Combating coronavirus: Mum leaves 4-month-old baby in India for UAE Covid-19 mission

Reenu Augustine, a mother and an emergency nurse from the south Indian state of Kerala, is among the 105 healthcare professionals who landed in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning to join the Covid frontliners of the UAE.
Reenu was all geared up for the mission - but she couldn't help but think of her 4-month-old son whom she had to leave in India.
"It breaks my heart to leave my baby home with my husband and parents. He is too young. But I think this is time the world requires my service. I am sacrificing my happiness for a larger cause, the common good of humanity," said the mother of two children. Her elder daughter is now four years old.
On Wednesday morning, the UAE-based VPS Healthcare flew in the team of critical care nurses, doctors, and paramedics, on a specially chartered Etihad Airways plane. This is the second batch of nurses to arrive in the country after the initial 88 staff joined frontline duties last week.
Holding flags of India and the UAE, Reenu and the rest of the team marched out of the Abu Dhabi International Airport, well aware of the task ahead. They will be working at critical care units in various UAE hospitals, serving the country that is home to some 3.5 million Indian nationals.
For Reenu, the decision to be part of the medical mission was not easy. "My family was very worried over me getting infected. It took me some time to convince them about the safety measures in hospitals." But she stressed that she can't live in fear of getting infected.
"What would have been the condition of the world if the healthcare frontline warriors nurtured this thought? We know our services are invaluable and indispensable during this time of distress. It is no time to turn back to safety," she said.
'Humbled to be part of mission'
The VPS Healthcare Group medical director, Dr Nabil Debouni, said these professionals, extensively trained and experienced in critical care, will strengthen the response against Covid-19.
"The UAE government has been rolling out a lot of initiatives across the emirates to contain the virus. We are happy and humbled to be a part of this. Bringing a medical team is a part of our continuous effort in supporting the government," Dr Debouni said.
He thanked India and the UAE governments for their support in bringing the medical team to Abu Dhabi.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi