In a heart-wrenching encounter thousands of miles from her home in Singapore, Dr. Deborah Khoo, a dedicated anaesthesiologist, found herself treating a 12-year-old girl suffering from a devastating gunshot wound. The source of her injury? A tragic incident involving her younger brother, who had gained access to an AK-47 assault rifle. This chilling case was among the many harrowing experiences Dr. Khoo faced during her three-month mission with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in Afghanistan's Kunduz Trauma Centre.

From April to June 2024, Dr. Khoo and her team provided vital medical aid in a war-torn region where care is scarce and casualties from conflict, accidents, and violence are alarmingly high. The Kunduz facility, which reopened in 2021 following destruction from a U.S. airstrike in 2015, is a lifeline for those in dire need.

The Role of MSF

Médecins Sans Frontières, founded in France in 1971, operates in over 70 countries, delivering emergency medical aid to victims of wars, epidemics, natural disasters, and healthcare inequities. Dr. Khoo's frontline work in Afghanistan shed new light on the critical nature of this mission.

During her time in the Kunduz Trauma Centre, Dr. Khoo treated numerous patients with traumatic injuries, each case revealing the overwhelming need for healthcare in conflict zones. Living with fellow volunteers in a fortified compound, she immersed herself in the challenges of delivering urgent medical care under extraordinary circumstances.

Embracing Humanitarian Work

Driven by a long-standing passion for humanitarian aid, Dr. Khoo's decision to volunteer with MSF in 2023 was met with unwavering support from her family and colleagues at Singapore General Hospital. Throughout her academic career at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, she had sought out opportunities to assist those in need, participating in various medical missions across countries like India, China, and Laos.

Her humanitarian journey culminated in Afghanistan, where she faced the unparalleled pressures of working in a conflict zone. Extensive pre-mission briefings prepared her for the extreme risks, yet they did not diminish her commitment to serve.

A Life-Saving Challenge

One particularly harrowing case involved a man who had suffered severe blood loss from a traffic accident. In a region lacking immediate access to blood supplies, Dr. Khoo and her team raced against time, collaborating with Afghan nurses and utilizing MSF's remote support system to consult with medical experts from around the world. Against all odds, they succeeded in administering a life-saving blood transfusion, illustrating the critical impact of prompt medical intervention.

Transformative Lessons Learned

Dr. Khoo's exposure to the realities of healthcare in Afghanistan has profoundly reshaped her perspective as a physician. While describing the sheer beauty of the country, with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse population, she acknowledges the chaos and unpredictability that contrasts sharply with the orderliness of life in Singapore.

Her experiences have fostered a greater sense of empathy, patience, and appreciation for the complex healthcare systems back home. Witnessing the resilience of local healthcare workers further inspired her; they continue to show up under circumstances fraught with danger and uncertainty—this is their everyday reality.

Reflections on Humanitarian Efforts

Despite the challenges and emotional toll of humanitarian work, Dr. Khoo emphasizes its importance. Far from glamorous, this type of service is tiring and often heart-wrenching. For international volunteers, like herself, there is always the option of returning home after the mission, but for local teams, the struggle is ongoing.

Her time in Afghanistan ignited a deep commitment not only to her patients but to understanding the larger implications of global healthcare disparities. She hopes to translate these lessons into her practice back in Singapore, advocating for the unseen support systems that underpin healthcare, encouraging more compassion and awareness among her peers.

In a world rife with conflict and inequality, Dr. Deborah Khoo serves as a shining example of dedication and compassion, reminding us all of the urgent need for humanitarian efforts in providing medical care to those who need it most.