“手机不能用，又没法出去，能不急吗?” (“I can’t use my phone nor go out — how can I not worry?”)

Frustratingly, Wang’s employer was largely unresponsive. As a result, Wang was unable to secure a swab test before his flight, a necessary prerequisite for him to board the plane, and had not received his promised salary since April. 

Distressed and anxious, Wang turned to HealthServe for help. We managed to secure a donated second-hand phone for him and communicated with his employer on his behalf. 

Wang was overjoyed that he could finally call his family back home. He was particularly worried about his mother, who had been diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Atrophy (degenerative changes to the brain), resulting in dementia. 

When asked why he chose to come to Singapore, Wang explained that due to natural disasters and the harsh winter conditions in China, most construction projects pause for 4 months a year — which means no income for him. However, due to the pandemic, Lew has decided to go back home for now. 

As of the end of October, Wang is still under quarantine in China due to strict regulations and hopes to see his family soon. He regularly sends us updates about his situation and is extremely thankful for the phone obtained through HealthServe.