Name: Clark Hazel T.

Timogan
Course & Sec: PSC31
Subject: Political Economy
Professor: Mr. Jumel G. Estrañero
University: De La Salle University – Dasmariñas

TO DIE FOR: BETTER HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is one of the least developed countries in terms of healthcare services,
particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The government was
unprepared for the unexpected worldwide medical emergency that led to a massive
increase in new cases and skyrocketing death tolls over the previous two years.
According to a Japan Times report in November 2022, now that the pandemic has
subsided, many Filipino nurses are enticed to seek jobs overseas since international
employment has become more aggressive, with higher pay grades compared to the
current domestic basic salary. Despite the fact that according to a press release last
September 2022, from the Department of Budget and Management and the
Department of Health, a National Expenditure Plan for 2023 would fund 2 billion pesos
for barangay health stations to support the acquisition of medical equipment and other
medical structures. Polyclinics will get 80 million, other institutions will receive 1.3
billion, LGU hospitals will receive 2.7 billion, rural health clinics will receive 5.6 billion,
and DOH hospitals will receive 11.2 billion. It is unfortunate that, as much as many
Filipinos desire to work in the Philippines to be close to their families, friends, and
relatives, and to serve their people, they are obliged to work overseas due to the
greater opportunities that await them in pursuing an international career.

References:
M. Cinco, November 2022. The Japan Times: As pandemic eases, more Filipino
nurses set to seek work abroad. Retrieved from
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/11/08/asia-pacific/philippines-nurses-work-
abroad/

A. Parrocha, September 2022. PH health facilities to get P23B worth of upgrades in

2023. Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1184011