Yesterday, I proposed that doctors, nurses and other medical workers, who have died in the battle against COVID-19, be buried at the heroes cemetery. But, it turns out that the administrative procedure is not easy because they must first be bestowed
Semarang (ANTARA) - The provincial government of Central Java has asked the central government to bestow medals of merit to medical workers treating COVID-19 patients as a sign of respect for their services.

“Yesterday, I proposed that doctors, nurses and other medical workers, who have died in the battle against COVID-19, be buried at the heroes cemetery. But, it turns out the administrative procedure is not easy because they must first be bestowed a medal of merit. Hence, I have proposed that doctors, nurses, and other medical workers treating COVID-19 patients in Central Java receive a medal of merit," Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said here on Monday.

He said he had conveyed the proposal to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) through the president's military secretary and the government had warmly welcomed it.

"This is our way to grant the highest award to those who have battled for humanity in Central Java," he explained.

He also offered his reasons for suggesting funeral sites be reserved at the heroes cemetery for frontline medical workers losing their lives to COVID-19, a proposal which has gained public attention.

The proposal has been criticized by a doctor, who, through a post on his Twitter account, asked the governor to focus on personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical workers treating COVID-19 patients.

"The proposal came (after stories emerged that public cemeteries) had rejected the bodies of COVID-19 patients. If this continues to happen, it will not be good. That's why I proposed medical workers who die in the battle against COVID-19 be buried at the heroes cemetery. But, it turns out that my good intention was misconstrued by a doctor, who later criticized me on social media," the Governor said. (INE)




EDITED BY INE



Related news: President instructs officials to ensure adequate medical devices

Related news: MUI believes COVID-19 pandemic is momentum to deepen familial ties

Translator: Wisnu AN/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020