A group of Filipino nurses on Friday, Feb. 12, called for transparency and accountability in the government’s vaccine roll out amid “many controversial events” which made many health workers - including them - doubtful.
The Filipino Nurses United (FNU) reiterated its call for “free, safe, and efficacious” vaccines and urged the government to ensure that the vaccination program remains transparent.
“What we need is a more reassuring government’s statement of concern and accountability to reinforce the motivation in seeking vaccine protection,” the FNU said. “What we need is transparency and consistency in words of care and actual support to health workers,” it added.
FNU noted that “advanced vaccination of uniformed men, the recent changing of prioritization guidelines and other instances of breach of safety protocols by government agencies,” cast some doubts on the government’s transparency with the vaccination program especially among healthcare workers.
Likewise, FNU also called on the government to take “responsibility” of vaccine regulation, monitor adverse side effects and public support for treatment and hospitalization.
“This should be done alongside a strengthened public health care system that has government-funded, strengthened public infection control measures of free mass testing, systematic contact tracing and adequate quarantine services and economic support for the people,” FNU ended.