By MB Online
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital has opted to retrench some of its workers due to financial losses it has incurred.
In an article posted Sunday by The Varsitarian, Dr. Marcellus Francis Ramirez, medical director of UST Hospital said that PhilHealth Insurance Corp. owes them P 180 million for treating patients since 2019.
Some of the patients they treated were discharged after issuing promissory notes.
“Painful decisions were needed to be made. While the news around significantly highlights the health and medical impact of the pandemic, the huge economic and financial impact brought about by this crisis to all business establishments, most especially to healthcare institutions, is often overlooked,” the Varsitarian quoted Ramirez as saying.
Ramirez said that those who will be retrenched will receive a 150 percent separation pay based on their latest CBA (collective bargaining agreement).
Dr. Ramirez said that the decision to retrench workers was done after consultation with their legal counsel and after complying with all legal requirements set by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), including a 30-day notice to the labor department.
“e first implemented non-renewal of fixed term contracts and recently, retrenchment, which, based on our collective bargaining agreement (CBA), would be based on the principle of last in first out,” Ramirez said.