Healthcare workers are heroes of our time, and that’s particularly visible in the fight against coronavirus. One of the questions is: Are they paid enough?
Minister of Health, Mr Kenan Hrapović, sayws in the interview for CdM that he has been advocating for the pay rise for healthcare workers since the beginning of his term of office. The country has had understanding for the most human of all professions and estimates the rise percentage in healthcare system in accordance with the current financial moment.
“The country has recognized this moment too as appropriate for the rise in salaries of healthcare workers who take active part in fight against COVID-19. I believe this situation will teach us to value healthcare workers even more”, Dr Hrapović said.
Asked if the society will be forced to learn how to live with the virus, Mr Hrapović says it is still too early to say as world community is in the process of finding vaccine.
Morals and lessons
Speaking about what kind of morals could be drawn from the pandemic, Mr Hrtapović believes that this situation will sober up the society and make it clear that health has no alternative.
“All the comfort the world had and still has, means nothing when an invisible opponent is trying to bring the whole planet down”, Mr Hrapović says.
He adds that the present situation could serve as lesson and guideline on how to appreciate every single moment you spend with your family and dearest ones and how to appreciate and respect nature.
Asked if the profession has been impacted by the politics in the adoption of measures, Mr Hrapović is clear – professionals haven’t been neglected and politics has never been more superior than the epidemiologists.
Substantial contribution
Mr Hrapović points out that medical professionals have made substantial contribution to the present moment.
The country, he stresses, has done great job.
“Response to any crisis lies, among other things, in good preparation. By carefully following epidemic situation worldwide, healthcare system of Montenegro immediately made quick risk assessment. Our activities have been focused on the possible infection outbreak since January”, Mr Hrapović says.
He adds that epidemic services around the country have played out all the possible scenarios and made a plan of action in every potential situation.
“We prepared for the most serious scenario bust still did our best to go through this with as few consequences as possible. We now know we did a great job, but there’s still a lot to be done until we finally win”, Mr Hrapović says.
Preparation period encompassed additional mobilization of medical staff, procurement of equipment, consideration of hospital and quarantine capacities etc.
Investment
Mr Hrapović emphasizes the importance of investment in the healthcare s.
“Over the past three years, healthcare system has been recording huge investment schemes. Between 2017 and 2019, €15,2 million was invested in medical equipment and around €6,6 million in construction works”, Mr Hrapović says.
Mr Hrapović thinks this situation has demonstrated that the country has chosen the right way to express appreciation for the healthcare system.
