MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government is looking to create a task force on logistics that would focus on providing the needs of healthcare workers in the country amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. chief implementer of the National Policy against COVID-19, said the task force will monitor the needs of health care workers, particularly those who are experiencing difficulties and discrimination amid the public health crisis.
The task force will also make sure to provide free transportation and accommodation to healthcare professionals.
“At iyon po ay pinag-usapan na rin po namin kahapon sa pamumuno po ni Secretary Vince Dizon na magkaroon po ng tinatawag na iyong ating Task Group on Logistics ay sila po ang titingin sa pangangailangan po na iyon, kasama po ang ating OCD (Office of Civil Defense),” Galvez said.
Healthcare workers are among those on the frontline of the battle against the raging pandemic.
The Department of Health reported that as of Sept. 8, around 7,452 healthcare professionals in the country have tested positive for COVID-19; 40 of them have succumbed to the viral respiratory disease.
Galvez said the provision of healthcare necessities will be funded under the proposed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2).
“Ito pong pondo po na inilaan po natin sa Bayanihan II ay ito po ang gagamitin po natin para sa mga libreng pasakay at libreng accommodations ng ating healthcare workers po,” he said.
Bayanihan 2, which consists of P165 billion stimulus package designed to help struggling sectors cope with the impacts of the pandemic, was ratified by Congress in August.
President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign the measure this week. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Rosalie Coz)
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