President Rodrigo R. Duterte has assured support for the discriminated health care workers due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Whether you’re renting a room or a house or what not pero dahil nga nasa frontline ka sa COVID, pinapaalis kayo because of the fear unfounded na mahawa ninyo ang may-ari ng mga bahay at ‘yung mga kasamahan ninyo sa mga dormitoryo. (But because you’re a frontliner, you are getting kicked out because of the unfounded fear that you might spread the virus). If this happens, you can call directly the office of Secretary Galvez and we will provide you with the necessary billeting and pati pagkain na (and also food).”
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III has ensured that healthcare workers are given proper compensation.
In the recent report of the DOH, more than 7,000 health care workers have tested positive with COVID-19. More than 6,000 medical workers have recovered, 40 have died and more than 500 are active cases.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire has reported that the P1 million check for the loved ones of medical workers who died due to COVID-19 have been distributed to 31 families. 36 health workers with severe and critical cases have received the P100,000 compensation.
Meanwhile, 1,396 nurses have been redeployed. The health department has pointed out that deploying health workers to facilities who are in dire need of additional workforce have been a priority since it has helped in controlling the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.
Report from Sandra Samala
