Nurses need help
FILIPINO nurses, men and women, are still in great demand in various parts of the globe, including the United States, because of their competence, dedication, kindness and compassion.
But in the Philippines, a major manpower exporter, “Nightingales” are still overworked and underpaid compared to other professionals, prompting them to seek employment overseas.
No less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. paid a glowing tribute to nurses and at the same time acknowledged the plight of nurses whom he described as “my heroes.”
The Chief Executive made the statement last Thursday in a speech during the 100th founding anniversary program of the 40,000-member Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) in Manila.
Aside from helping the sick, including those afflicted with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), nurses are making a good name for the Philippines because of their services overseas.
No other country can boast of such strong and capable nurses, who are known worldwide for their dedication to this very noble calling of health care, according to President Marcos.
We share Marcos’ view that because of the sacrifice, compassion and professionalism of nurses “our nation has survived the most difficult moments of this pandemic (COVID-19).”
That’s why we call on the two-chamber Congress – the Senate and the House of Representatives – to fast-track the passage of the proposed Philippine Nursing Practice Act.
As President Marcos said, the vital legislation is seen to improve the country’s nursing profession through better career prospects and relevant nursing education.
Let’s then support support moves to improve nurses’ competencies in various speciality areas and their compliance with international health care standards.
It’s a move in the right direction.
