Group Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) held a protest rally on Wednesday, February 14, in front of the main office of the Department of Health in Manila.
AHW national president Robert Mendoza voiced his dismay to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his attitude to the healthcare sector, which the former described as heartless and conscienceless
"Nakita natin sa mahigit dalawang taon pagupo ng Pangulo ay parang walang puso, at parang hindi nako-konsensya sa kalagayan doon sa kalagayan ng health workers, at healthcare system," Mendoza said during DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
Mendoza said that President Marcos needs to hear the plights of healthcare workers, including their concerns on the delayed release of the health emergency allowance that they should have received for their service during the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The other concerns of the group include the low salary received by health workers and the issue of contractualization.
"Pagod na pagod na yung ating health workers. Overworked na at underpaid pa pero nandiyan pa rin kami para pagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan," Mendoza said.
Mendoza warned that, if the government continues to ignore the concerns of health workers, the healthcare system of the Philippines will suffer.
He mentioned that many health workers died during the COVID-19 pandemic, while others chose to leave the Philippines and work in other countries.
"Nananawagan tayo sa ating Pangulo na sana ay tugunan na yung problema sa ating healthcare delivery system kasi doon pa lang sa usapin na overworked, underpaid ang ating mga health worker, demoralized na ang ating health workers," Mendoza stressed.
"Maraming umaalis dahil nga tayo, sa Southeast Asia, ang may pinakamababa magpasahod ng ating mga health worker," he added.
The 'Black Hearts Day' protest of AHW coincides with the celebration of Valentine's Day.
