Without the White Coat
Occupational infections
For some colleagues in the medical field, infections may be similar in terms of the etiology of the disease, pathogenesis, clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment. However, they differ in the practical differences related to the identification of the source of exposure, epidemiologic control and prevention of the disease entity.
But one thing is sure, though. Our medical practitioners are also at risk for these infections. They are at risk because of their exposure to patients with infections, like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and AIDS in their daily work at the hospital.
During the 6th Mid-year convention the Philippine Academy of Medical Specialist (PAMS) it was stressed that occupational infections posed before the medical practitioners are microbial agents like bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungus. They are all biologically active microorganisms.
This is a very serious and real threat. One proof of that threat that people have faced is when in 2001, anthrax affected mail carriers and sorters because the bacteria was delivered through parcels. It's the same with hospital workers. They are not spared as they are daily exposed to harmful organisms while taking care of patients.
Sad to say, I can't recall an institution in the country that has programs that deal with occupational hazards, like risk management programs or hazard assessment programs. This is despite the fact that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Health (DOH) had set programs for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) in the workplace.
There is also no record keeping of incidents of exposure to infectious substances. As of this time, we don't have any data on how many of our employees in the medical field are positive for Hepatitis B (after being exposed to blood-borne pathogens), for example.
If one looks closely in all the staff's health services, there is no yearly medical examination, no biological monitoring like HBsAg or chest X-rays.
Yes, making sports competitions part of the institution's wellness program is also a laudable step for a hospital. But then, greater emphasis should be given on work hazards assessment and risk management, infectious control and promotions of barriers for employees in the hospital setting.
Occupational immunizations should be initiated further in order for these medical institutions to provide protection from deadly organisms. Biological surveillance should part of each employee's health services.
Safeguarding our employees' health should be a main priority for medical institutions.