Raya mood: Dr Devendran (wearing tie) and his staff members putting up Hari Raya decorations at Hospital Kuala Lipis. Most of them will working tomorrow.
MELAKA: While others are rushing to be home in time for Syawal, staff at Hospital Kuala Lipis’ Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Department are doubling down on their work for the first two days of Hari Raya.
The department’s specialist, Dr D. Devendran, said his team had no qualms working together during the festive season, eating ketupat and exchanging gifts as they were used to being away from families.
“My team is a muhibbah one and Hari Raya is part of our celebration. We sit together and relish the festivity together sharing our joy, although we can’t spend time with our loved ones,” he said.
“I know some of my team members miss spending their first day of Hari Raya with their parents, siblings and children.
“But we’ve gotten used to it over the years as Hari Raya is just another busy day at work.
“We console ourselves by treating patients as our parents and children.”
Fifty per cent of patients at the hospital in Pahang are from the Orang Asli community from nearby settlements.
Dr Devendran said he was privileged to have the opportunity to be with his Muslim peers during Hari Raya, adding that being with close colleagues made it a worthwhile and meaningful celebration.
His colleague, Dr Muhammad Irfanuddin Ibrahim, said he had no regrets working on the first day of Hari Raya.
“National interest comes first for me. I have chosen a career in healthcare and I don’t mind sacrificing my holiday to care for my patients,” he said.
Dr Muhammad Irfanuddin will be visiting his parents in Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, once he has the opportunity to take a break for Hari Raya.
Another medical staff member, Zuraini Yat Alim, said Hari Raya was just another working day for her as she could not spend the first two days of the celebration at her hometown in Dungun, Terengganu.
“I will miss things like hanging up new curtains as preparation for Hari Raya or seeking forgiveness from my loved ones in the morning of the first day.
“Duty comes first for me and I am fine celebrating with my team members from all races at the hospital,” she added.
