Letters | Medical volunteers’ joint effort on Tai Po fire relief made a difference

From November 26 to December 6, I had the privilege of serving as one of the coordinators for medical support at the shelters for residents affected by the devastating fire in Tai Po. Our operations were based at the Tai Po Community Centre, where we provided essential medical services to those in dire need.

Over the course of our mission, our dedicated volunteer team of doctors, Chinese medicine practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, first-aiders, clinical psychologists and others conducted more than 400 consultations, offering a blend of both Western and Chinese medicine, and psychological counselling. Multidisciplinary teams serve to address the diverse medical needs of the affected residents, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care necessary during such a difficult time.

Each consultation went beyond mere medical assistance; it was a moment of connection, understanding and support for individuals who were coping with significant loss.

One of the stand-out aspects of this experience was the collaborative effort among various teams, including District Health Centre nurses, the Pharm+ community pharmacies run by different NGOs, Hong Kong Red Cross, clinical psychologists and the medical volunteers gathered by our group Medical Conscience. Witnessing the synergy between these groups has been nothing short of inspiring. We truly operated as a family, unified by our commitment to support the community. This spirit of cooperation enhanced the quality of care we provided, demonstrating the power of collective effort in achieving meaningful outcomes.

As I reflect on this mission, my heartfelt gratitude goes to the leadership of the Health Bureau and Primary Healthcare Commission, and all healthcare colleagues who demonstrated unwavering dedication. Our medical support at the Tai Po Community Centre, along with the medical support rendered at the other shelters, has made a significant difference in the lives of those impacted.