Overview
International SOS successfully transferred a 61-year-old Singaporean from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was diagnosed with lung infection and stroke.
Problem
We received a call from the patient’s son asking for our assistance for a ground ambulance. He needed to transfer his father back to Singapore to complete his treatment. The patient was first hospitalised at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) for two weeks. He was later transferred to Columbia Asia Rehabilitation Centre in Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur, when UMMC faced bed shortages. Due to the COVID-19 Movement Control Order in early January 2021, cross border travel was subjected to tighter restrictions. Malaysian ambulances were not permitted to enter Singapore.
Solution
After the request was made, the Kuala Lumpur Assistance Centre was immediately activated to secure a ground ambulance. The request was confirmed and accepted by Changi Hospital Singapore for the patient. Documentation was submitted for the ambulance entry permit into Singapore to both the Ministry of Health of Singapore and Malaysia.
Impact
This is our first successful ground ambulance cross border transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient arrived safely to his home country and was with family within the shortest time possible.