Tag: health workers

Statements

On the Shortening of the Isolation Period of Healthcare Workers

As long as the shortened isolation period is science-based and not a reaction to the overwhelming infection rate, we should not have a problem with that.

While in my case, the original 14-day quarantine period that should end on Jan. 18 is now reduced to 10 days, which sounds good to me – that is not the point.

Health is everything, especially with the almost uncontrollable spread of the virus that we are seeing now.

That said, I will take the side of some concerned health workers unless there is sufficient science-based data to support the Department of Health’s directive.

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Statements

On Health Care Workers’ Appeal to Place Mega Manila under ECQ

The request of health workers to place Mega Manila under ECQ for at least two weeks is a valid request that Malacañang should seriously consider. Putting human lives above all considerations is a no-brainer, given the choice.

Having said that, some adjustments can be made in the distribution of government subsidy to the most basic necessities of those who need it the most.

What is important is to prevent an obvious pattern of upsurge in the daily coronavirus infection.

On the other hand, this underscores the significance of data management by concerned government agencies, which after more than four months should have already been in place and readily implementable.

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Statements, Videos

On the Non-Compensation of 32 Frontliners Who Died Battling COVID-19

It is totally unacceptable that the families of the 32 health workers who died due to COVID-19 have yet to receive the P1-million compensation, in clear violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

The P1-million compensation is the least the government owes the families of these 32 fallen heroes. It’s in the law. The lack or absence of implementing rules and regulations should not be an excuse not to comply with the law.

It is not just the P1-million death compensation allowance which has retroactive application from Feb. 1, 2020 that is mandated under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. So are the following benefits, under Sec. 4 (d, e, f):

* Special Risk Allowance to government health workers;
* Free medical expenses to public and private health workers;
* P100,000 allowance to public and private health workers who get infected by the coronavirus in the line of duty.

Sec. 4 (d, e) of RA 11469
Sec. 4 (f) of RA 11469

This makes us wonder: How can we heal as one when they can’t heal their own?

Worse, it makes us wonder as well if the DOH is busy procuring pricey medical equipment to neglect their front-liners.

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In the News, Online

Health workers to get added hazard pay – Lacson [Manila Bulletin]

From the Manila Bulletin: Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said Tuesday all public health workers (HWs) will receive a Special Risk Allowance on top of their regular hazard pay under Republic Act 7305, the Magna Carta of Health Workers.

Continue reading “Health workers to get added hazard pay – Lacson [Manila Bulletin]” →