According to the health groups, even if this increase in wage would be implemented now, they will remain below the poverty line because of the reduction in their benefits and the inadequate raise. Also, with the current global economic crisis, the increase is negligible.

Leni Nolasco of the Philippine Nurses Association, meanwhile, said the provisions under the Nursing Act of 2002 are not recognized by hospitals until now.

Nursing Act of 2002 emphasizes the expansion of the nurses’ role to include comprehensive specialty programs, establishes a minimum pay for nurses working in the government and abroad, and expands the Board of Nursing membership.

“Hindi naman nila talaga tinutugunan yung mga pangangailangan ng mga nurses. Karamihan sa mga nurses, naghahanap na lang sila ng trabaho sa labas ng bansa, imbis na nagsisilbi sila sa ating kapwa mamamayan, sila ay natutulak upang pumunta sa ibang bansa”, she said. (The government does not really address the needs of our nurses. Most of our nurses look for jobs outside the country instead of serving their own countrymen; they are forced to go out of the country.)

Celebration

Alongside the celebration of the National Health Workers’ Day, AHW celebrated its 25th year anniversary.

A program was held at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) where Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, said the country invests less than one percent of its GDP on health while the United Nations investment benchmark should be five percent.

“There is hardly money for basic health care, for the maintenance and operations of public health centers and hospitals,” Legarda said.

Also present in the event were members of the All UP Workers Union, Council for Health and Development, Health Students’ Action, and unions and employees association from the Lung Center of the Philippines, Center for Mental Health, Heart Center, San Lazaro Hospital, and other city and provincial hospitals.

Former President Corazon Aquino proclaimed May 7 as National Health Workers’ Day in 1987 as recognition for the contribution of health workers in the country. (Bulatlat.com)

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