Abellanosa: 2019-nCoV and PH healthcare system

Abellanosa: 2019-nCoV and PH healthcare system

THERE is reason to be worried with the increasing cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) here and abroad. Getting sick is something no one would like regardless of the disease’s low chance of virulence. After all, if this virus is apparently something that we “need not worry” then DOH should “not give a damn” in calling for a press briefing after the confirmation of the first case.

I find it necessary not to mince words for our fellow citizens whose arrogance is worse than the virus. I am referring to those who call those who would like to exercise extra-care as “OA” (or overacting). There are also those who would try to project an “expert image” – sharing info materials or online posters. They litter social media with their “prowess” in public health, suggesting that we should not be afraid because Sars had a fatality of around 9.6 percent while novel corona only has 2.1 percent.

Concern for public health cannot just be myopically read on the basis of numeric comparisons. “Life is life” and it is the duty of each and everyone to be concerned with the greater good. Public pacification isn’t our goal just because only a few have been severely affected. The more sensible goal should be to look for ways for this virus to be contained and lessen the chances of faster increase.

Let’s bear in mind in all seriousness that realities differ (and here I am referring to the dynamics in the people’s behavior towards epidemic/s) depending on the socio-economic landscape of the people. This is true even with ordinary diseases such as common colds. It can easily be said that those who are living in destitution cannot but be worried and anxious even with an ordinary flu. The rich may not easily be worried by this after all they have stocks of Bioflu or Biogesic at home. But for those who have less in life – buying paracetamol means additional burden and cost on top of a limited daily budget.

Given the dearth of equipment, facilities and medical supply in our hospitals what are the chances of people not worrying with this virus? If only we all live in gated communities where self-isolation can easily be carried out then things would not be as alarming perhaps. It is easy to say that people should wash their hands every now and then in order to lessen the chances of infection. But... Helloooo... aren’t we aware yet that in areas where many informal settlers live water has been a problem? Some people are even living under the bridge and in the banks of rivers turned canals.

Neither should we forget that the health problem in this country is not only limited to coronavirus. In 2018 there were over 13,000 cases of influenza. From January to August 2019 there were more than 200,000 cases of dengue. TB has remained a problem our health sector has not fully addressed. In fact, DOH reported in the first quarter of 2018 that some 70 Filipinos die of TB everyday despite the fact that it is a “highly curable” disease. We are years past the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and still our miseries have not changed.

What’s the point of the foregoing? There is an obvious link between “poverty” and “mortality.” And if this is the case then there is – in the most ordinary sense of the word – “a reason” why people worry however “irrational” it may be to the well informed. It is not that the disease has been established in all certainty that it is not incurable. This is not the issue. The issue is we are not ready for another virus. We have more than enough problems here. And apparently if there are serious problems in the Philippines it is not the politicians and the oligarchs who will die first.

Our hospitals are not ready. In some if not many provinces countrywide there are hospitals but there are not enough beds, isolation rooms, doctors and nurses. Even private hospitals are running out of staff not because Filipinos do not want to serve their country but because low salary has strengthened and sustained “labor export.”

The call to stand up for “humanity” is irritating. It is plainly reflective of our inability to admit our systemic inadequacies and the suffering that goes with it. Sadly many would prefer to remain blind and just lick the boots of their favorite politicians. Truly, “political opportunism” is the rule of the game for those who want to enjoy their privileges even in the darkest moments of this world where pestilence, war, and calamities have hit us rock bottom.*

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