SARS Commemoration Ceremony (Speech by PM Goh Chok Tong)

22 Jul 2003

By Goh Chok Tong

Venue: Botanic Gardens, Symphony Lake

A Nation's Tribute

For most of us, life has returned to normal. But for some, it has changed permanently. For those who were infected with SARS and survived, life has taken on a new meaning. They appreciate how fragile it is, like a candle flame, easily snuffed out. For those who have lost their loved ones, they face the difficult task of adjusting to the hollow that has been left behind.

This evening, we gather to remember the 33 victims who lost their battle with the disease. We are also here to pay tribute to the courage of our healthcare workers, and the collective effort of our people in fighting SARS.

To the grieving families, I offer the nation's deepest sympathies. I know that my words cannot fill the void in your heart, or the emptiness in your home. But I hope you take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your grief. The nation shares in your sorrow.

SARS struck fear in every one of us. We faced a terrifying, unseen and uncommon threat. It cut across race, religion, gender, age. In the first few weeks, we knew little about the virus. The disease did not even have a name. Medical experts worldwide scrambled to learn more. Our hospitals raced to adopt the right measures to contain the spread. Bit by bit, we learnt about the disease. Step by step, we brought it under control.

Unfortunately, before we could learn enough, many were infected. Patients who were in our hospitals for non-SARS treatment, even visitors, came down with the disease.

I am profoundly saddened that it happened. I can understand the pain and grief suffered by those who contracted SARS in this unfortunate manner, and by their families. We have learnt many lessons. We are now better prepared should there be another outbreak.

To the families of our five healthcare workers who fell in the line of duty, I offer you the nation's deepest gratitude. Ong Hok Su, Alexandre Chao, Hamidah bte Ismail, Jonnel Pinera and Kiew Miyaw Tan knew the danger of SARS. But they did not flinch from their duties. They sacrificed their lives in the service of others. They stood where few dare to stand. There is nothing more noble. There is nothing more humbling.

We mourn their passing and share the pain of their loved ones. But their candles did not burn in vain. Their families and friends can be proud of them. The nation honours their commitment, dedication and sacrifice.

Dear friends, we are here today also to honour the thousands of Singaporeans who fought SARS, especially the healthcare workers who stood at the front-line.

Our healthcare workers put their lives at risk every day they went to work. They were frightened. But they conquered their fear with courage. Courage in tending to an infected patient. Courage in taking respiratory fluid samples from the throat. Courage in cleaning the wards every night. We saw this courage in our doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals; in the attendants, security officers and cleaners in our hospitals.

Even when some of their colleagues lost their lives, they did not waver. Despite their sorrow, pain and fear, they remained steadfast. They may just be healthcare workers to some of us, but they were also sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters. Every time they set foot in a hospital, their families worried and waited.

Those among us who recovered from the disease, I am sure, are especially grateful. Without them, more would have died, and the healthcare system thrown into chaos.

I pay tribute too, to our foreign healthcare workers who stuck it out with their Singaporean colleagues through the crisis. It would have been so easy for them to walk away in the face of danger. They could have said, "It?s not worth it. This is not my country. These are not my people." They could have simply returned home. But they stayed on and stood shoulder to shoulder with us.

This evening, I want to commend one group of Government officials whose contribution has not been given much attention. These are the officers at the Ministry of Health HQ, led by their Minister, Lim Hng Kiang. They came under severe strain and stress as they coordinated Singapore's efforts to contain SARS.

MOH officers had to take on new and unfamiliar duties. They did so willingly, even when it exposed them to higher risks of infection. They understood the importance and urgency of their tasks, and worked tirelessly under pressure. They had multiple responsibilities, from educating the public on SARS, infection control and coordination of resources, to contact tracing, home quarantine, and preventing the import and transmission of SARS. Hng Kiang, you and your team have done a tremendous job under very trying circumstances. Thank you.

MOH, on its own, did not have enough resources to handle a big crisis like SARS. Many other public sector organisations brought in reinforcements. Private companies too, contributed. They supplemented resources at our hospitals, some with food and drinks, others with entertainment for the hospital staff. The public also played their part. They supported The Courage Fund. They sent messages of encouragement. This kept up the spirit of our healthcare workers.

Let me add here that the co-operation of Singaporeans was outstanding. Except in a few cases, they accepted their quarantine orders, the strict rules regarding hospital visits and other inconveniences.

Without the individual and collective effort of Singaporeans, we could not have passed this severe test.

But today, most of all, we pay tribute to our healthcare givers. Their professionalism, courage and exemplary conduct in the face of danger were pivotal to our success.

My fellow Singaporeans, a crisis makes or breaks a nation. The SARS crisis has made our country stronger. We overcame a tough challenge together. It bonded us. May we never have to face another crisis like this. But if we do, let us inspire each other, fight as one, and win the battle, as we did with SARS.