Ease up!

Employers and insurance agencies have been asked to “have a conscience” when dealing with people who have rare illnesses.
Minister of Health Donville Inniss, speaking during an Orange Ribbon Drive in Jubilee Gardens yesterday for those afflicted by sickle cell, suggested a more flexible approach to patients and their caregivers instead of being treated like ordinary employees.
Today has been designated the official UN World Sickle Cell Day but that did not stop The Hope Foundation and people suffering from sickle cell from joining together in an effort to raise approximately $20 000.
Inniss, who said he didn’t like to hear stories of people being fired because of rare illnesses, added there was a need to exhibit a greater level of concern and compassion to those individuals.
“There are employers who don’t have the highest level of consciousness or understanding [and there are] insurance companies who are quick to drop these individuals who are diagnosed with rare illnesses and make life very uncomfortable for them, but they have to be mindful that while they want to make a profit they must also have a conscience.
“So I make the call to insurance and employers to exhibit a greater level of concern and compassion.” (CT)
Read the full story in today’s SUNDAY SUN.