Philippines faces 190,000 healthcare worker shortage

The Philippines is grappling with a severe shortage of healthcare workers, according to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. Despite being the world's largest supplier of nurses, the country currently lacks 190,000 healthcare professionals. 

The doctor-to-population ratio in the Philippines stands at 1:25,000, significantly below the recommended 1:10,000. This discrepancy is largely due to healthcare workers moving abroad for better compensation and lifestyle benefits. 

It has been observed that a large number of nurses who immigrate abroad are from government institutions nurses while healthcare workers from private institutions are moving to government facilities for better salaries. Government nurses in the Philippines earn a monthly salary of 40,000-50,000 pesos,  while private institutions offer lower pay. 

To help reduce the exodus, the government is allocating funds to provide health insurance, housing, and other benefits to healthcare workers. Additionally, the government is also continuing a program that allows hospitals to hire nursing graduates who have not yet passed the board exam.