Doctors volunteer to show they care

THE high pedestal on which doctors have stood since the time of Hippocrates has been slowly “eroding”.

Doctors began to be viewed differently when private practice emerged, as financial transactions were involved.

This blurred vision has blinded many to the caring aspect of doctors.

Many doctors have done yeoman service to the nation and the rakyat in their own way without any show or fanfare.

Their charitable work goes unnoticed while the view of doctors as rich, uncaring “money grabbing” professionals lingers on in the community at large.

The general practitioner on your block serving you around the clock is not given due recognition although he offers the cheapest professional service – probably less than the plumber, electrician or even your barber. He too is labelled as uncaring and just another money maker.

This perception lingers on although many doctor-based volunteer organisations have been doing yeoman service to the public in times of need.

One of these premier volunteer groups has been Mercy Malaysia, which was initiated by a doctor, is manned by doctors and has grown into one of the largest effective volunteer forces in the world.

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) launched the MMA Volunteer Corps (MMA VoC), a first in its history, in 2013 to fulfil the social obligations of the profession with more commitment and vigour.

There are many other doctor-initiated cultural and religious-based medical NGOs extending medical volunteer services to all sections of society.

The floods in Kelantan saw a tremendous outpouring of their services, including donations by the medical fraternity.

Many doctors spent days in the flood-hit areas, living in tents to offer assistance in addition to providing essential supplies to those in need.

Volunteering is generally considered as altruistic and is intended to promote good health and improve the human quality of life without expecting anything in return.

This spontaneous volunteer activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect both for the doctors and the community.

There is no financial gain for these volunteer bodies or the doctors involved.

Volunteering also improves socialisation with the public.

Doctors hope to develop close bonds with the public doing this. It is also fun. Nothing is expected or done with motives during these volunteer missions by doctors.

These are just small steps that doctors embark on to additionally serve the community and fulfil our social obligations.