URFA - SES Urfa Branch Co-Chair Eylem Salar criticized the fact that health institutions are still not included in the scientific committee and stated that a participatory and local solution should be created against the coronavirus outbreak.

 

Health and Social Service Workers Union (SES) Urfa Branch Co-chair Eylem Salar spoke about the inadequacy experienced in the city due to the coronavirus (Covid-19). Stating that the tests conducted in the city with a population of more than 2 million people are insufficient, Salar stated that in this process, healthcare professionals and doctors in private hospitals were forced to take leave. Asking why the sector that defends the rights of health unions, chambers and employees is not included in the scientific board, Salar emphasized that a participatory and local solution should be created against the epidemic.

 

Reminding the statements made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to increase the number of tests, Salar warned that the low number of test kits may cause an increase in the number of cases. Salar stated that with a higher number of tests, more patients will be diagnosed, which will reduce the risk of spread of the outbreak. Salar said: "We say that the conditions for the tests to be conducted free of charge in each province must be provided urgently. We insist on increasing the number of tests again." Emphasizing that transparent information is essential for saving lives in the epidemic process, Salar who stated that the healthcare workers are made to sign confidentiality agreements. 

 

'WHY AREN'T WE INCLUDED'

 

Salar asking why the NGO's, medical chambers and worker representatives aren't being included in the science committee, said the Health Ministry doesn't even care to make a statement on the issue. Salar, stating that the number of protective equipment is not enough, said the hospitals have been urging the staff to economize the equipment. 

 

 

Stating that some of the healthcare professionals working in private hospitals are forced to take leave with the pressure of the administration, Salar said: "Some doctors are forced to take a leave of absence. We learned that there are no designated quarantine in case of a possible infection. Many healthcare professionals diagnosed with coronavirus lately and they are in quarantine. We have some friends in critical condition. One of our friends, a nurse has lost her live. Current policies put health workers at risk. In this framework, the healthcare professionals who lost their lives due to the epidemic should be included in the scope of work murder. Health shortage of equipment needs to be overcome before money and applause."