BACOLOD City – Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran expressed his dismay over the supposed discrimination of hospital and health workers from the local community just because they are at the frontlines of the efforts to battle the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
This was after a group of the employees of the RMC asked the intervention of the provincial government of Negros Occidental due to the discrimination they have been getting.
“Indi sila dapat pag i-discriminate kay kon ma burnout na sila kag kon magmasakit wala na sang may matatap pa sang pasyente sa ospital,” stressed Familiaran, who chairs the local inter agency taskforce against the viral disease.
In a letter made by Riverside Medical Center (RMC) Corporate Communications head Chuck Estrella and addressed to Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, some of their employees were denied rides by pedicab or jeepney drivers after the first COVID-19 positive patient was admitted at the facility.
Coffee shops also reportedly denied entry for RMC medical staff and some were even verbally harassed by police officers. They also received reports that some landlords and neighbors of these medical workers are ordering their staff to vacate the premises fearing possible contamination.
“After all the sacrifices they make, including risking their lives, this is what we expect them to face?” Estrella questioned.
In another letter made by Dr. Connie Rose Benjamin of the Philippine College of Physicians-Negros Occidental, she urged Lacson to intervene over the matter pointing out not all medical personnel in the said hospital have been exposed to the COVID-19 positive patient.
She pointed out that even before the patient tested positive for the ilness, the patient had already been placed in an isolation room, and the medical staff who did get exposed are already on quarantine.
Benjamin further pointed out that the public should discriminating medical workers, as they also need mental and emotional support.
According to Familiaran the RMC should find a way to solve the problem of their employees by providing them transportation, a quarters for the night shift personnel.
He said that the city has several buses of the Vallacar Transit Inc. but they being utilized to transport frontliners of the city government deployed at check points around the city./PN
Masyadong (OA) Over Acting nman sa bacolod but nila discriminate mga frontliners ntin.. wag nman ganon.
Definitely not to discriminate the Frontliner because they’re Taking care you . Rather those was affected of COVID 19..All of Us should be Proud of them instead..and support them as well..Why are you talking about discriminate at this matter of time instead of…Why the city government not be able to provide transportation (bus .Van etc)could be easier and safe for them too. ..sad to knew from my own city of Bacolod to heard the word of discriminate towards the Frontliner…Dont you know they’re saving lives those needed and they’re lives was too risk as well .I thought we’re city of smile. But now We can’t.. because world’s was suffering for this Corona virus..So please take it seriously before spread all over .Give support ,love kind to our healthcare worker’s.. Without them. What will you do then?. Be kind ! To the people’s pls stay home more safe, more save lives..The Frontliner they do all the best they can.. however It’s very painful for their side because they’re can’t be with after working…just to be safe their families..Pls let’s us help one another. Let’s us pray for all .Be United as one God bless all and to The World’s.