Japan must unite to protect healthcare workers’ rights amidst pandemic

Japan has handled the coronavirus pandemic relatively well. While it has stumbled in some ways, the official infection and death rate has not been as high as in other countries.

Many factors have contributed to this success, though Japan’s nurses, doctors and healthcare workers have played a large part. However, their efforts and the strain placed on the country’s medical system have unfortunately taken a toll on them.

Nurses face pandemic stress

A survey by the Japan Nursing Association revealed that 15% of nurses who responded had quit their job during the first wave in spring. In addition to this problem, the number of medical staff has not increased to respond to Coronavirus patients, creating very stressful work environments. Salaries and bonus payments have also been cut at some hospitals due to a lack of non-Coronavirus patients. Accepting COVID patients also decreases the number of available hospital beds.

Stress is a big reason why nurses have quit. Another survey by Osaka Prefecture in the fall revealed that a number of healthcare workers were also suffering from mental health issues such as depression.

Harassment: an additional burden

What is worse is that some medical staff are facing harassment and discrimination. This has been going on since the start of the pandemic, even when healthcare workers were dealing with the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess.

Osaka Prefecture’s healthcare worker hotline (06-6697-0877) has received numerous related consultations. The families of healthcare workers have also been discriminated against. Their spouses have been told not to come to work, and their children have been told not to get near other children at their daycare centers.

Such harassment has unfortunately been going on nationwide. According to the Japan Medical Association, there were almost 700 cases of discrimination against healthcare staff and their families from October to December. Healthcare workers have been denied services and have received harassment through phone calls and social media posts. They have even occasionally faced hostile attitudes from patients.

Unfair treatment towards infected patients

Harassment of healthcare workers is just one part of overall Coronavirus-related discrimination. Workers in other fields have faced discriminatory attitudes or excessive caution regarding the virus. This includes being asked to stay home for more than the recommended 10-day quarantine period for infections.

Discrimination against anyone in these difficult times is cruel. However, it is especially troubling that those who are entrusted to help infected patients are on the receiving end of it. Working long hours and risking their lives are both stressful enough without having to worry about harsh treatment and ostracism from their communities.

Fostering greater empathy

Thankfully, there have been efforts to spread awareness about Coronavirus-related discrimination and support healthcare workers. There have been social media campaigns from celebrities and companies showing appreciation. Local governments throughout Japan have also made statements against discrimination towards healthcare workers and others. More substantial support such as Osaka’s hotline can also be a big help.

However helpful these various approaches might be, they are still addressing a problem that should not exist in the first place. Fighting COVID-19 takes enormous effort, yet regardless of a country’s approach, there is always a degree of risk. Nobody should worry about harassment if they get infected. This is especially true for healthcare workers on the frontlines. This discrimination is not only problematic in itself. It also makes dealing with the pandemic more difficult.