THE chair of the House of Representatives’ labor and employment committee has urged a dialogue among stakeholders to address the shortage of nurses in government hospitals.
“We should have a dialogue first, then craft a workable strategy to address the shortage, with the view towards implementing a long-term solution instead of temporary measures,” Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles said.
Nograles’ comment came after Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s proposal to tap unlicensed nurses to fill vacancies in public health institutions.
The proposal has drawn flak from various sectors.
The Professional Regulation Commission on Thursday meanwhile clarified that nursing graduates who failed the board exam cannot be granted temporary or special licenses and work in government hospitals.
According to Nograles, the furor over the issue could have been minimized had there been “a meaningful consultation with stakeholders.”
The lawmaker said that moving forward, government agencies including the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, the budget department, and local government units, along with other stakeholders of the health sector, should immediately conduct a formal dialogue on how to address the issue.
“Kailangan pagusapan ang mga isyu gaya ng nurse to patient ratio, working hours, salary, at iba pa.”
“What is stopping us from hiring more nurses? Let’s identify these barriers and closely collaborate to find a solution that we can implement,” said the solon.
Nograles also said that he was willing to participate in future talks as a member of Congress.
“Sasama tayo para magbigay ng suporta, lalong-lalo na kung makita na kailangan natin ng batas na magtataguyod sa mga solusyong maiisip natin,” he said.
