Text by Sharmilah Banu, Executive, SMA Charity Fund
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, millions of workers worldwide adapted quickly to a new way of working: working from home (WFH). Remote meetings, virtual classrooms, and digital workflows became the norm almost overnight. But amidst this global shift, one group of essential workers could not make the same move. For many of our doctors and healthcare professionals, their work demanded boots on the ground, steady hands, and hearts ready to carry the weight of lives, whether in the bright halls of our public hospitals or the familiar corridors of our neighbourhood clinics.
Their jobs demand physical presence to save lives.
In a world racing toward digital innovation such as telemedicine and AI reshaping how care is delivered, the pandemic laid bare an important truth: not everyone can keep pace. For vulnerable communities, who may face barriers to technology or digital literacy, the screen can’t replace the human touch. It’s in these moments of crisis that the critical role of doctors, rooted in hands-on care at hospitals and clinics, shines brightest. This delicate balance between tech and touch deepens our appreciation for the medical community and the sacrifices frontline workers make to ensure no one is left behind.
The Inescapable Need for Physical Presence
Not all medical work can be done through a screen. Surgeons must perform delicate operations. Emergency room doctors respond instantly to life-threatening injuries. ICU staff monitor and manage critical patients around the clock. These roles require doctors to be on-site, fully engaged, and ready to act with precision.
Giving birth is another clear example of this need. It requires hands-on medical care, physical monitoring, and immediate interventions if complications arise. While telemedicine is amazing for consultations, follow-ups, and mental health support, actual deliveries must happen in hospitals or clinics with doctors and nurses physically present. Think of telemedicine like a helping hand from afar, super valuable for many things, but when it comes to birth, you need the whole team right there with you.
Once again, this reiterates how vital in-person care is. No matter the risks, shortages of protective equipment, or exhausting hours, their presence made the difference between life and death
The Rise of Telemedicine — A Valuable but Limited Tool
On the other side of the medical spectrum, telemedicine blossomed during the pandemic. Psychiatrists, dermatologists, general practitioners, and other specialists shifted consultations online to keep patients safe and maintain care continuity.
Telemedicine proved invaluable, breaking down geographic barriers and increasing access to healthcare. Yet it’s not a replacement for all types of care. Physical exams, surgeries, diagnostic procedures, and emergency interventions still require a doctor’s direct touch.
Why We Must Value Every Medical Role
Recognizing the differences among doctors’ roles helps society better appreciate the sacrifices and skills required in medicine. Whether saving lives in an ICU or providing compassionate care through a video call, doctors form the backbone of public health.
As we carry forward the lessons of COVID-19, let us remember those who stood unwavering in the storm and those who found new paths through the fog. Together, they remind us why doctors are so important, because when the world demands presence, they show up, time and again, as the unwavering pillars of hope.
To learn more about our mission or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.smacf.org.sg, or reach out to us at smacf@sma.org.sg.