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DOH condemns attacks on healthcare workers


The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday decried reports of harassment and discrimination against healthcare workers who are leading efforts to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH has been receiving reports of healthcare workers falling victim to violence and discrimination.

In particular, Vergeire denounced an attack on a nurse in Sultan Kudarat.

The nurse was doused with bleach by several suspects who mistakenly thought that the health worker was infected with COVID-19.

“Mariin pong kinokondena ng ating kagawaran ang karahasan at reports ng diskriminasyon sa ating healthcare workers,” she said at a virtual press briefing.

“Atin pong bigyan ng tamang pagpapahalaga at respeto ang ating healthcare workers na taos pusong naglilingkod at nagsasakripisyo para proteksyunan ang buhay ng mamamayang Pilipino.”

A medical technologist in Cagayan de Oro City also said public vehicles have been hesitant to allow her to board because the facility she worked for had a confirmed COVID-19 case.

“Nananawagan po kami: itigil po natin ang karahasan, itigil po natin ang diskriminasyon laban sa ating healthcare workers,” Vergeire said. “Ang lagi po nating tatandaan: sila po ang mag-aalaga sa atin kapag tayo ay nagkasakit.”

The department also assured healthcare workers of other benefits on top of their 500-peso daily allowance, such as hazard pay and a special risk allowance.

COVID-19 has so far claimed the lives of 12 doctors, according to the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc.

Nationwide, the disease has killed 71 people and infected over 1,400. — DVM, GMA News

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