Conjuring A Private Car Into An Ambulance During A Pandemic, This Nurse Is Nominated For An International Award

Nurse Jasmine Mohammed Sharaf (front). (Source: Jasmine Mohammed Sharaf via The National News)

JAKARTA - A nurse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is considered to have exceeded her call of duty at the height of COVID-19 in 2020, and has been included in the list of nominees for international awards.

Indian mother of two, Jasmine Mohammed Sharaf was selected from an international list with nearly 24,000 nominations for the chance to win the Aster Guardian Global Nursing Award.

As one of the 10 finalists, the selection panel will assess her volunteer work outside of her nursing work.

Sharaf, who is the sole breadwinner for her family after her husband lost his job during the pandemic, visits low-income workers to deliver food, personal protective equipment and complete health checks at home for those who are isolated or unable to come to the hospital.

The 42-year-old woman even used her Toyota Yaris as an emergency ambulance, taking patients to the hospital for check-ups to reduce the burden on emergency services.

Even more remarkable was that Sharaf had diabetes and asthma, exposing him to a severe COVID-19 infection in the first few months of the pandemic, before vaccination offered broad protection.

"At the start of the pandemic, many patients were scared and worried about what was happening," he said.

“We cannot accommodate everyone at the Puskesmas and other patients are afraid to go to the hospital because of COVID-19. My role has changed to being involved in the community, especially helping low-income workers," he explained.

"Dubai Health Authority provides excellent service to people who have Covid but communication is very important at that time. I told people not to worry, and gave my number so they can call me if they need anything," he explained.

Illustration of a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Wikimedia Commons/Alberto Giuliani)

Sharaf, who has been in the UAE for 19 years, works at Al Khawaneej Health Center and lives in Sharjah with her husband. His son is a 20 year old medical student and his daughter is 9 years old.

Hospital shift changes will generally finish by 3pm, but instead of going home, Sharaf will venture into the communities around Sharjah, Deira, Rashidiya and Al Quoz to help provide on-the-ground care and pandemic updates.

Many settlements were locked down, but his role as a frontline health worker allowed him to travel freely around the city.

Sharaf brought an oximeter to check for COVID-19 on people showing symptoms, then took him to the hospital in his own car. He visited several homes to check reported cases and help people isolate to reduce the risk of infecting others.

"Many people have lost their jobs or have little money but have to go to the hospital. I try to help as much as possible by giving them a lift. I created a Whatsapp group so people can contact me easily, whenever they need it," he explained.

"For several months, my husband helped to cook several meal packages with chicken and rice, to give to people in this community who lost their jobs," she continued.

"My family is worried because I don't have the vaccine, and I also have a health condition that I have to deal with. I assured them it was the right thing to do."

In September 2020, Sharaf contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized for two weeks, but the experience did not prevent him from doing the work he loves.

He was one of the 10 international finalists from India, England, America, Kenya, Australia and Afghanistan. His friends and colleagues submitted his name for the award.

Even if she abandons the thought of winning, the $250,000 prize will be life-changing and help support her children's education.

"I had some loans to pay off and my husband lost his job as a limousine driver, so this is difficult for us. I want to give some money to poor people who need it more than me, but also support my family," she said.

To note, the nurses were selected from more than 24,000 who applied from 184 countries. Finalists were selected through a rigorous review process conducted independently by Ernst and Young consultants and judges.

Applications were evaluated to create a shortlist of 181, which was reduced to 41. The top 10 finalists were then announced. Nominations are required for entry based on four areas of contribution: leadership, research and innovation, and patient care and community service.

Later, the winner will be announced on May 12, which is also International Nurses Day.

Separately, Dr Azad Moopen, managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, said the award was in recognition of a challenging time for healthcare workers.

"During this pandemic, their important contributions with dedication and sacrifice, putting their own safety and lives at risk, were brought to the forefront globally," he said.