NOW that the global emergency status for COVID-19 has ended, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday expressed gratitude to health workers who served as frontliners during the pandemic.
“We can fully attest that all their efforts and sacrifices are not forsaken as we are now marching towards the new normal as the global public health emergency has been lifted,” the DOH said in a statement for the celebration of National Health Workers Day yesterday.
“Our healthcare workers, our modern heroes, really did step up when the pandemic struck the whole world. And for that, we wholeheartedly thank you all for your services,” it added.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a “public health emergency of international concern” on Jan. 30, 2020. Last May 5, it lifted the declaration.
The DOH vowed to continue efforts to get benefits and allowances released to the healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors.
It also assured the continued push for the standardization of salaries and benefits of medical workers.
“Rest assured that your Department of Health will continue to provide you with all the support for the betterment of your welfare and service,” it said.
Last week, the Health Workers United for Wage Fight pushed for salary increases for private and public health workers nationwide. The health workers group also called on the national government to fill up the 21,038 vacant plantilla positions in the DOH through mass hiring.
