President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that healthcare professionals are critical to the success of the government's goal of overcoming the handicaps of the healthcare system.

During the launching of the Clinical Care Associates Upskilling Program at the President's Hall in Malacañan Palace, Marcos emphasized the importance of addressing the nursing shortage in the country.

"It is important that we meet their needs and the need for more of them swiftly," the President said.

He also called on underboard nurses to apply for the program and embrace the support being wholeheartedly given to them by the government and the institutions that it represents.

"We will continue striving until such a time that our Filipino professionals choose to work in their own country, and be known for providing excellent service here at home, just as much as we are known for being exemplary healthcare providers in the rest of the world," the President said.

Under the CCA Upskilling Program, underboard nurses will be allowed to work in hospitals and other healthcare institutions while attending tutorials and classes to review for the Nurse Licensure Examination.

The program collaborates with the government, the private sector, and higher education institutions.

Marcos Jr. said that the CCA Upskilling Program is a testament to the government's commitment to improving the healthcare system in the country.

He also thanked the Private Sector Advisory Council Healthcare Sector Group for their participation in the formulation of the program.

"The CCA Upskilling Program is a groundbreaking endeavor that will help address the life of healthcare workers in the country today," President Marcos said.

"It will also reaffirm the unified efforts of our agencies, hospitals, and higher education institutions to prepare our nursing graduates for their board exams and their chosen career paths," Marcos added.