ONE FOR THE ROAD
Filipinos are known for many things — our hospitality, warmth, humor and our incredible capacity for care. This explains why almost every hospital around the world usually has at least one Filipino nurse, doctor or EMT. Modesty aside, we’re pretty amazing at it. But the irony here is, we’ve become so good at it that we can no longer afford our own talent and are losing all our best people to export.
Now this may sound like a Jokoy skit at first, but the nursing shortage in the Philippines is a serious concern that affects the quality of healthcare delivery in the country. As it is now, we’re in a strange spot where we can’t afford to keep them, but we can’t afford to lose them either. So what do we do?
First we must look at what is driving the exodus. Export is one, of course, but the shortage is also the result of several other factors, including underfunding of healthcare, low salaries, poor working conditions, and an aging nursing workforce. In response to this issue, Michael Deakin, managing director of Lifeline 16911 (a recent Manila Bulletin UPLIFT 2023 awardee for healthcare, who also happens to be my brother) has proposed a feasible solution that could address the shortage and improve the healthcare system in the country.
Deakin’s proposal suggests that both the government and the private sector offer full scholarships for healthcare professionals, such as nurses, medtech, radtech, EMTs, and even doctors, in exchange for a minimum number of years of service. The scheme offers a four-year full scholarship for a four-year work contract. This exchange ensures that there is a steady supply of qualified healthcare professionals who can provide quality service to patients.
This proposal offers several benefits for all stakeholders. By offering full scholarships for healthcare professionals, students from economically challenged backgrounds can access quality education. The scholarship fund for healthcare professionals can only be spent on university courses or advanced training, which helps ensure that the money is used correctly. By mandating one or two percent of gross annual revenue to the scholarship fund, the government can support the healthcare system without increasing the cost to taxpayers significantly.
In return, the government can give tax incentives to private organizations who contribute to the scholarship fund. By doing so, the government encourages both the public and the private sectors to participate in the solution.
The nursing shortage in the Philippines is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Deakin’s proposal offers a feasible and effective solution that can address the root causes of the problem. By providing full scholarships for healthcare professionals, students from all walks of life can access quality education. By offering employment contracts in exchange, the healthcare system benefits from a steady supply of qualified professionals who can provide quality patient care. The proposal is a win for students, the healthcare industry, the private sector, and the government.
In conclusion, the nursing shortage in the Philippines is a considerable challenge that demands innovative solutions and collective action. Deakin’s proposal provides a workable solution for the government and private sector to work together towards building a stronger healthcare system. By mandating a percentage of gross annual revenues toward a scholarship fund, the healthcare industry can begin to address the shortage of qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals while ensuring the education of future generations.
What do you think of this proposal? Email me. [email protected]