Meet the Man of the Moment: Dr Khang on the Frontlines of Migrant Workers Healthcare

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand on the front lines of healthcare for one of Singapore’s most vulnerable populations?

For Dr Khang Hock Siang, Deputy Lead for the Migrant Workers Project and a dedicated physician at SATA CommHealth’s Medical Centre for Migrant Workers (MCMW), this question is a daily reality. As part of a dedicated medical team, Dr Khang provides essential healthcare services to migrant workers—a group often facing considerable health risks due to the demanding nature of their jobs and challenging living conditions.

Since April 2022, SATA CommHealth has played a pivotal role in providing pandemic-ready healthcare services to migrant workers, operating three medical centres and two dormitory clinics across Singapore. As one of four anchor operators managing six zones, we provide the Primary Care Plan (PCP) to workers in Zones B, C, and D. This programme offers a broad range of healthcare services tailored to the specific needs of migrant workers, including proactive measures to prevent outbreaks and swift responses to health crises.

While many Singaporeans enjoy a safe and comfortable lifestyle, migrant workers face unique health issues that are sometimes overlooked by the broader community. This gap is precisely where SATA CommHealth steps in, with Dr Khang and his colleagues at MCMW leading the charge. Their work involves addressing a range of medical needs, from treating occupational injuries to managing mental health concerns. The team’s commitment goes beyond clinical care, aiming to offer holistic support for the well-being of these workers, who form an integral part of Singapore’s workforce yet often remain underserved.

In a recent interview on CNA News, Dr Khang brought attention to the specific health challenges migrant workers face and outlined SATA CommHealth’s innovative solutions to address these issues. One notable advancement is the expanded use of telemedicine, a service that has seen rising demand within the migrant worker community. With telemedicine, healthcare professionals can consult with workers remotely, providing timely medical support without the need for workers to leave their residences or work sites. This is especially beneficial for occupational injuries and mental health support, where workers can receive guidance and medical advice at their convenience.

To gain deeper insights into Dr Khang's experiences and the challenges he faces, we sat down with him for a short Q&A session.

Having a Word with Dr Khang

Q: You were recently on live television – what was running through your mind just before going on air? Were there any unexpected moments during the interview that made the experience stand out for you?

Just before going on air, I was focused on communicating clearly and making sure I highlighted the work we’ve done and the challenges we face. I felt a bit of the usual nerves, but also a sense of responsibility, knowing that I was representing both my colleagues and the patients we care for. I felt that the whole session went well, and I was glad to have had the chance to address some medical concerns we face in the migrant worker clinics.

Q: Working at the Medical Centre for Migrant Workers (MCMW) must have brought its own unique challenges and rewards. What originally made you decide to join this line of work, and how meaningful has it been for you personally?

I was drawn to this line of work because I saw a significant gap in healthcare for an often-overlooked community. Joining MCMW allowed me to use my skills where they were truly needed, and I could see firsthand the immediate impact of providing accessible healthcare to migrant workers. Personally, this work has been incredibly meaningful, offering insights into resilience and community. Watching patients’ health improve and knowing that we’re helping them continue their work safely has been deeply rewarding.

Q: What are the common health issues that migrant workers commonly face due to their jobs and living conditions? How do these challenges differ from those faced by the general population in Singapore?

Migrant workers often face musculoskeletal issues due to repetitive physical labor, and skin infections from harsh working conditions. They’re also at a higher risk of infectious diseases because of close living quarters. These challenges differ from those faced by the general population in Singapore, who often deal more with chronic conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Unlike locals, migrant workers have less access to healthcare resources and are often reluctant to seek care, which can lead to complications from untreated conditions.

Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered while providing healthcare to migrant workers? How have you and your team managed to overcome these obstacles?

One of the major challenges is overcoming language and cultural barriers, as these can create misunderstandings and mistrust. Additionally, many migrant workers hesitate to seek care due to fear of losing wages or their jobs. To address these issues, our team has focused on building trust through culturally sensitive care and has collaborated with translators who understand the patients’ backgrounds. We’ve also worked to provide education on the importance of preventive care.

This article is featured on the November Issue of In the Know.

Want to read more? You can read the full November issue of In The Know here.