TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Health (DOH) in the region reported that they will be hiring only 786 nurses for this year under it’s the Human Resources for Health Nurse Deployment Program (HRH-NDP).
The number is lowered compared to the 2,000 slots offered last year, Jelyn Malibago, regional information officer of the DOH-8 said.
She said that of the 786 slots, 756 have been filled up with the remaining 30 to be filled up within this month of February.
Malibago explained that the reason behind the reduced slot was due to the lesser budget granted by their central office.
“This is a result of the ongoing transition phase due to the implementation of the Mandanas ruling wherein devolution of responsibilities takes place— including the hiring of personnel in every local government unit,” she said.
Malibago also emphasized that the towns belonging to the 4th and 5th classes and are geographically isolated are the priority areas for the hired nurses by the DOH.
“We sympathize and understand the feelings and frustrations of our nurses. Again, we acknowledge their significant contributions. Unfortunately, we are bound with the rules and guidelines and of course with funds allotted to us wherein to limit the rehiring of nurses,” she said.
Malibago further highlighted that, in contrast to previous years, where localized hiring predominated, the majority of nurses hired came from their respective municipalities.
This time, several nurses were assigned to different municipal posts within their province due to limited slots. (HAZEL LLANETA, LNU Student Intern)
