“To be a GP at the frontline is to experience a mixed bag of emotions. I am proud to be a member of the NHS squad, privileged to be in a position to make a difference, sad to lose fellow colleagues and citizens who succumbed to the disease during the journey thus far, determined to overcome the ever evolving challenges, and hopeful to get through this with renewed compassion and solidarity.”

Dr. Ruba Shahid

“Working as a medic in Ramadan during COVID-19 is a privilege and a challenge. It is a real honor supporting the sick, vulnerable, and distressed. As a GP in a busy inner city practice during this time, I have seen a surge in people experiencing mental health crises. A listening ear and a safe (virtual) space go a long way. Here I am trying to bring some sunshine to my patients and colleagues during some dark times.”

Dr. Hina Shahid

“Since the start of COVID-19, I felt a fear for my family, patients, and myself. Going to work at times is frightening, but that is what it means to be a doctor. Ramadan has taken that burden and made it lighter some how.”

Dr. Husna Raoof

“We have paused our private clinic (Preventicum) until the summer, so the clinical team can support the NHS at the frontline. This is why we all came into healthcare, and it has never been more important.

“I continue to work for InHealth during the day remotely, and do NHS clinics in evenings and weekends.

“Keeping busy during Ramadan has always been key for me, and the opportunity to do something useful in this period is something I am truly grateful for. I am also very lucky to have incredible people around me who make sure I take some of my own advice around self care which is crucial to avoiding burnout.

“Stay safe and well everyone and enjoy a peaceful Ramadan!”

Dr. Reem Hasan

“I am working through COVID-19 and Ramadan. Whilst it can be challenging, once you have passed the first few days of detoxing, your body adapts. Instead you start to feel focused and it helps you see the bigger picture in life, how precious we are as humans, and what an honor it is to serve them during this wonderful month.”

-Dr. Nadia Ahmed

“As a GP, I find that much of my work is about managing chronic conditions, preventing admissions and recognizing when patients are seriously unwell with the addition of lots of reassurance! I was full of trepidation at the thought of fasting with the current pandemic, but it’s been fine….. lots of telephone consultations and the ensuing dry mouth!! We have basic PPE to examine patients and that includes kind donations from the community. I just try to be extra helpful and attentive whilst fasting. My heart goes out to my colleagues on the frontline, the carers, the bus drivers, and other key workers.”

Dr. Sara Saigol

Our NHS Heroes

A term banded around in recent weeks is ‘NHS Heroes.’ To some, this refers to those who have passed: over a hundred doctors, nurses, and other staff on the frontline have sadly died already. 

In a more general context, the term refers to men and women, irrespective of faith, whatever their role, from cleaner to consultant, who, as part of a team are doing their absolute best to treat the ill and keep us all safe.

Demonstrating social distancing outside his hospital, flanked by soldiers, with an ambulance to the rear, Dr. Asad Khan wears a t-shirt reminding us that all on the frontline in our struggle against the coronavirus are indeed heroes. In his words, “Ramadan Mubarak. Stay at home. Stay safe. Lots of love.”