Monday, December 1, 2014

Pathetic Job of Ebola Quarantine in the Philippines

Written by JP Carlos

The concern about Ebola is a worldwide issue.  Some countries are unfortunate enough to have this virus plaguing their population.  Moreover, containing and controlling this pathogen is a challenge not only for these countries but for the whole world.  This is why measures to prevent its entry into the Philippines (and other countries) have been rigorous.  However, the recent events in the Philippines have spawned doubts on the competence of the people safekeeping the Filipinos from Ebola.


It seems like a joke to hear officials visiting Ebola quarantine areas without protective gear.  But that is what officials did recently.  Don’t they know the idea of quarantine?  Is it mere stupidity that they did such a foolish move?  Well, that is how some people roll here in the Philippines.  Of course, the visit by the officials was documented with the press along with the trip.  I can’t help but think that this is just another publicity stunt to get media mileage.  Well, it did – but probably not in the way they thought it would be.  

Earlier today I heard in the news that a couple of Filipino overseas workers arrived in the Philippines from Sierra Leone, A place known to have Ebola.  Of course they were quarantined.  But hearing the news at the conditions of the quarantine areas is just detestable.  The facilities they are now housed in Is just pathetic.  First, toilets don’t even flush.  Second, they are expected to clean their own quarters and yet there are no cleaning materials for them to use.  Not even a broom to sweep the floor.  Third, they are not allowed to go out to buy food and that is understandable.  However, only thing they got to eat after a long flight was a cup of coffee and bread.  Just imagine enduring this ordeal for 21 days!   

A rapid response team was sent to aid the Filipino overseas workers.  That is a great move in the part of the Philippine government.  What’s really amazing is that they were sent out to help the countrymen around 2 weeks ago.  But until today, the Rapid response Team has not arrived at their destination.  This is not some expedition to the moon!.  It is still on this planet.  Reports have said that the team is still at Morocco awaiting officials from the Department of Health.  And according to the news, these officials have not left the country.  What is irritating is that this rapid response team has daily allowance for doing nothing.  And here’s the kicker, they have yet to secure visas to enter Sierra Leone!


Forgive me if I think that the Philippines response to the Ebola crisis is a big joke.  It lacks coordination, planning and common sense.  Unless I see something more productive and practical, I am forced to believe that the people behind safekeeping the country from Ebola is not competent enough to do their jobs.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...