Wilson Xie
087779B12
T7
Exercise ‘Disease mobilisation’
Far-fetched as it sounds, globalisation has indeed aided the dispersion of pathological diseases. The ease of travelling has brought the battle against infectious disease to a whole new dimension. As virus and bacteria weave their subtle yet devastating influence on mankind, government authorities struggle to cope with the ramifications of its devastation. SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) was such an example.
In the fall of November 2002, SARS took the world by storm. The epidemic originated in Guangdong province, China. Locally, the epidemic was first diagnosed in March 15 2003, when an infected patient was identified and promptly quarantined. The Sars virus was first brought to Singapore via Johnny Chen, a businessman who in his course of travel put up at the Metropole Hotel, Singapore.
The origin of the SARS virus in Singapore speaks volume of the socio-political climate that encourages the spread of diseases. It is vital to note that a businessman contributed to the beginning of the epidemic in Singapore. Before 1960’s, the age of globalisation, overseas job assignments were rarity. Yet as the world ‘shrank’ and businesses became intricately linked through global networks of infrastructure, the advent of overseas work travel was heralded. The liquidity of cash flow and human resource was a key to the development of an overseas career. As migration rules laxed, many companies set up overseas branches for cost effective measures. As a result, travel between countries for work became a common sight.
On March 16 2003, the CDC (Communicable Disease Centre) issued a warning in Singapore against all travelling towards countries identified with the epidemic. Having understood the importance of cautionary measures, the Singapore government also implemented the Infectious Disease Act to quarantine suspected SARS patients. The mobility of the Singaporeans within the Singapore society can be liken as a microcosm of immigration. The ease of overseas travel is somewhat reflective of the ease of travelling in one’s hometown.
The gateways to the country were paid special attention to. Thermal imaging scans were fitted at both Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints and also Changi Airport. Supposed the SARS epidemic took place a mere half a century ago, before 1952 when the first commercial flight was flown, the repercussions of the SARS virus would have been presumably easier to negotiate. Furthermore, the notion of closing Singapore’s checkpoints and admitting tourists would have been impossible. ‘Tourists’ refers to not just leisurely travel, it encompasses medical and business tourist too. The Singapore government had to tackle to the risk of admitting SARS infected personals into the country without tightening its migrating policies. The balancing act was indeed arduous to juggle, yet it was essential if the government wanted the economy to grind on. The government’s handling of the SARS virus won accolades and praises from international bodies including the German government and WHO(World Health Organisation).
The effects of globalisation cannot be reversed, it has bought unprecedented wealth to many countries and also improved the living standards in many others. Yet the threat of infectious diseases remain a threat, perhaps more tangible than ever. The government must wield its power efficiently to prevent other cases like SARS from reoccurring.
