House bill seeks more pay for gov’t doctors

MANILA, Philippines–A lawmaker who is also a medical doctor has filed a bill raising the minimum base pay of government physicians by more than double to encourage more of them to serve in public hospitals.

Masbate Rep. Scott Davies Lanete has proposed that the salary of government doctors be moved up from Grade 16, amounting to P26,878 a month, to Grade 27, or P62,670 a month, and that they be provided with a monthly allowance of P2,500 on top of other current allowances.

In his explanatory note to House Bill No. 5263, the lawmaker said the present salary of resident doctors discouraged them from staying and continuing their employment and service in government hospitals.

“The reality cannot be denied that physicians are not encouraged to serve in public hospitals and institutions because, at present, the basic wage of doctors in provincial and municipal hospitals is only P26,878 a month, or Salary Grade Level 16,” Lanete said.

Lanete, vice chair of the House committee on poverty alleviation, said his proposal would promote and improve the social and economic well-being of government physicians and their working conditions.

“Through the proposal, more medical professionals will be encouraged to work in government hospitals. Furthermore, the proposal aims to afford government doctors the right to decent pay and benefits, and provide an incentive to them for their service to the community,” he said.

Lanete said raising government doctors’ salaries was in line with Article 2, Section 15, of the Constitution, which states, “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.”

HB 5263 is pending in the appropriations committee chaired by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab.–DJ Yap