COVID positive doctor records video in ICU to urge the public to follow SOPs

KOTA BAHRU – Recently, a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases was reported for several days, and hospital beds are now running low. Frontliners are also being stretched thin, and some have even contracted the virus.

A doctor serving at Kota Bharu KPJ Specialist Hospital, Mohamad Hamzah, was admitted to the ICU at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital last Monday (May 3). He was then transferred to the regular ward after a week of treatment.

He also filmed a video of his entire journey in the ICU to share with the public the real dangers of COVID-19.

“It was a difficult time fighting COVID-19. You won’t understand until you experience and feel it for yourself.”

In his video, Mohamad said a patient has to remain in a lying position as raising the head might make it harder for him/her to breathe.

He added that even a doctor like himself needed the help of ICU doctors to have a better understanding of the disease.

Mohamad also demonstrated the correct way of breathing taught to him by the ICU doctors. First, take a few deep breaths through your nose, open your mouth slightly and exhale, and repeat the entire cycle again.

“These steps will help the lungs get more oxygen.”

“Contracting COVID-19 wasn’t just about the physical discomfort. It was also a significant challenge to my mental health.”

According to Mohamad’s Facebook post, he had taken his first vaccine dose on Saturday (April 8) but still contracted the virus.

You can watch his video here:

Mohamad’s video was also shared by Director-General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah, who wished him a speedy recovery and pleaded with the public to follow the SOPs and stay at home unless they have important errands to run as beds are depleting rapidly.

This morning, Mohamad posted a follow-up video about the latest update of his condition and became quite emotional towards the end.

You can watch his video here:

He also shared a few tips to fight the illness effectively.

“Keep a water bottle next to you at all times. Ensure that it’s clean and easy for you to drink water from as swallowing may sometimes be difficult and cause you to choke and cough. Stay safe, everyone!”

We believe that none of us would want to experience the pain and difficulty of having COVID-19. So, once again, we urge everyone to STAY. AT. HOME.

#JagaDiriJagaSemua

Sources: FB/ Mohamad Hamzah

Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh