28 Feb 2020
Post a note or drawing to support healthcare workers fighting coronavirus outbreak
The Straits Times
In collaboration with SMA, the National Gallery Singapore has started an initiative inviting artists and members of the public to show their support for healthcare workers involved in the Covid-19 outbreak. Artwork or words of encouragement can be uploaded to Facebook or Instagram, and selected entries will be displayed in hospitals’ public spaces.
16 Feb 2020
Coronavirus: GPs set aside their own fears to fight on the front line
The Straits Times
The Straits Times highlighted difficulties faced by GPS in the fight against Covid-19, especially the struggles and frustrations. Dr Tan Yia Swam, First Vice-President of SMA was quoted in the article, agreeing that GPs were “especially vulnerable” as many of them were small practices that had limited resources. Dr Tan added that SMA was working to support GPs thorough informal chat groups, as well as setting up food delivery services to major hospitals and a website where relevant information on the virus can be shared.
14 Feb 2020
Healthcare staff covers whole range of people
The Straits Times
In a letter to The Straits Times Forum, Dr Tan Yia Swam, First Vice-President of SMA called upon all Singaporeans to work together with and rally behind all healthcare workers in the wake of the Covid-19 situation. Dr Tan also reiterated the importance of supporting not only frontline staff, but the range of healthcare staff behind them as well.
1 Feb 2020
The Big Read: 17 years on, S’pore puts Sars lessons to the test in fight against Wuhan coronavirus
TODAYonline
TODAYonline published an article reflecting on how the Sars epidemic helped shape Singapore’s preparations and reaction to Covid-19. SMA’s 1st Vice-President Dr Tan Yia Swam noted that during the Sars crisis, the little information known about the virus meant that “precautions came too late, and too slowly”, as compared to the present where policies and procedures “have been developed and tested” before being put into action. SMA is also ensuring a steady supply of surgical and N95 masks for frontline healthcare workers, and will “step up efforts” should the need arise. Additionally, Dr Tan encouraged exercising caution when reading news on social media, as inaccurate news may “do more harm than good”.