By ANALOU DE VERA
The Department of Health yesterday said that more than 600 health workers have volunteered to join the government’s efforts against COVID-19.
The DoH said that 690 health workers have signed up as volunteers. They are expected to help in manning the three COVID-19 referral centers in Metro Manila – Philippine General Hospital in Manila, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan City, and the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City.
“Inilunsad ito para masiguradong may sapat po tayong health care workforce na titingin sa ating COVID-19 patients,” said Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire.
Vergeire said that they will implement “two weeks on, two weeks off” policy for the volunteer healthcare workers.
“Sa bawat dalawang linggong duty, ang healthcare worker ay kailangang sumailalim sa two-week quarantine period pagkatapos,” she noted.
Vergeire offered an apology regarding the P500 daily allowance that will be given to volunteer health care workers which drew criticisms from various sectors.
The Health official said that they understand the sentiments of the public.
“Humihingi rin po kami ng tawad kung ang impresyon na naibigay ng P500 daily allowance ay ganito lamang ang halaga na ibinibigay namin sa ating health care workers. Alam po natin dito sa Kagawaran kung gaano kaimportante, ka-delikado, ang maging isang health care worker lalong-lalo na sa ganitong panahon,” said Vergeire.
Vergeire explained that the said amount was based on the rate that they have provided to healthcare workers during the previous outbreaks, adding that the majority of the DoH budget – for the COVID response – is allocated for the purchase of personal protective equipment.
