Ramadan 2021: fasting frontline heroes embrace spirit of the holy month

UAE medics have told how they embrace the spirit of Ramadan while fasting on the frontline.

Shift patterns may change, with more evening clinics to suit patients abstaining from food and fluids in daylight hours, but health professionals across the country continue working tirelessly to help others.

Hours without eating can take its toll on concentration levels and physical effort, but doctors insist they are ready to deal with all medical situations thrown their way.

For gynaecologist Dr Asma Zahra, years of experience will see her through the long days ahead at NMC Royal Hospital in Dubai Investments Park.

“I have been fasting for many years since a young age and it has helped me connect with my Allah in a very private and a special way,” she said.

“The fasting never became challenging as I started my career as a doctor, and it became easier as the years passed by.”

Like many of her colleagues, the experienced medic is thankful Ramadan is moving away from peak summer months when fasting can last up to 15 hours.

“I have learned to manage my responsibilities as well as my religious obligations,” said Pakistani Dr Zahra, who has two young daughters.

“As doctors, we are trained to handle surgical situations with patience, alertness and self-control, and I believe, fasting teaches us tremendous self-control.

“Fasting every day gives me strength, it challenges me, but each day it makes me stronger and a better person.

“It makes me become closer to my Allah and to the humanity that I surround.”

Doctor says pandemic poses greatest challenge

Like many of his colleagues at Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, obstetrician Dr Mohamed Khalafallah said Ramadan 2021 promises to be a substantially easier time than last year when the Covid-19 pandemic was reaching its peak.

“Last year we were facing many cases of coronavirus and there were a lot of quarantine periods for healthcare workers,” he said.

“Now the vaccine is available it should be an easier time as the number of moderate and severe cases of the virus are already decreasing.

“There are many challenges during fasting, as we can be working from 8am until 8pm so there is little time for sleep or rest.

“It can be hard to concentrate so we try to sleep early or arrange our shifts.”

He aims to arrange clinics in the evening so his patients can visit him for a consultation after iftar.

Any elective surgical procedures are planned early in the morning, so staff are well-rested and alert.

New challenges in the pandemic era, however, are the constant wearing of personal protective equipment to keep coronavirus at bay.

“Wearing a facemask all day is very challenging, especially in the afternoon,” said Dr Khalafallah, who is Egyptian.

“It makes us very thirsty so we try to avoid any procedures late in the day.”

Dr Yamen Jammal, a urologist at Bareen from Syria, said his fasting will not get in the way of his hospital duties.

“I am very happy to treat patients while fasting as part of my community service,” he said.

“At times, it even happens that I am still in the operating room doing a procedure on iftar time.”

Diabetes is a common chronic health issue in the UAE and can present specific challenges during periods of fasting for those required to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Specialist advice is offered by Dr Ihab El Tayeb, an endocrinologist at International Modern hospital in Dubai, who is also fasting this Ramadan.

“Abstaining from food and drink of course leads to low energy, reduces mental alertness and physical power but the good thing is we are working shorter hours,” said the Egyptian.

“Last year we could not work after iftar as there were restrictions on travel at night because of Covid.

“We had no option but to work during the day, which was very tough.”

Holy month a time for 'patience and generosity'

Dr El Tayeb’s shifts have been reduced from eight hours to six, and split into two sessions with three hours in the morning from 10am to 1pm and three at night from 8pm to 11pm to accommodate periods of fasting.

It helps ease the burden of long periods without food and drink.

Life is a little different for Dr Tasmia Tahmeed, an Indian GP at vHealth offering remote healthcare this Ramadan for Aetna International’s virtual health care service.

“Ramadan can be a trying time for anyone that is fasting, but as a full-time practicing doctor and the mother of a two-year-old, it can be a little more challenging at times,” she said.

“I work shifts and have to consult about 12 to 15 patients per day.

“The key for me is being organised by preparing iftar and suhoor meals ahead of time, ensuring I have child-care logistics sorted out and adjusting my breaks so they coincide with iftar, whenever possible.

“I always remember the holy month is also a time for patience and generosity of spirit and try to bring these values to the fore while interacting with and treating my patients.

“It is the rewarding experience of treating and helping patients that far exceeds the temporary discomforts of fasting.”