New nurses get ready to take their professional oath. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) signed on Wednesday a joint order on the implementing guidelines for upskilling the nurse workforce.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herboso and CHEd chair Prospero de Vera III signed the Joint Administrative Order on Implementing Guidelines for the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program in Parañaque City, according to a DOH statement.
The JAO aims to set the guidelines and mechanisms that will facilitate the hiring and upskilling of nursing graduates as clinical care associates in both public and private hospitals.
The upskilling will serve as an augmentation to the health workforce and will prepare nursing graduates for the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination.
“This program serves as an embodiment of our commitment to all our healthcare workers, especially to our dear nurses, in providing them with the services and benefits that they truly deserve. All this is towards the continuous realization of Universal Healthcare (UHC) in the country,” Herbosa said, partly in Filipino.
“Aligning with the Department’s 8-Point Action Agenda, DOH ensures that the welfare and rights of health workers are recognized and appreciated. This will aid in the further fulfillment of the UHC promise where every Filipino, every life is important to the Philippines,” he added.
Herbosa previously suggested allowing “almost passing” nursing exam flunkers to qualify for a special permit and practice entry-level positions in government hospitals. But several lawmakers, other government officials, and healthcare groups opposed the proposal.
Previously, Herbosa said there were 4,500 vacant nurse positions in DOH hospitals.
On Monday, the DOH renewed its call on licensed Filipino nurses to work in public and private hospitals in the country to address the shortage of nurses.