Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. Photo courtesy of DOH

Department of Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa held a meeting with Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Commissioners and the Board of Nursing to address the issues surrounding the proposal to grant temporary licenses for nurses.

While acknowledging the legal limitations surrounding the issuance of temporary licenses, Secretary Herbosa expressed gratitude for the support received from PRC and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma in seeking viable solutions.

During the meeting, Secretary Herbosa emphasized the urgency of filling the approximately 4,500 nurse vacancies in DOH hospitals. Despite the setback of not obtaining temporary licenses, Secretary Herbosa expressed optimism in finding alternative pathways to address the prevailing shortage.

The Board of Nursing, present at the meeting, extended their appreciation for the support shown towards the nursing profession. They also offered suggestions on how to curb the outward migration of Philippine nurses, which has contributed to the current shortfall.

Collaborative efforts between the government and regulatory bodies are underway to explore legal avenues and potential strategies to mitigate the health manpower crisis. Secretary Herbosa emphasized that finding innovative solutions remains a top priority for all parties involved.

While the denial of temporary licenses presents a challenge, it serves as a catalyst for a comprehensive review of existing policies and the development of long-term measures to address the underlying issues within the nursing sector.