The 28th of April is International Workers Memorial Day, a global tribute to those who die at work and a focus to highlight the need for improved health and safety in workplaces. This year, the day has an extra significance for health professionals after so many have already died due to COVID-19 and concerns remain about workplace safety while the pandemic continues.
The global trade union movement marks this day each year as part of their constant efforts to keep people safe at work. This year, as the pharmacy profession has lost a number of professional colleagues, government(s), the NHS, the regulator, civic society and others have also responded positively to the call to share a moment of quiet reflection and respect.
The PDA is sadly aware of at least three pharmacists that have died due to the pandemic. We will remember Pooja Sharma, Jayesh Patel and Mehool Patel and we hope the whole health sector and general public will be joining us in thinking of them today.
The day is not just about remembrance and the extra profile provided by the initiative is an opportunity to highlight continuing risks faced in the workplace and to emphasise the need for safe and healthy workplaces.
Paul Day, PDA Director said: “I was honoured to be able to lay a wreath in memory of the many dedicated health professionals that we have lost. The PDA want to do all we can to help prevent further deaths and to keep everyone safe at work. Government and employers each have responsibilities towards the safety of the employed and locum pharmacists that we represent and we will continue to raise their concerns throughout the remainder of this crisis period.”