The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) is calling for the implementation of a mandatory vaccine policy for healthcare workers as the unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases takes its toll on frontline human resources.
In an assessment of the current situation, BAMP President Dr Lynda Williams reiterated calls for patience with the ‘vaccine hesitant’, but revealed that such leniency could no longer be extended to public health workers.
“While these efforts are ongoing, we reiterate the call for consideration of a policy-driven mandate for vaccination of healthcare workers, which already has a precedent in practice. We believe that our weak, sick and elderly must be protected when seeking care from healthcare providers,” declared Dr Williams.
She also called for a strategic plan to address the rampant community transmission in Barbados. This should focus on educating citizens about the importance of regular testing for residents in COVID hotspot areas, Government institutions and on the frontlines.
