I am usually awake at midnight for several reasons ranging from reading books, watching movies, browsing the net or whatever it is that I deemed worthy of engaging in the midnight.

Of recent, I only stay awake for movies or for books, every other thing belongs in the day but today, I'm awake for a different reason; saving life.

Earlier during the day, I went to check on my patient, a little girl. I found out that she has developed some side effects from the chemotherapy she is recieving and she would require a blood transfusion to help prevent further complications. Due to the nature of her complication, what she needs is a fresh blood that is, blood that was donated today, not more than 4 hours before the transfusion.

I requested for the blood but because of the ongoing strike, the hospital's blood bank cannot provide blood.
Her mother went outside to search for alternatives to get the blood but it was a very difficult task for her. This is especially because of the specific need for fresh whole blood.

At a point, she called me to explain the challenge she was facing so I advised she comes back so that by tomorrow being a working day, we will hopefully have a better shot at getting the fresh whole blood within our hospital.

Few hours ago, at about 9 pm, she called me to inform me that one of the labs have gotten someone to donate blood, so she can come get it fresh. I agreed, even though I knew the blood will arrive late and therefore eat into my night but I was ready to make the sacrifice.

So yes, that's why I am awake this particular night; transfusing my patient.
All because of the strike, a 1 hour work has become a full day work at greater expense and inconvenience both to staff, patients and the caregivers.

As I am transfusing, I can't help but wonder why the government is turning deaf ears on the cries of the health workers. It is a very sad situation we find ourselves but we have to do our part and hope for the best.

This is not the first time I am staying awake to work, but today particularly, I am not on call and ideally I should not even be in the hospital not to talk of working and working till late, but it is what it is