PH Embassy asks UK for more PPE for Filipino nurses after COVID-19 deaths

The Philippine Embassy in London has urged the British government to address the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding the need for increased personal protective equipment (PPE) following the deaths of at least 20 Filipino healthcare workers due to COVID-19.

Philippine Ambassador to the UK Antonio Lagdameo expressed deep concern over the sacrifices of Filipino health workers who contracted the virus while serving on the front lines.

The Embassy has formally raised this issue with the British Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO), emphasizing the necessity of enhanced protection for Filipino health workers, particularly those working in COVID-19 wards.

Filipino healthcare workers constitute a significant portion of the National Health Service (NHS) staff, representing the third-largest group after British and Indian nationals.

Nearly 19,000 Filipinos work within the UK's public health system in various capacities, including nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff.

The deaths of these Filipino healthcare workers have prompted independent fundraisers and contributions from Filipino community organizations to support those still serving.

These tragic incidents occurred in hospitals across England, which has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United Kingdom.