Answering the call: Why an NCCS radiation specialist joined the Myanmar earthquake relief

Dr Nelson Yit reflects on his experience with the SingHealth SGEMT response team.

“What is a radiation oncologist doing on an emergency medical team?” It’s a question that Dr Nelson Yit, an Associate Consultant in the Division of Radiation Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), gets asked a lot.

In response, Dr Yit shared that joining the SingHealth Singapore Emergency Medical Team (SGEMT) reminded him of why he chose medicine in the first place - to serve where help is needed most. While medical specialities may differ, he believes the core tenets of healthcare remain the same: to provide care and support for those in need. Being part of the SingHealth SGEMT allows him to fulfil this fundamental purpose.

Delivering care, under any circumstance

Dr Yit’s interest in humanitarian work began early in his career. As a junior doctor, he volunteered on medical missions to Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar. During his residency, he studied Tropical Medicine to better prepare himself to serve in low-resource and high-need environments.

In earlier missions, Dr Yit had worked with many passionate, like-minded individuals. When Professor Ng Kee Chong, Deputy Group Chairman, Medical Board (Disease Outbreak and Preparedness) SingHealth and Chief Executive Officer, Changi General Hospital, was forming the SGEMT last year, a former mission teammate encouraged him to reach out to learn more. Dr Yit discovered that SGEMT’s mission is to provide swift and effective medical support during emergencies, both in Singapore and abroad, reflecting Singapore’s commitment to global and regional disaster relief efforts and the collective power of teamwork in healthcare.

Grateful for the opportunity to serve, Dr Yit decided to join the team as the SGEMT’s purpose aligned with his own personal values.

Answering the call to serve

When a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar in March 2025, the SGEMT was quickly activated. Dr Yit had less than 72 hours to prepare.

“I considered the uncertainties such as the working and living conditions and, the time away from my family, but overcame any hesitation I had when I thought of those in Myanmar who had lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. Our sacrifices felt small in comparison,” recalled Dr Yit. 

Preparing for the frontlines

When a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar in March 2025, the 34-member SGEMT was swiftly deployed to support relief efforts. 

It was both the SGEMT’s first deployment and Dr Yit’s first mission with the team. The 34-member team, comprising members from the Ministry of Health, SingHealth, ST Engineering Synthesis and Co-operative of SCDF Employees Ltd (COSEM), was equipped to treat at least 100 patients a day. They provided care to more than 1,800 patients over eight days.

On the ground, Dr Yit stepped out of his usual specialty as a radiation oncologist to serve as a primary health physician, providing basic care to individuals affected by the disaster.

Fortunately, his SGEMT training prepared him well. He had completed a structured programme of workshops, tabletop exercises, online modules and field simulations.

“The training was rigorous but necessary as it prepared us for the demands of working in an unfamiliar and resource-limited environment,” explained Dr Yit.

The SGEMT is the 41st internationally classified EMT, recognised and verified by the World Health Organization.  This means that the SGEMT meets international standards and is fully equipped to provide self-sufficient and high-quality medical support during emergencies, both locally and internationally.

Overcoming challenges on the ground

Delivering care in an unfamiliar and emergency setting presented a number of challenges. These included difficulties with logistics such as having to using diagnostic test kits to help confirm or rule out conditions like malaria, dengue, and COVID-19, and the lack of access to blood investigations and imaging equipment for X-rays or scans.

Despite this, the team persevered.

Team members starting the day with morning warm-ups before seeing patients. 

“We had strong support from the ground and came together because of our shared purpose. Every evening, the team would huddle to review and discuss issues and propose solutions,” said Dr Yit.

The team also had to navigate language and cultural barriers. Fortunately, they had the support of medical students from the University of Medicine, Mandalay, who shared about local customs and culture and helped to translate to facilitate communication with individuals seeking treatment. This helped the team to provide respectful, person-centred care.

“I was deeply moved by the dedication of the medical students. Many of them were personally affected by the earthquake, and yet they still showed up to help. Their compassion and resilience left a lasting impression,” shared Dr Yit.

Many patients had chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, worsened by disrupted access to healthcare and medications due to the earthquake. Others had acute problems, such as injuries, respiratory tract infections and skin conditions.

“One of the first patients I saw was a young man with a hand injury he sustained from being trapped under rubble. He had developed a bacterial infection called cellulitis and was worried about losing function in his injured hand. We started him on intravenous antibiotics and discharged him with oral antibiotics. When he returned three days later for review, the swelling had reduced, and he could move the injured hand again. The relief we all felt was unforgettable, and it reminded me of how much timely care matters,” said Dr Yit.

Strength in solidarity

The challenges experienced during the trip did take an emotional toll.

“Some moments felt overwhelming, especially when we heard devastating stories about people who had lost their homes, family members and livelihoods. It made us wonder if what we were offering was enough,” shared Dr Yit.

However, the resilience of the local community and strong camaraderie of the SGEMT team kept morale up.

The team’s strong camaraderie kept morale high despite the demanding conditions. 

“Despite the demanding conditions, there was a strong sense of mutual support and respect. From reorganising medical supplies and managing the surge in patient numbers to simply sharing stories over meals, everyone contributed in their own way. The friendships forged during that time are ones I will always cherish,” shared Dr Yit.

Anchored by home support

Dr Yit is deeply grateful to his family, whose support gave him strength while he was caring for others. He acknowledges that humanitarian work may not be for everyone but for those who are drawn to it, it is worth taking the leap.

“Being on a mission like this teaches you things far beyond what can be learnt in a classroom or hospital - about medicine, resilience, and humanity. For us in healthcare, it helps us reconnect with why we chose this path in the first place - to provide care and support to those in need,” said Dr Yit.