Sixty healthcare heroes and heroines will today be recognized by President S R Nathan in an annual ceremony that started during the 2003 SARS epidemic.

The Healthcare Humanity Award recognizes and honours healthcare workers who are inspirational role models exemplifying the values of courage, extraordinary dedication, selflessness, steadfastness in ethics, compassion and humanity. These values underscore healthcare as a noble profession.

The winners come from both the public and private sectors. The Healthcare Humanity Awards heroes and heroines are commended for their exemplary service to patients as well as their selfless contributions outside of their work where they volunteer for the underprivileged and help out in relief missions to disaster areas.

Institute of Mental Health

Ms Chan Lay Lin Principal Medical Social Worker

Dedicated to doing her best for patients and their families, Lay Lin has consistently received numerous compliments for her good work. She is always ready to stay on beyond office hours if it means she can be of help to a patient in need. Following the Bangkok fire tragedy, she volunteered to provide trauma counselling to the Singaporean victims. Her professionalism and readiness to take on challenging tasks have also earned her the respect of her colleagues. "I am committed to ensuring that patients and their families receive the best care possible as they go through challenging times."

Dr Leong Jern-Yi, Joseph Consultant

Dr Leong is a frequent recipient of compliments and commendations for his extraordinary dedication and selflessness. In 2004, he was commended for being a first responder at the unfortunate Nicoll Highway Collapse. In the last 10 years, he has been contributing greatly to the mental health community both with his medical know-how and a generous dose of compassion. Going beyond what is expected of him as a doctor, he often goes the extra mile to encourage greater family support for his patients, which he believes to be vital for their recovery. "The secret to good physical and mental health is to have strong family and community support and acceptance. I'm happy to see my patients get well, stay well and find a meaningful and satisfying life."

Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Ms Farizan Bte Mohamed Patient Service Assistant

A good Samaritan in every sense of the word, Farizan regards it her privilege that she has the opportunity to touch lives through her course of work. She is often complimented by patients for the exceptional level of care and assistance she has shown to them. She is also especially sympathetic to the plights of cancer patients. A familiar face at various hospice programmes, she regularly offers counselling and moral support for patients with terminal illnesses, and for their families and caregivers. "Ask not what others can do for you, but how much more you can do for others."

Ms Gaytari Devi D/O Ram Lakhan Ram Staff Nurse

Gaytari is known to show extraordinary compassion to terminally ill patients in her care. Beyond her duties in the hospital, she was a voluntary end-of-life nurse in her ward, where she lent emotional support to patients nearing the end of life. She also volunteers her time and service at nursing homes during her annual visits to India. She has often demonstrated a keen sense of public spirit through contributing her nursing knowledge to anyone who may need it, be it a neighbour or a stranger on the street. "I find fulfilment in knowing that my efforts are appreciated."

Ms Ho Miew Ling Nurse Educator

An avid volunteer, Miew Ling is motivated by the smiles she brings to the faces of those she helps. As a member of NHG Humanitarian Relief Database, she is always on standby to offer aid in case of a catastrophic event. Backed by her experience as an Operating Room Nurse, she has lent her expertise to overseas surgical missions. Her medical knowledge in basic nursing care also facilitates her voluntary work with homebound elderly and long-term care patients in Singapore. "My two hands hold the power to touch lives, save lives and serve the needy."

Dr Hum Yin Mei, Allyn Consultant

A well-respected physician with a big heart, Dr Hum has made it her personal mission to ensure that all terminally-ill patients under her care are well looked after, until the end. Often, she goes out of her way to offer these patients her greatest support. In one case, she took it upon herself to offer personal care to a young Vietnamese girl who was facing the end of life alone in a foreign land. She also coordinated with the hospital staff in Vietnam to arrange for the girl's return to her hometown, where she passed away in the company of her loved ones. "Caring and advocating for thoughtful and compassionate care for patients at the end of their lives is not only a calling, but a privilege."

Ms Kang Sin Ee, Jasmine Nurse Clinician- Advanced Practice Nurse (Geriatrics)

Jasmine's compassion and commitment have won her the hearts of patients and their families. She regularly sets up counselling sessions and home visits to offer advice and assistance to patients with complex problems and dementia. To ease financial strains for patients, she often goes the extra mile with her colleagues to research on affordable elderly care equipment. She contributes frequently to various initiatives that bring joy and comfort to the less fortunate. "My dedication and willingness to put the needs of others above my own have led me on an insightful, purposeful journey."

