Filipino Doctors and Nurses Seek Opportunities Abroad as Senator Proposes Solution

In a bid to address its shortage of healthcare professionals and capitalize on international talent, Canada has implemented a groundbreaking immigration policy aimed at attracting skilled foreign physicians.

This new development comes at a time when many Filipino doctors and nurses are eager to work abroad, highlighting the ongoing challenge of brain drain in the Philippines. Additionally, the proposal to allow foreign doctors to temporarily practice in the country underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat the shortage of medical professionals.

Canada’s application process for skilled immigrants seeking to settle permanently and contribute to the country’s economy has undergone a significant transformation. Recently, a temporary public policy was introduced specifically targeting foreign national physicians who have been invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry on or after April 25, 2023, and have submitted an application.

These physicians must possess a job offer or have relevant work experience in providing publicly funded medical services, such as fee-for-service work, in Canada. Under this public policy, more flexible criteria are now employed to assess the eligibility of these candidates for programs like the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker Program, as well as for Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points based on Canadian work experience or arranged employment.

While Canada takes strides to bolster its healthcare system with foreign medical professionals, the Philippines faces its own healthcare challenges, including a persistent brain drain and a scarcity of doctors.

Recently, a senator proposed allowing foreign doctors to temporarily work in the Philippines as a means to facilitate technology transfers. However, Dr. Rontgene Solante, President of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), contends in an interview with the media that the country does not lack competent physicians and specialists. Dr. Solante emphasizes that the government should prioritize enhancing programs that send Filipino doctors abroad for further training, promoting the exchange of expertise and new technologies through initiatives like the long-standing “Balik Scientist Program” implemented by the Department of Science and Technology.

While the PCP asserts that the solution lies in empowering Filipino doctors and encouraging their return to the Philippines, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa highlights the critical issue of nurses opting for higher-paying jobs abroad. Secretary Herbosa warns that if not addressed promptly, the number of nurses working in the country could be exhausted in just a few years.

To counteract this trend, he advocates for granting temporary licenses to board-eligible nursing graduates, enabling them to work in government hospitals. The disparity between the number of healthcare professionals recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) further exemplifies the severity of the situation. The DOH reports 44,602 physicians and 178,629 nurses currently working in the country, while the PRC’s data shows 95,000 licensed doctors and 509,000 licensed nurses.

In the private sector, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) underscores the impact of brain drain, citing that 40-50% of nurses in private hospitals have resigned in the past two years in pursuit of higher salaries abroad. This trend not only exacerbates the shortage of healthcare professionals but also necessitates innovative approaches to ensure the sustainability of the country’s healthcare system.

As Canada welcomes foreign physicians through its revamped immigration policy, the Philippines grapples with the implications of brain drain and the need for increased healthcare workforce capacity. Balancing the pursuit of opportunities abroad with the urgency of retaining and empowering local medical professionals becomes vital to address the healthcare challenges faced by both nations.