Ex-VP Binay pushes gov’t to release health worker benefits to prevent further exodus

MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President and now senatorial aspirant Jejomar Binay pressed the national government on Wednesday to release the benefits of nurses and other health workers, as well as ensure adequate compensation and job security, in order to stop the recent exodus of health professionals.

According to Binay, with the number of nurses leaving the country amid the pandemic, its effects could be “disastrous” on our healthcare system especially in the event of another surge in COVID-19 cases.

“What steps should [the] government take? First is to ensure that our nurses and other health care workers  receive their long-delayed benefits under Bayanihan 1 and 2,” said Binay in a statement.

He then batted for decent wages and job security for nurses as a long-term solution to the continuing departures of nurses and health workers for higher-paying jobs abroad even during the pandemic.

Binay also expressed support for legislative measures that would provide them additional allowances and benefits retroactively for the duration of the pandemic.

These would make overseas employment “a personal choice rather than a necessity,” he said.

“I am certain that given wages and benefits commensurate to their skills and education, our nurses and other health care workers will choose to stay home,” Binay said.

This statement was released after private hospitals expressed alarm over the increasing departure of local nurses for other opportunities abroad.

The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of nurses have resigned in recent weeks to leave for other countries.

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