GBARNGA, September 17 (LINA) - The Government is considering risk benefits for all health workers in both the public and private sectors to ensure continuity on the job, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has disclosed.
“We are trying to address some of those major needs that caused you to stay away from work,” she said, adding “when the process is complete it will bring about a uniform benefit for you all.”
The Liberian leader made the disclosure at the C.B. Dunbar Hospital in Gbarnga, Bong Count during a brief meeting with health workers Sunday, according to the Liberia News Agency.
President Sirleaf told the health workers the purpose of her impromptu visit was “to identify with you” and express government’s “profound sympathy for the loss of your colleagues during their sacrificial services in the fight against the deadly Ebola disease.”
“The reason why I am here is to come first and say how sorry we are for those of you who have lost your colleagues and to extend sympathy to their families and let them know we have not forgotten them because they have lost their lives during their services to their country,” she told the crowd of mostly health workers.
The Liberian Leader told health workers that while they may have legitimate concerns, returning to work and ensuring that health facilities in the county are open is paramount, adding “not all of today’s deaths are caused by the virus but simply because hospitals are partially closed.”
She emphasized the need for health workers in Bong County to return to work while their grievances are being discussed by the requisite government institution, noting “we are trying our best to make sure that the facilities have what they need to be able to operate.”
Earlier, Bong County Superintendent Selena Polson Mappy named the construction of Ebola Treatment Unit, setting up of task forces at the county and district levels, construction of an isolation center at the David Kuyon Sport Stadium as few of the many successes scorned in the fight against the spread of the virus.
She lauded the support of Save the Children, UNICEF, UNMIL, WHO, WFP, the county’s legislative caucus and all other partners who continue to support the county.
While in the county, President Johnson Sirleaf donated food items and cash to health workers of CB Dunbar, Phebe and China Union Bong Mines Hospitals.
She also made stops at the Zeansue, Salala, and Totota clinics where she also presented similar items to health workers and asked them to continue their good work.
LINA BK/JGT/PTK