personnel, from medical practitioners to security guards and cleaners, acknowledging the collective effort required to maintain essential services during the festive period. – Scoop pic, April 11, 2024
Event intended to honour the dedication of medical personnel unable to celebrate at home with their families, loved ones.
SANDAKAN – Recognising the sacrifices made by numerous medical personnel and staff at Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) who were unable to return home for the Aidilfitri celebration, Orthopaedic Surgery Department head Dr Timothy Cheng took the initiative to organise a modest Hari Raya open house at the hospital.
Cheng said that the “makan-makan”, which took place yesterday from 11am to 2pm, was intended to provide a comforting meal for hospital staff who, due to duty calls, were unable to celebrate Aidilfitri at home with their families and loved ones.
In addition to medical practitioners, the event was open to all hospital staff, including security guards, cleaners, and the People’s Volunteer Corps personnel on duty on the first day of Raya.
Dr Timothy Cheng expresses intentions to make the Aidilfitri open house an annual tradition, recognising the importance of uplifting spirits and fostering unity within the hospital community. – Scoop pic, April 11, 2024
“Usually, during the second week of Raya, department heads or those in higher positions at the hospital host open house events for hospitalstaff.
“However, I am hosting this on the first day of Raya to lift the spirits of those on duty today, transforming what could have been a gloomy day into a celebration, despite being far from home,” he told Scoop.
Cheng, who is also Sandakan Orthopaedic Association president, said that he had used extra funds from the association to host the event, adding that he is considering making it an annual function.
“I think in essential services like healthcare, police, fire brigade, and military, the commitment to duty remains unwavering regardless of circumstances. It’s part and parcel of enrolling and signing up for the job in the first place,” he said.
Despite being away from home, Dr Puteri Nur Damia (left), a houseman doctor at Duchess of Kent Hospital, values the hospital’s efforts to recreate the festive atmosphere through the open house event, which provides solace and a sense of inclusion for staff on duty. – Scoop pic, April 11, 2024
Cheng also hopes that people will handle fireworks with care to avoid injuries that could result in hospital visits.
“My hope for the general public is, of course, to have a good and meaningful celebration with friends and family. For all races in Malaysia to put aside differences and celebrate together,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Puteri Nur Damia, a 27-year-old houseman doctor at HDOK, said that this year is the second consecutive year she is unable to return home to Seremban, Negri Sembilan, to celebrate Raya with her family.
“I just had a video call with them this morning. I am the only one absent from the family on the first day of Raya. Naturally, I feel sad and homesick. I miss the family tradition of visiting houses in my village right after our family gathering.
“But my family understands my work commitments. I hope to celebrate Raya in Seremban next year. God willing, I will make early arrangements to ensure I can be there,” she said.
Puteri also said she was happy with the hospital’s simple open house event, which made her feel as if she was not missing out on the festivities despite the fact that she had to remain there for work. – Scop/April 11, 2024
