Doctors are continually being hired amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Palace said on Monday as the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) reportedly lost volunteer doctors.
“Patuloy po ang recruitment ng ating DOH (Department of Health) para sa mga medical professionals na either volunteer or magsusuweldo,” Palace spokesman Harry Roque said.
PGH spokesman Dr. Jonas del Rosario said in a Teleradyo interview that about 20 volunteer doctors opted not to renew their contracts with the hospital.
“Ang original na nagpunta sa PGH at tumulong, mga 25 po sila. As of today, ang alam ko po ay lima na lang po ang natitira,” del Rosario said.
Despite the volunteer doctors leaving, Roque said there was “good news.”
“Ang mabuting balita po ay marami naman po tayong mga bagong graduates, mga bagong pasang nurses. Pagdating naman po sa mga doctor ay ayun nga po, ginagawa natin ang lahat para magsipagtapos iyong ating mga doktor at magkaroon ng examination para hindi po tayo maubusan ng mga doktor,” he said.
The Professional Regulation Commission recently suspended the conduct of physician licensure examinations in Metro Manila due to the Covid-19 scourge.
The PGH, among many other Philippine hospitals, have reported operating beyond their capacities.
Roque said the Philippines would continue building make-shift hospitals using excesses from the national budget. John Ezekiel J. Hirro