Several weeks ago, President Marcos Jr. appealed to health workers, most especially nurses and doctors, to stay in the country and serve our people and their growing healthcare needs. This plea is not entirely new. We've heard this several times from many politicians in the past. What is also not new are the conditions that push … Continue reading Protect nurses in non-traditional roles
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Health promotion, Thailand’s way
By: Katherine Ann V. Reyes, REINER LORENZO J. TAMAYO Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on Dec. 12, serves as a global reminder to champion health for all. UHC aims to ensure that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need, whenever and wherever they are needed, without suffering financial hardship. While Republic Act … Continue reading Health promotion, Thailand’s way
Encourage nurses to stay and practice in the Philippines
I read the PDI article “300 nursing graduates hired to fill nurse gap, says Palace advisory council” (02/23/2024) while in a meeting at the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) Headquarters in Manila. I was with more than 20 nursing leaders who were convened by PNA to discuss the many issues faced by nurses in the Philippines. … Continue reading Encourage nurses to stay and practice in the Philippines
Task shifting achieve universal health care
The Philippines faces a challenge in its pursuit of universal health care, particularly in rural and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, where access to essential services is impeded by the shortage and maldistribution of healthcare professionals. The growing burden of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, warrants the implementation of innovative solutions. It is in this context that theWorld Health Organization has endorsed task … Continue reading Task shifting achieve universal health care
PGH mirrors state of health care in the PH
In the past months, the public has seen what should’ve been unimaginable pictures of the state of health service delivery in the country’s premier tertiary hospital, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Sadly, what we currently see in PGH mirrors the problems of the country’s health care system. There are several problems in our health care … Continue reading PGH mirrors state of health care in the PH
Don’t end PhilHealth, help improve its structure and services instead
This is in reference to the editorial “End PhilHealth monopoly” (9/23/22). While I concur that employees should have the option to choose their health insurance provider, it would be irresponsible to agree with all the statements of said article. The country’s social health insurance (SHI) program is run by PhilHealth. The main characteristic that sets … Continue reading Don’t end PhilHealth, help improve its structure and services instead
Equal pay for both private and gov’t nurses
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
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
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
Pens & Needles 