Loosen purse strings for medical workers

A recent notice by a hospital in Ankang, Shaanxi province, offering subsidies to medical workers fighting on the front line against the novel coronavirus, has sparked public anger. According to the notice, medical workers receive very little subsidy－some receive none at all－while hospital leaders and administrative personnel get the lion's share.

More than a month into the battle against the epidemic, it is clear that medical workers form the backbone of the fight against the virus, working around the clock to save lives.

The efforts by more than 40,000 medical workers and countless others from around the country have helped put the brakes on further spread of the epidemic. More than 2,000 medical workers have been infected in the process and some have died.

President Xi Jinping has on several occasions asked for extending facilities to the medical workers, such as giving them holidays on rotation, offering them free physical examinations and paid holidays, and giving them preference when they apply for professional titles.

Multiple State agencies have issued a joint statement calling for higher subsidies for frontline medical workers and opening of a green channel for identifying their work-related injuries. Anhui, Shanxi and other regions have decided to give 6,000 yuan ($864.75) as a subsidy to medical workers from their regions.

Hundreds of holiday spots across the country have decided to allow medical workers in for free this year. While Wuhan University will give 10,000 yuan to each child of medical workers who are helping Hubei province fight the epidemic.

The care promised to medical workers should not remain just on paper, all localities should show their appreciation of their efforts with tangible benefits.

－XIAKEDAO, A WECHAT ACCOUNT OF PEOPLE'S DAILY OVERSEAS EDITION