Gov’t must shoulder hospital, medical expenses of lepto victims — Barbers

FORMER Surigao del Norte representative and now Adviser and Spokesperson of the House Impeachment Team today seriously urged the government, particularly the Department of Health to implement a plan similar to the Bayanihan programs during the Covid-19 pandemic period, wherein the government shouldered most of the hospitalization expenses of the victims.

This time around, Barbers sounded off a bold initiative that should compel the DOH to accept the reality on the ground where thousands of people are now suffering from Leptospirosis due to floods primarily caused by failed Flood Control programs of the government.

“People are being made to suffer the consequences of failed flood control programs and inadequacies of local government units and other agencies in giving timely warnings and anticipations of weather disturbances. These shortcomings force the people to brave the floods and suffer the consequences. This unfairly results in the people contracting the life-threatening flood borne diseases”, Barbers said.

“How many more deaths should occur before proper interventions and actions must be initiated by the government? One death is one too many. From failed flood control projects to failed solid waste management to delayed warnings and inactions, the innocent people become the victims”, Barbers added.

“There is no word that can console the sufferings of the people. Shouldering the costs of hospitalization is but a mere drop in the bucket so to speak. Look at the lines in the emergency sections of the government hospitals. Hanggang sa pagpapagamot ba kailangan pa rin nilang magdusa at maghintay ng kamatayan? They could not go to private hospitals kasi mahal ang pagpapa ospital. It is time for government to take or share responsibility”, Barbers said.

If the proposal is accepted, Barbers expects that immediate medical interventions can be delivered and the people will have better chances of survival.

“Local government units and law enforcement agencies should also take initiatives to field more vehicles that can navigate through the floods and transport stranded commuters to safety without having to bravely wade through the waters”, Barbers said