Filipino nurses are in high demand both in the Philippines and abroad. The shortage of nurses in the country has reached a staggering 127,000, and it is projected to increase to 250,000 by 2030. This shortage has led to a significant number of nurses choosing to work abroad, where they can earn higher salaries and enjoy better opportunities.
Recognizing the need to address this issue, Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo has encouraged high school graduates to pursue nursing in college. However, this solution is not without its challenges. The lack of nursing faculty and training facilities poses significant obstacles to increasing the number of nursing graduates.
Fortunately, President Marcos has taken notice of the nursing shortage and has tasked the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) with finding solutions. CHEd has already implemented several programs to address the crisis, including assisting those who failed the nursing board exams to become healthcare workers and adopting an updated curriculum that allows nursing students to gain experience while still pursuing their degree. Additionally, CHEd is exploring the possibility of inviting nonpracticing nurses to rejoin the profession, conducting exchange programs to improve teaching quality, and implementing a short-term master’s program to increase the number of qualified nursing instructors.
In addition to these efforts, several proposals have been put forward to encourage more students to pursue nursing. One such proposal is the Nursing Scholarship and Return Service Program Act, which would provide scholarships to deserving nursing students in exchange for their service in underserved areas. Partnerships between academic institutions and medical networks, like the one between AC Health and Mapúa University, are also being encouraged to enhance training and improve the skills of future healthcare workers.
While it is essential to produce more nursing graduates, the government must also ensure that the quality of education is not compromised. The mistakes that led to the decline in the passing rate and an increase in unemployed nursing graduates must not be repeated. Additionally, it is crucial to address the issue of low salaries and lack of benefits for nurses and other healthcare professionals. The new Health Secretary, Teodoro Herbosa, has pledged to expedite the payment of the health emergency allowance that was neglected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, addressing the nursing shortage in the Philippines requires a multi-faceted approach. Increasing the number of nursing graduates, improving the quality of education, and providing better compensation and benefits are all crucial steps toward resolving this issue. By doing so, Filipino nurses can receive the support and recognition they deserve, and the motivation to work in their home country will be strengthened.
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