The director of the National Public Health Agency Nicolae Furtună on September 8 presented public apologies after stating in a TV program that COVID-19 all over the world claimed the lives of those who were a burden for them and for those around. According to the director, from medical viewpoint, the phrase “burden of COVID-19” is correct, not yet from social viewpoint and as regards the sufferings, IPN reports.
“Let’s start from the phrase “burden of COVID-19” to which I made medical, not yet social reference. It is not for the first time that the expression “burden of COVID-19” is used, including by me. Beyond this, I want to express my compassion and empathy for those who didn’t correctly understand my message and who were affected by this message. I once again apologize to those persons who were affected by this message,” Nicolae Furtună stated in a press briefing.
He noted that from medical viewpoint, this expression is correct, not yet from social viewpoint and as regards the sufferings. “The goal of my current appearance before the press and the public is to apologize once again and many times for the message concerning the burden and I note once again that I meant the medial burden, not the social one and the sufferings and sorrows of the people related to COVID-19,” stated Furtună.
In a TV program, Nicolae Furtună said that almost all the deaths associated with the novel coronavirus involved persons who suffered from at least one comorbidity, such as obesity, cancer, diabetes mellitus. “I don’t want to be judged and to look cynical, but COVID-19 all over the world claimed the lives of those who were a burden for them and for those around. These were people who had terminal cancer, advanced states of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,” he stated.
These statements generated reactions and criticism. The Democratic Party described them as scandalous and cynical. “An insult to all those who were infected with COVID-19 or lost a dear person in this struggle. We demand public apologies to those who suffered as a result of this cruel pandemic and the resignation of honor of this personage,” the president of the PDM Pavel Filip posted on Facebook.
The leader of the Party “Dignity and Truth Platform” Andrei Năstase said Nicolae Furtună’s assertions show how cynical and merciless the current government is when it goes to people and their health. “The resignation of this personage is the only way by which the offense against the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, primarily those who suffered from COVID-19, can be admitted and fully assumed. The promotion and support of such personages as Mister Nicolae Furtună to so important posts in the management of the health crisis point to level of incompetence of this irresponsible and deceitful government,” stated Năstase.
The UNION Political Movement said it will mount a protest against the inadmissible statements of Nicolae Furtună in front of the National Public Health Agency starting at 1pm.
