Do you believe in Superman? Does he exist? Does he have supernatural power? Today's Superman is the one who doesn't wear a cape. They don't fight a big enemy. And they don't possess physical and mental strength at all times.
Today's Superman can be defeated by an invisible enemy. They could suffer from low stamina and endurance. They could not quickly heal themselves. And worst is, they could die.
When I worked at The Medical City Iloilo, I saw the different faces of Superman. The health care workers whose mission is to save lives. Nurses, Doctors, and other healthcare personnel have shown dedication to serving those who need healing, survival, and recovery.
Today's pandemic has revealed our healthcare workers' real value and worth. They are the silent Heroes who have saved thousands and even millions of lives from Covid-19. They have made a big sacrifice to extend the lives of the sick and the dying.
But the stories we watch and hear about our silent Heroes may not be good. In some countries, we see them almost giving up, not because they are overfatigued or suffering from burnout and depression, but due to lack of support from the Government.
In the Philippines, we see the effect of the Government's negligence regarding our healthcare workers' welfare, especially the nurses who are already losing hope and morale. They are the modern-day Superman, yet they cannot even protect themselves the way they protect and care for their patients. They extend people's lives, yet they die inside from frustrations and disappointments. They are Superman, yet sometimes they couldn't rise up but fall.
I'm a nurse and will always support the call for the proper treatment and support for my fellow nurses and others in the healthcare profession. We don't need recognition, but all we need from the Government is to be just and uplift the welfare to stand still and better fight these challenging times of health crisis.
We are Superman, but we are also human. We get tired and burnout. We can be hopeless and depressed. And we are not limitless, but we can also suffer from powerlessness.
When this pandemic ends, our best salute goes to the silent Heroes who continue to serve the health and well-being of the people. Give your best gratitude and appreciation to them. That's the greatest gift that can open their hearts. Because it's when we have an open and big heart that we give and love more.
©️ 2021 Del Cusay
