The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) is calling for a minute’s silence next week to remember the health workers who have been killed by Covid-19 pandemic.
At least two members of the pharmacy community are amongst those that have already died.
A minute’s silence on 28 February, commemorated as International Workers’ Memorial Day by trade unions across the world, provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the environment in which pharmacists and other health workers practice during the current health crisis period, PDA said.
“We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. We renew our efforts to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work,” it said in a statement.
Workers Memorial Day is officially recognised by the UK government. This year the memorial day will be particularly relevant to the health sector as there are so many deaths among those who are caring for patients with the virus.
Many health professionals have also expressed serious concerns about the lack, or inadequacy, of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety provisions in their workplace.
