COVID warriors

DURING my three months and two weeks admission at the COVID ward in Lautoka Hospital, I had an opportunity to observe our COVID warriors (doctors and nurses) during their routine duties.

The doctors and nurses wear their full COVID suits including gum boots while on duty.

These warriors are so professional and friendly in their job even though sometimes they sweat in their mask and suits but they make sure they don’t leave their patients without full check-ups.

They treated us as if we were their own family members. I salute all the COVID warriors.

As a good citizen of this beautiful country, I have gathered the following information during my admission:

 No medical insurance policies for COVID warriors;

 No overtime, shift 0700 hrs to 1900 hrs and 1900 hrs to 0700 hrs;

 No shift allowance;

 No risk allowance; (COVID)

 Eating same food as given to the COVID patients, they deserve better food because they do remain in isolation for 14 days in their COVID barrack.

In fact all medical workers should be covered under medical insurance policies because they are the frontline warriors exposing themselves to all sorts of sickness.

Providing personal protection equipment is not good enough as this COVID pandemic will stay around for years.

Looking after the welfare of the health workers is paramount as this will enable the health workers to perform their duties much better and go the extra mile.

Most importantly they will not be depressed by their work.

I must also thank the FIJI Care medical insurance for taking care. I would say best medical insurance company in Fiji.

My humble request to the honourable Minister for Health and Government of the day, please do have medical insurance for all medical staff.

So far I understand that two COVID doctors and a medical staff have resigned for greener pastures.

Please try to stop the brain drain.

RANGA NATHAN Legalega, Nadi