GCCI condemns public’s discrimination against health workers

COVID-19

In light of the immense discrimination medical professionals are now facing, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has joined calls urging members of the public to desist from displaying this type of behaviour.

In a strongly worded statement condemning these actions, the GCCI noted that it observed reports from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) of the level of discrimination the public is displaying towards its staffers.
“Officials of the GPHC have said that healthcare workers are being refused entry into public and private transportation, and have even been asked to leave supermarkets when in uniform and badge… The GCCI strongly condemns and discourages coronavirus-related stigma and discrimination of healthcare workers, as these persons are the nation’s first line of defense against the coronavirus outbreak,” the statement read.
The GCCI, in its statement, went on to remind citizens that these health workers are putting their lives on the line daily while providing invaluable and selfless service.
It noted that “Healthcare workers are essentially the glue that holds Guyana’s response to COVID-19 together.”
As such, it called on all Guyanese to show appreciation to this class of persons, who also have families but yet risk they’re lives. “It is important for the public to avoid using stigmatizing language and desist from discriminatory behaviours targeted towards our healthcare professionals. Instead, the GCCI asks that we honour and thank these persons for doing lifesaving work while putting themselves at great personal risk.”
Persons are being encouraged to continuously educate themselves on the novel coronavirus, in order to end the stigmatisation.
Manager/Head of Strategic Planning and Communication at GPHC, Chelauna Providence, previously stated that the stigma that is being displayed is due to lack of knowledge, and as such, persons should educate themselves of the necessary precautionary measures set out by the Health Ministry and the Pan American Health Organization.