ICRC, RDRRMC-13 emphasize implementation of health care in danger initiatives
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – To ensure protection of health care workers both in
armed conflict and non-armed conflict situations, the International Committee
of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted a series of field workshops on Health Care in
Danger (HCiD) in the different parts of the country, including Caraga region
wherein some 174 doctors and nurses from the most conflict areas attended.
In a press statement, the ICRC shared that as part of its
commitment to support these HCiD initiatives, ICRC will facilitate a
coordination for identified communities of concern (CoC) and advocate for
protecting health care at the regional/provincial level with the following main
objectives: 1) to raise awareness about the principles of respect to the
medical mission, including of staff, patients, properties, and medical
transport; 2) to discuss the challenges in the provision of health care
services by health staff, patients, properties, and medical transport vehicles,
and in safeguarding security by the armed forces in conflict-affected areas
without affecting health services; 3) to identify specific measures or
protocols that can be adopted by health staff and by security forces to address
the challenges; and 4) to create a core regional group that can lead to
developing and implementing practical initiatives on protecting the health
care.
ICRC revealed that during the series of workshops, some protection
issues and concerns were identified, such as attacks against health care
workers in both armed conflict and non-armed conflict scenarios, fear of being
red-tagged as supporters of the non-state armed groups (NSAGs) if the security
forces will find them helping and treating the wounded NSAG fighters
[especially with the existence of the anti-terrorism law], among others.
ICRC cited the Marawi City armed conflict in May 2017 which was
heralded by an attempt of an armed group to raise their flag at Amai Pakpak
Medical Center, a regional government hospital in Marawi City. This accordingly
resulted in the immediate displacement of roughly 300 patients it catered to. “In
the ensuing months of active conflict in Marawi, access to health services was
disrupted, either because facilities were damaged directly by the fighting, or
health staff were forced to flee along with the city’s residents.”
Another was the challenges faced by the health workers during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
In line with the ICRC’s initiatives that promote the safety and
welfare of the health workers, the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (RDRRMC) chaired by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) also
expressed support and encouraged all stakeholders to advocate on the
realization of these initiatives in the region.
The council stressed that it does not only ensure protection of human lives during natural disasters but also during armed conflict. (JPG with report from ICRC, PIA-Caraga)