This is in response to Maristela Abenojar’s letter, “Pass law on nurses’ minimum base pay” (10/14/19). I am one with the Filipino Nurses United (FNU) in their call for higher wages for nurses in both the public and private sectors. However, pushing for a P30,000 minimum base pay for nurses in both sectors will not … Continue reading Equal pay for both private and gov’t nurses
Break down obstacles limiting PWDs
My grandmother suffered a hip dislocation last year that led to her physical disability. She is now wheelchair-bound, unable to walk or move on her own. Her sons and daughters want her to undergo rehabilitation, hoping that she would be able to move on her own or with minimal assistance from her caregivers. Our family … Continue reading Break down obstacles limiting PWDs
Empower patients to make informed choices
In the Philippines, there are many factors contributing to patient choice. More often than not, patients cite accessibility, quality, and cost as primary factors in selecting a health-care provider. At the center of patient-centered care is the freedom for individuals to make informed choices regarding their health care. Historically, the right to choose has often … Continue reading Empower patients to make informed choices
PH’s health care system not truly universal
DURING the past five years, we saw a dramatic increase in the number of Filipinos enrolled as PhilHealth members. The increase is a result of the heightened campaign of the past administration to enroll all Filipinos, especially the vulnerable population (those considered poor and the senior citizens), in the country’s national health insurance program. These … Continue reading PH’s health care system not truly universal
Why are policymakers keen on lowering MACR?
I cannot seem to understand why there is a “clamor” among policymakers to decrease the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) in the Philippines when the global trend is to increase it. I stand with the position of professional and civic groups opposing the proposed measure. First, we need to consider evidence that children below … Continue reading Why are policymakers keen on lowering MACR?
Nurses, whether public or private, deserve just pay
We welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling that upholds a provision of Republic Act No. 9173, or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, stating that government nurses should receive compensation pegged at Salary Grade 15, not Salary Grade 11 as specified in Executive Order No. 811 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. But our fight … Continue reading Nurses, whether public or private, deserve just pay
Honor nurses with action, not just words
Even before the pandemic struck, the excessive workload and administrative obligations of public health nurses were brought to light, prompting calls for developing new cadres and the review of staffing standards. To allow advanced practice nursing, it is vital to harmonize scopes of practice, update current professional laws, and promote collaboration among health workers in … Continue reading Honor nurses with action, not just words
Year of the Nurse and Midwife
In honor of the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the World Health Organization has designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife.” This year will not only honor and celebrate the valuable contributions of nurses in health care, it also seeks to highlight the challenging conditions they face every day. In the … Continue reading Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Supporting Senator Tulfo’s call to recognize BHWs
I support Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s call (“Time to recognize barangay health workers for their service—Tulfo,” Inquirer.net, 8/7/23) to acknowledge the vital role of barangay health workers (BHWs) in health care. BHWs perform essential primary care duties due to shortages in health professionals with specialized training. However, their voluntary status hinders full integration into the health-care … Continue reading Supporting Senator Tulfo’s call to recognize BHWs
Pen Point 53
It's bad enough that some policies are influenced by politics and selfish interests, but now the government is stepping up its efforts to deceive and misinform the public even further. Public policy should be based on evidence, but not on studies of poor or questionable quality.
Pens & Needles 