Gov’t urged to improve response

THE MAKATI Business Club (MBC) on Tuesday urged the government to improve its coronavirus pandemic response as the economy reopens.

In a discussion paper, the business group cited the need to improve the country’s healthcare system and boost isolation and quarantine efforts.

“We cannot just vaccinate our way to reopening and recovery,” group Chairman Edgar O. Chua said. “We need physical facilities, tech-enabled systems, financially viable hospitals and healthcare workers who are properly paid and provided for.”

“We can’t fight COVID without the hospitals, we can’t run the hospitals without healthcare workers,” he added.

The group also asked the government to boost vaccine supply and vaccinate all Filipinos. The government must also set aside funds for booster shots, it added. It also said companies should be allowed to buy their own vaccines.