DOH to hold accountable those behind health workers’ discrimination

By: Krissy Aguilar, INQINQUIRER.net, 1 May 2021

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday said they will hold accountable those who subject health workers to discrimination, intimidation and even red-tagging despite their crucial role in the COVID-19 response.

In a statement this Labor Day, Duque expressed unity with health workers who continue to fulfil their duty to promote the right to quality and equitable health of Filipinos.

“After our consultation without HCWs [health care workers], we have been notified on incidents of discrimination, intimidation, and violence against our HCWs including cases of red-tagging for simply asking for better benefits and pay,” Duque said.

“We stand against any form of discrimination, intimidation, and violence against them. These acts will not be tolerated. We will hold perpetrators of these acts accountable and will collate reports from our HCWs for proper investigation and resolution,” he added.

Duque also assured HCWs “better compensation and benefits befitting their service and sacrifices for our nation.”

“It is not enough that we thank our HCWs for their bravery during this pandemic, we have to protect them too. The DOH calls on the public and other government agencies to stand up for our health care workers and protect them against any form of discrimination, intimidation, and violence,” Duque went on.

As early as last year, there were already reports of health workers experiencing harassment.

In Cebu City, a nurse was splashed with chlorine by two men aboard a motorcycle. A frontliner in Sultan Kudarat was also thrown with bleach while on his way to work.