Concern for nurses
CONCERNED government authorities ought to address the reported resignation of nurses, who play a stellar role in the fight against COVID-19, working in private hospitals.
In great demand overseas for their sterling qualities, like honesty, integrity and dedication to duty, these health professionals comprise 70 percent of a hospital manpower.
Through the years, our nurses have acquired a reputation as excellent healthcare workers. Others are even willing to work in foreign lands as caregivers and office clerks.
It is no wonder, therefore, that many of our registered nurses, men and women, prefer to work overseas, particularly in the United States and European countries.
Unlike their counterparts in the government sector who receive higher pay as mandated by the salary standardization law, many nurses in private hospitals are just minimum wage earners.
People can understand that many private hospitals across the country cannot grant a wage increase at this time of economic hardship. But tell that to the overworked nurses.
If a salary adjustment is not possible while the paralyzing COVID-19 pandemic is raging, the government may decree non-wage benefits to help our beleaguered healthcare workers.
Without doubt, we cannot afford to have industrial unrest at a time when many of our countrymen, including our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are jobless due to the pandemic.
Thus, the reported resignation of some nurses working in private hospitals must also raise the cue for other sectors of Philippine society to work in unison for the benefit of our nurses.
Panahon na para tulungan natin ang mga professional na ito.
