When a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar in March 2025, two SCDF full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) medical doctors were deployed under Operation Lionheart. CPT (Dr) Quek Seng Leong (left) and CPT (Dr) Sarvananthan Rajragavan shared their experience on the ground and what the mission taught them about duty, resilience, and compassion.
At a local hospital in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, makeshift tents had been set up to house patients following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on 28 March 2025. As people of all ages with injuries and ailments of varying severity waited in line, the medical staff worked tirelessly to attend to each patient.
Among the responders were CPT (Dr) Sarvananthan Rajragavan and CPT (Dr) Quek Seng Leong. Both 27, they had spent five years studying medicine and another two years specialising in hospitals before their National Service as medical doctors with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). They were part of SCDF’s 80-member Operation Lionheart contingent deployed to Myanmar on 29 March.
For the two young doctors, Operation Lionheart was more than just a mission. It reminded them of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit in the wake of a disaster.
Raj and Seng Leong were conducting a routine lecture for the Rota Commander Course cadets, when they first received news of the devastating earthquake. Within hours, they were ready for deployment.
“When we heard about the earthquake, we were mentally ready to be deployed,” recalls Raj. “Such humanitarian missions embody what it means to be a doctor, using our knowledge and skills to bring relief and hope to those in need.”
En route to Naypyidaw, Seng Leong was already running through contingency plans in his mind. “I was thinking through the various medical scenarios. For instance, if 20 casualties were to come in at once, how should we prioritise and manage their treatment?” he shares. “With lots of support from our medical team, we adapted well to the situation.”
Arriving in Naypyidaw within the critical 72-hour “golden window” for locating survivors, the team launched search operations immediately, working through the night to support rescue efforts.
“We followed our Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) Specialists, providing medical support during search and rescue operations,” says Raj. “Watching our DART colleagues enter partially collapsed structures in search of survivors was inspiring. Their dedication and courage motivated me to give my best too.”
One encounter left a deep impression on him. “A woman came to us in tears, asking us to rescue her son who was trapped beneath the rubble. I will never forget the pain in her eyes,” he recounts. “Having witnessed how people lost their family members and homes overnight taught me to never take our safety and security for granted.”
To further support affected communities, the contingent established medical outposts in Pyokkon and Dhakhinna Thiri Townships. There, they treated more than 130 residents — many of whom sustained earthquake-related injuries, while others suffered from dizziness, fatigue or musculoskeletal pain from carrying heavy loads while seeking safety.
“With their wealth of experience on the frontlines, our paramedics were incredibly skilled. There was deep mutual trust in the team, and we learnt much from each other,” Seng Leong shares. “Over time, we opened up, sharing our values and motivations. That really brought us closer together as a team.”
Back in Singapore, both doctors returned with a renewed sense of purpose. “Operation Lionheart has shown how Singapore can support our ASEAN neighbours in times of need,” Raj notes.
“I often ask myself, ‘how can I add value?’ and I realised that using my medical expertise to help others was the answer. Even after completing my full-time National Service, I hope to continue contributing to future Operation Lionheart missions as an Operationally Ready National Serviceman,” he adds with a smile.
For Seng Leong, the experience has changed his views of National Service. “National Service gives us the opportunity to contribute to the nation in our own unique way. Once you find meaning in what you do, you will discover a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment.”
*This story has been adapted from an article that was originally published in SCDF’s digital magazine, Rescue995.
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