NKF’s Doctor Receives Prestigious Healthcare Humanity Award

NKF ’s Director of Medical Services, Dr Mooppil Nandakumar received the Healthcare Humanity Award (HHA) at a ceremony held on 27 April 2015 at Biopolis.

The annual HHA recognises and honours healthcare workers who are inspirational role models,exemplifying the values of courage, extraordinary dedication, selflessness, steadfastness in ethics, compassion and humanity.

There were 62 award recipients representing a multi-disciplinary mix of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. They stood out for their exceptional efforts in improving patient care and going beyond the call of duty. Dr Kumar received the Award from Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong.
I chose to be a healthcare worker because of the immense sense of satisfaction you derive when you see the smiling face of a patient and family members when the patient recovers from their illness or does well with treatment. - Dr Kumar

I chose to be a healthcare worker because of the immense sense of satisfaction you derive when you see the smiling face of a patient and family members when the patient recovers from their illness or does well with treatment. - Dr Kumar

Dr Kumar has been with NKF for close to 20 years. He serves about 1,500 needy kidney patients, covering more than half of the 2,800 patients in the 26 dialysis centres! In spite of his extremely hectic schedule, he always puts the needs of kidney patients first above all else. He knows his patients individually and is professional, patient, gentle and approachable to them. He motivates patients in the working age group to secure a job so that they can continue to be productive members of society. He responds to nurses’ phone calls day or night to deal with emergencies and challenging cases and provides professional advice on treatment plans. He follows up with visits to the patients or calls back to ensure that the case is resolved.

NKF is thankful to Dr Kumar for his dedication, commitment and wonderful work in serving needy kidney patients.

There are many stories that show Dr Kumar’s care and devotion for his patients. Here is one anecdote to share of his humanitarian spirit.

On 4 March 2013, a patient developed shortness of breath during his dialysis session on the 3rd shift (6pm to 11pm). The patient found out that his post dialysis retention of 5.4 kg was beyond the normal level. The nurse of Aljunied dialysis centre called him and Dr Kumar advised her to send the patient to the hospital. However, the patient refused. Dr Kumar went to the dialysis centre at around 10.45pm to assess the patient personally and convinced him to go to the hospital for further management.