Filipino Health Worker Training Program Proposed to Offset Brain Drain
Filipino lawmakers have proposed a program to counter the continued exodus of that nation's medical personnel for jobs abroad.
The Bibong Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Education and Training Program would train volunteers as doctors and nurses, as well as the more traditional roles of midwives and physical therapists. The barangay is the smallest administrative division within the Philippines.
Over Filipino 200 hospitals have closed since 2006, while 800 additional facilities have reduced services due to lack of doctors and nurses.
The bill intends to address the health delivery system crisis by tapping over 1.3 million front-line workers nationwide for a 15-month “step ladder" training program which includes basic and comprehensive community health care delivery training, at the conclusion of which volunteers will be eligible to take the Nursing Licensure Board Examination.
Adapted from GMA News article.
For more information, please refer to the Bibong BHW Education and Training Program bill.
Past News
- 7000 reads