FEARING that the rising Covid-19 cases in Cebu would again take its toll on nurses, the Philippine Nurses Association-Cebu Chapter (PNA-Cebu) has appealed for a balance between economic gains and the need to uphold health standards.
“Because we do not want to repeat the unfortunate history of nurses suffering from burnout and exhaustion, we call for solidarity among the public to continue to adhere to the health and safety protocols set by the government,” said PNA-Cebu in a position paper released on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.
“We urge everyone to continue to be vigilant and avoid complacency,” the group said as they expressed concern over the “alarming rise of cases,” since the start of 2021.
“We also appeal to the government to balance economic regains and the need to uphold health standards during this time. We request for the timely provision of clear and transparent guidelines and trainings on vaccine-related procedures,” the statement further read.
“Nurses are the biggest healthcare workforce against this pandemic. Our contribution to this global healthcare burden has been valuable and remarkable in so many ways,” the group said.
The PNA-Cebu reiterated its appeal to government for the rational provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the augmentation of basic salaries and benefits, especially for nurses working in private hospitals.
“Nurses are also family members, friends and ultimately persons who equally need to be cared for. Let us show our care by fighting on the side of our nurses and other healthcare providers,” the group added.
When Cebu’s daily reported Covid-19 cases rose to three-digit numbers last year, PNA-Cebu revealed that some local nurses had wanted to quit their jobs due to low pay coupled with fears of getting infected with the virus.
Local government units like Cebu City then promised to assist nurses assigned in public and private hospitals through cash incentives.