Dr Koh Yong Hwang, Mervyn Consultant

More than being a good physician, Dr Koh seeks to heal the pain and suffering of his patients and their families at the emotional level too. His compassion prompted a particularly difficult terminally ill patient to openly express his gratitude towards Dr Koh for the unwavering support and concern shown to him and his family. He also made a generous financial contribution to the family upon the patient's demise as he was aware of their financial difficulties. "I'm proud to work with a capable team of professionals who share the vision, passion and compassion of caring for others. This has given me meaningful purpose to continue doing what I do."

Mr Lee Kong Leng, Christopher Senior Nurse Clinician

Christopher often exceeds what is expected of him to deliver significant relief to orthopaedic patients through his knowledge and expertise. He makes every effort to keep in touch with discharged patients to bring about greater improvement in their conditions through dispensing practical tips and advice on positioning, effects of gravity and in changing dressings. Beyond the domain of the hospital, he is also a frequent volunteer for overseas missions in East Timor and India, where he had helped to provide aid to flood victims in Orissa. "To serve, care and heal others, has always been the most satisfying aspect of my job."

Mr Mohammad Nizam Bin Urip Senior Staff Nurse

Nizam has often demonstrated an indefatigable spirit in applying his knowledge and skills to help the community. He regularly spends his free time and weekends to offer support to troubled teens and the elderly through various organisations. In one instance, owing to his dedication and determination, he managed to convince the children of an elderly man diagnosed with hypertension, who defaulted in treatment, to let him resume receiving medical attention. This was achieved only after several house visits on his own time. "Everyone could use a little sound and positive advice every now and then. This could help turn their situation around."

Dr Pek Chern Kuok, Don Registrar

Dr Pek believes that healthcare is a service to an individual, and it is a service that he provides with great diligence and dedication. The compassion he shows his patients is also evident in the letters and compliments that he frequently receives, which include an open appreciation in the Straits Times forum. His caring nature can be seen in the many charitable and volunteer projects he takes on such as medical missions to Cambodia and Bangladesh. "One of my mentors once said "To you, she's one of hundreds of patients you'll see; but to her, you are her only doctor." This reminder has not only kept my feet grounded, but also drives my life's mission to provide excellent healthcare."

Dr Rupesh Agrawal Associate Consultant

Dr Agrawal works not only towards the task of restoring sight, but also the task of restoring hopes. He is a truly caring doctor who seeks to empathise with the plights of his patients and offer them comfort and encouragement. He is also passionate about contributing his time and expertise towards helping the less privileged in overseas medical missions. During his missions in Bangladesh, he successfully performed several cataract surgeries in very trying conditions. "Never lose sight of your goals in life, no matter what they may be."

Ms Tan Manru Staff Nurse

Manru is extremely dedicated to the well-being of her patients, even after they are discharged. She makes follow-up calls to them regularly to keep up with their progress, and to offer advice when necessary. Even though she runs on a hectic work schedule, she frequently conducts home visits in her own time and is also actively involved in various voluntary organisations and humanitarian activities. "Never underestimate your potential to think and do good for others. Be the change you want to see."

Ms Tng Tina Veronique Nursing Clinician

An extremely dedicated healthcare worker, Tina is always quick to respond to her patients' requests for any assistance, even if it happens on her rest day or a public holiday. Despite her hectic schedule at work and her family commitments, she makes time to coordinate donated medical equipment from well-wishers and arrange for the delivery of these items to the home of needy patients at her own cost. She also involves her children in her various voluntary activities to inculcate the spirit of volunteerism and compassion in them. She also does social visits and carolling as well as donates to help children with Down Syndrome. "I'm fortunate to be in the position to help those less fortunate with their needs. A little kindness goes a long way."

Ms Wang Xiaona Senior Staff Nurse

Xiaona's extraordinary dedication, compassion and positive outlook have consistently brought joy and serenity to patients and their families. An avid volunteer, she has touched lives in various ways through her work with the elderly at the Tzu Chi Free Clinic, as well as on overseas mission trips to poverty-stricken regions in Batam and Sri Lanka. She also extends her support to patients afflicted with HIV by conducting home visits and paying for their taxi fare when they wish to go for a review at the hospital. "I am thankful that I can be a blessing to others. I hope to do what I can to help the needy."