CHR says fight vs COVID-19 not limited to washing hands

MANILA, Philippines – Making calls for transparency and better public healthcare services are also some of the ways to help in the country’s fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia took up the cudgels for those in social media who were pushing for accountability in the use of public funds, saying the drive against COVID-19 is more than just about following health guidelines.

“Staying home and washing our hands are the easiest ways to contribute to the fight against COVID-19,” De Guia said in a statement on Tuesday, in the commemoration of the World Health Day.

“But demanding transparency, accountability, and better healthcare services are also means to ensure that conditions improve, not only for the privileged few, but also for everyone, most especially the vulnerable and marginalised who often resort to out-of-pocket spending in times of sickness,” she added.

Currently, social media was divided between people who have voiced their concern about the government’s policies amid the pandemic, and those who back the administration’s approach. Some netizens reproached those who have pointed out the government’s response against the pandemic.

The CHR said that the COVID-19 outbreak has also shown the pressing need for the country to invest in better healthcare systems, and for better treatment of healthcare workers.

As of now, at least 10 doctors and healthcare providers have died after contracting the COVID-19 virus while performing their tasks.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic also highlights the need to invest in our healthcare workers, who we can regard as the heart of healthcare systems,” De Guia noted.

“The sacrifices of our doctors and other healthcare professionals, especially those who have fallen fighting the virus, will be rendered meaningless if we cannot adequately support them in this critical time—this includes providing better, adequate facilities and personal protective equipment, and even prioritizing them for COVID-19 screenings,” she added.

April 7 has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the global health awareness day, aimed at appreciating the work of health workers who have labored to make the world safer and healthier.

However, this year’s celebration would always be marred with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected at least 1.3 million around the world and killed 3,764 patients.

In the Philippines, the whole of Luzon remains under an enhanced community quarantine due to the rising COVID-19 cases.  As of Tuesday, Department of Health officials said is now at 3,764 patients infected with COVID-19, 177 of which have already died while at least 84 have recovered.

EDV