PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration is planning to provide additional healthcare subsidies, housing, and educational programs to Filipino nurses who choose to work locally despite numerous opportunities abroad.
During a press briefing at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced that they are working with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fund health insurance for nurses.
Herbosa emphasized that this insurance will enhance the benefits available to Filipino nurses.
“Not everyone leaves because of money. I realized that some people become nurses because they genuinely want to care for others,” Herbosa said
“Some of them will stay, and very soon we will announce that we are allocating funds with DBM for health insurance. This subsidy, though small, will allow them to obtain health insurance for themselves and even for their families,” he added.
Herbosa also mentioned that the administration aims to provide housing units for Filipino nurses.
He shared that he has been in discussions with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to explore ways to provide housing to Filipino nurses, which would be another added benefit.
“Another initiative I’m working on is providing housing for our healthcare nurses because not everything is about salary. I am in talks with DHSUD about developing a housing project,” Herbosa said.
For public nurses, Herbosa mentioned that they can apply for a housing loan through Pag-IBIG.
The DOH is also considering offering additional benefits such as educational programs, allowing nurses to pursue a master’s degree or seek scholarships among other options. (GP)
