The Department of Health (DOH) announced it has drawn up strategic plans to address its Human Resource for Health (HRH) issues following reports that some nurses are resigning to work abroad in search for better economic opportunities.
“We value the role of nurses in this fight against Covid-19, and in the realization of the Universal Healthcare Act. In line with this, the DOH fought together with other government agencies towards the proper implementation of the Nursing Act,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
The DOH, Vergeire said, has also proposed a revised hospital staffing pattern to the DBM to improve patient to HRH ratio in government hospitals.
“We also ensured provision of health-care worker benefits under the Bayanihan laws, totaling to P16.759 billion as of September 30, 2021, or around 9 percent to 10 percent of DOH’s Covid-19 funds per annum,” Vergeire added.
She stressed that the migration of health-care workers such as nurses to more developed countries for better career opportunities is not exclusive to the Philippines but is common to many developing nations.
“The department respects the individual’s freedom and choices of health workers in the pursuit of better career opportunities,” she said.
However, Vergeire added, in recognition of the important role of health workers in health systems, the DOH has come up with strategic plans to address the HRH out of the migration problem.