CATHOLIC Health Australia has said the pandemic showed the stark inequality of healthcare across the world and reiterated the importance of World Day of the Sick, which is set for tomorrow, February 11.
Catholic Health Australia chief executive officer Pat Garcia said it was essential care was delivered to the most marginalised and needy in society.
“The pandemic has demonstrated that there are certain sections of the community that have been hardest hit,” he said.
“We must address this and ensure we take better care of the elderly, the vulnerable and people with complex health needs.”
Global case loads of COVID-19 have topped 107 million.
More than 2.3 million people have died.
Mr Garcia said our leaders and the public should heed the words of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis said the World Day of the Sick coincided with the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes.
He said it was an “opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities”.
“We think in particular of those who have suffered, and continue to suffer, the effects of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
“To all, and especially to the poor and the marginalized, I express my spiritual closeness and assure them of the Church’s loving concern.”
Pope Francis said investing resources in the care and assistance of the sick was a priority linked to the fundamental principle that health is a primary common good.
Mr Garcia said Australia had been fortunate to be spared the very worst of what the pandemic has thrown at us.
“However, it has demonstrated there are great inequalities in healthcare around the world, and that even here in Australia there are some who have been harder hit,” he said.
“This year’s World Day of the Sick should remind us all that we should place great value in caring for the frail and the needy.”
Achieving “a trust-based relationship to guide care for the sick” should also be viewed as a goal all healthcare providers should aim for, especially in an era of growing anti-science sentiment.
“If we are ever to get on top of this pandemic we need all Australians to continue to place their trust in our safety measures and get fully behind the vaccine program,” Mr Garcia said.
