One year after his
murder, justice remains elusive for Dr. Dreyfuss Perlas. Doctors and other
medical professionals marked the first year anniversary of Dr. Drey’s death by
renewing calls for justice!
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| Candle lighting ceremony, calling for justice for Dr. Drey's death, March 3, 2017. |
"While we
commemorate his death in various ways, we are united in demanding for justice,
as the perpetrators and mastermind of his murder remain at large," said
Dr. Joseph Carabeo, Secretary-General of Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD).
"Worse, not much has been done to protect frontline health workers from
such violence!"
Dr. Drey was serving
rural communities in Lanao Del Norte when he was killed in March 1, 2017. He
continued to serve as a municipal health officer after his stint with the
Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) program of the Department of Health.
Soon after, Dr. Sajid Sinolinding
of Cotabato City and Dr. George Repique, Provincial Health Officer of Cavite,
were killed in April and July, respectively.
These deaths have
highlighted the risks that frontline health workers face in the performance of
their duties. However, the DOH still has to institute comprehensive and
clear-cut protective measures.
"After the deaths
of seven doctors in 2017, what changes have the DOH made to protect health
personnel at the frontlines? Apparently none." Carabeo lamented. "How
many more doctors need to die in 2018 before the DOH acts? Before Dr. Drey gets
any measure of justice?"
The health sector stands firm with Dr. Drey's family and friends, as well as colleagues and other health professionals, in demanding justice. Moreover, the protection of health personnel serving the frontlines where healthcare is most needed remains a social, practical, and moral imperative that the government must address.##
