Doctors and others who deliver vaccines to British Columbians deserve better

Statement from President of Doctors of BC, Dr Ramneek Dosanjh

Doctors, along with all our health care workers, are exhausted and burned out after two long years of navigating the challenges of a global pandemic. They continue to face unprecedented demands in hospitals and in their clinics as they strive to meet the medical needs of patients. And still, hundreds of them show up every day at vaccine clinics, delivering COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots which are so critical to save lives and reduce serious illness.

It is disrespectful, beyond disappointing, and the epitome of bullying when groups of protestors gather outside these clinics, intimidating and threatening staff and patients alike who are simply there to protect the health of our communities. The protestors’ intention is clear – to instill fear so that they scare everyone away. Every health care provider who shows up at these clinics and faces down these threats, is a hero. We also thank the police who are doing an excellent job of protecting everyone, risking their own safety.

As a province, let’s ensure their efforts are supported. Protect the safety ‘bubble zones’ around these facilities, and where warranted, enforce the provisions of the new Physician Intimidation Law recently passed by our federal parliament. Healthcare workers are committed to taking care of their patients – we cannot tolerate violence, threats, or bullying when they are going the extra mile to provide much-needed care to British Columbians.