The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) has joined the calls to postpone the September 2021 Physician Licensure Exam (PLE), citing the rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country.
"We must not gamble the lives of our future medical practitioners over a face-to-face examination amidst what was dubbed as the worst COVID-19 surge," NUSP Campaigns and Advocacies Head Coleen Mañibo said, noting the numerous reports of hospitals reaching full capacities and placing medical beds on parking lots to accommodate patients.
Mañibo said imposing the continuation of the PLE while the COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise "defeats the purpose of new physicians fulfilling their duties on treating the health of the people if their health and safety are compromised."
"Should PLE push through September 11, it may do more harm than good to the examinees, proctors, and other testing staff, worst, extending such safety compromise to their families and the general public," she reiterated.
To avoid additional financial burden to the examinees, NUSP also supports the call to announce the exam cancellation at the "soonest time possible."
"Emotional and mental well-being of the examinees must be prioritized as well, thus should extend its utmost compassion to the examinees," Mañibo added.
NUSP also echoed the call of the Philippine Medical Students Association. The group urged the national government to release specific guidelines on the PLE of all community quarantine levels; give a standardized form of support to all PLE takers from all local government units such as quarantine facilities, quarantine resources, and RT-PCR testing; ensure financial, medical, and accommodation support in the health management of PLE examiners, examination proctors, and administrators, and facility personnel in case they catch COVID-19.
It also asked to provide standardized assistance to examinees and proctors for RT-PCR testing, personal protective equipment, safe lodging, and transportation.
"We have been fighting for a comprehensive medical solution for the longest time, it is high time the national government heeds the calls of the medical and education sector," Mañibo ended.