We got emotional and cried together 50 healthcare staff share stories in new book

A stranger at his father's wake taught Dr Khoo See Meng, chairman of the medical board at Alexandra Hospital (AH), a valuable life lesson.

- Chin Soo Fang

This stranger was the first to arrive and the last to leave on each night during the five-day wake in Muar, Malaysia, in 2012. Gripped by their loss, the family did not inquire about the man's relationship with the late Mr Khoo Chee Pheng.

A month later, Dr Khoo's brother discovered that the man ran a newspaper stall. Their father - who was in his 70s when he died - had bought copies of newspapers, such as Sin Chew Daily and China Press, from the man daily to help sustain his struggling business.

Dr Khoo, 55, said: "My family had a subscription for Sin Chew Daily, so the house would end up with two copies of the same paper every day, which got my mum really upset, and my brother puzzled."

This is one of the personal stories told by 50 individuals from AH in a 128-page book titled Humanity: Behind Every Face, which was launched on Dec 3. Partial proceeds from the book sales will go towards helping the hospital's needy patients.

The book was the brainchild of AH deputy chief executive officer Margaret Lee, who wanted it to be a testament to why healthcare workers care, day after day, despite their personal trials and struggles.

"The title 'Humanity' was chosen thoughtfully to encapsulate both the compassion and excellence we strive for in healthcare and the deeper, universal truth that connects us all," said Ms Lee.

In the foreword, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung wrote that the book is a timely reminder to acknowledge and recognise healthcare workers.