GPHC lab assistants pleading for risk allowance incentive amid COVID-19

…as other frontline workers receive risk allowance

As the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continue to increase in Guyana, emphasis is being placed on frontline workers, which include doctors and nurses among others but unfortunately, medical laboratory professionals are being excluded.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, a few lab professionals employed by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) expressed their dissatisfaction in the manner in which they are being treated.
“This is not about fame, laboratory personnel are often forgotten or left out. During emergency situations, we are last to be informed,” one lab professional stated.
Recently, risk allowance incentives were granted to the frontline staff. However, laboratory professionals were excluded. As such, they are pleading with the relevant authorities, especially the Hospital Board, to address and rectify this situation.
“This gives the impression that we are not at risk. But this isn’t the case; laboratory professionals are at risk at every level, from collecting the samples, which involves interacting with patients, transporting, processing these samples, and finally issuing the results. So, the risk isn’t only dealing with patients directly. It involves dealing with positive and biohazardous samples. Several requests prior to this interview were made to management regarding this matter. To no avail,” another lab professional stated and asked to remain anonymous.
In fact, these workers are contending that several laboratory facilities are working on the frontline, along with the doctors and nurses. As a result of working on a shift system during the partial lockdown, the workers also mentioned that several members of staff are often unable to have access to meals during working hours while the other frontline workers are able to do so.
“It is sad that the incentive and tokens given and distributed by companies have excluded the laboratory personnel.”
Nevertheless, these professionals applauded companies such as Digicel Guyana, Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company Ltd (GTT), Burger King, Bettencourt, Carnegie, Massy Guyana, Quality, Pizza Hut, etc for their support to frontline workers.
“Sadly, laboratory professionals were excluded. But we must show our appreciation to the only entity that acknowledged our presence, the Hot & Spicy Restaurant; thank you,” they all stated, with great dismay.
To this end, they stated that “The staff of the GPHC medical laboratory will continue to provide excellent service for all Guyanese during these trying times”.