[ad_1]
Manila, Philippines – The Embassy of the Philippines in London has expressed concern for the well-being of thousands of Philippine nurses in the UK after 20 of them died amid the fight against cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
In a statement, the Philippine Embassy said it has drawn the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the United Kingdom to the concerns of Filipino health workers, such as the need for more personal protective equipment ( PPE), especially for those who are assigned in the COVID-19 wards.
“We are deeply concerned about the death of Filipino health workers who sacrificed their lives as the world continues to fight this terrible disease. They risk their lives so that others can heal, live and reunite with their loved ones, ”said Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo.
As of April 20, around 20 Filipino health workers in the UK had died from the viral respiratory illness.
Most of those who died worked in hospitals in England, which recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the UK with 93,030 out of 124.73 laboratory-confirmed cases and 14,828 out of 16,509 hospital deaths.
The embassy said that the deaths of Filipino medical workers due to COVID-19 “have caused quite a stir among British society, as it is well known that Filipinos represent the third largest group of National Health Service (NHS) personnel. after the British and the Indians. “
Citing a March 2019 report on diversity in the NHS workplace, the embassy said that close to 19,000 Filipinos serve the UK public health system, either as medical professionals such as nurses and allied health professionals or as support staff.
The embassy said friends and relatives of those who succumbed to the disease have organized several independent fundraisers.
Other Philippine community organizations have also contributed to supporting those who continue to fight on the front lines, including the provision of masks and hot meals.
The embassy said its frontline consular services have been suspended, but its consular section, as well as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), continue to coordinate with Philippine community organizations to provide assistance and monitor the condition of women. people severely affected by the disease.
The embassy also assured that it is implementing measures that protect public health and that it will continue to provide assistance to Filipino citizens in distress in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
