The real issue of low wages

The proposal to address the shortage of healthcare workers in the Philippines by sharing expertise through training partnerships with other countries is a novel idea, indeed. Thus, the term “novel solution” was proposed during the recent Philippine Pacific Initiative on Sustainable Health Workforce for Health Security in Manila.

“Instead of losing our local workers abroad, we can share our medical and nursing clinical skills with foreign students through student exchange programs. This way, we assist other developing countries in building their own healthcare workforce while providing fruitful opportunities to our educators,” University of the Philippines-Manila Chancellor Michael Tee was quoted as saying in a news article.

Speaking before global health experts and ministers of health and foreign affairs from Pacific Island countries and territories to address the critical need for sustainable health human resources, Tee suggested a unique solution — proposing that the Philippine government offer incentives to faculty members who teach foreign students, aiming to establish a global reputation as a premier training center for healthcare professionals.

The root cause of the problem, however, is not the brain drain or the loss of local health workers to migration but the lack of competitive salaries offered by government and private hospitals.

While the initiative to train foreign students and provide incentives to educators is commendable, it is crucial to recognize that healthcare professionals in the Philippines are undervalued and underpaid, leading to the constant migration of skilled workers seeking better opportunities abroad.

Whether we like it or not, the current scenario paints a grim picture of the healthcare system in the Philippines. With meager monthly salaries as low as P14,000 for licensed medical technologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, it is no surprise that many are compelled to seek overseas employment opportunities for higher wages, better benefits, and professional development.

This exodus certainly leads to a shortage of skilled professionals in the healthcare sector and disrupts the continuity of patient care.

The disparity in compensation demotivates existing healthcare workers, so much so that it discourages new high school graduates from pursuing a career in the local healthcare sector.

To retain and attract top talent in the healthcare industry, hospitals and healthcare facilities must address the issue of low wages and provide competitive compensation packages that reflect the value of the work being done. The critical role of healthcare professionals and their dedication and expertise should be recognized through fair remuneration and benefits that will enable them to sustain a decent standard of living.

Offering to share our expertise in medical care through training partnerships with other countries is a promising approach to retaining healthcare workers and bolstering the healthcare system. However, it should be accompanied by ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their skills and contributions.

The so-called “novel solution” should not be seen as a substitute for addressing the systemic issue of low wages that drives many to seek better opportunities abroad.

Here’s my two-cents worth — that government and private hospitals prioritize healthcare workers’ well-being and financial security by offering salaries commensurate with their qualifications and experience.

If left unchecked, the brain drain will continue, with two-thirds of nearly a million licensed health professionals joining the one-third working abroad.