MARCH 25, 2014

NR # 3416

Solon seeks exemption of doctors from Salary Standardization Law

A House member is seeking the exemption of doctors from the coverage of the Salary Standardization Law to provide them with a more competitive salary structure and discourage them from leaving the country in search of a better life. Rep. lisa !ho "#nd $istrict% &asbate' said her proposal to provide doctors with a more competitive remuneration instead of having them covered by the Salary Standardization Law% will encourage medical doctors to work in government hospitals and clinics instead of working abroad. ()his will discourage our medical professionals from leaving the country and at the same time address the government*s crisis in the workforce leading to provide +uality health care and services for the ,ilipinos%- said !ho% who is a doctor herself. .ased on the data from the /rofessional Regulation 0ommission "/R0'% she cited there are currently 1#%222 licensed doctors in the country% making a ratio of seven doctors per 32%222 patients or one physician to 3%4#5 people. ()his is way below the standard ratio prescribed by the 6orld Health 7rganization "6H7' of 3 to 3%222. )he shortage is even more evident in rural areas where only one doctor is available to serve 88%222 people%- said !ho. She said the shortage is a result of the decision of medical professionals to leave the country because of economic needs% lower salaries and inhumane working conditions. (6ith our doctors migrating% the /hilippines is said to be the second biggest importer of doctors in the world%- !ho said. !ho said her proposal is in line with the State policy and responsibility to provide +uality health care and services to the people through the retention of highly +ualified practitioners by providing them with ade+uate remuneration and benefits. 9n House .ill 4323% !ho proposed the granting of exemption of public hospital doctors from the coverage of Republic Act :1;<% otherwise known as Salary Standardization Law% and enable the $epartment of Health "$7H' to come up with a salary structure for doctors that is responsive enough to let them cope with the demands of rising costs of living. )he bill now pending at the House 0ommittee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. 9sidro =ngab "8 $istrict% $avao 0ity' provides that all doctors with proper employment re+uirements and documents in the government service and passed the .oard of xaminations for &edical $octors with permanent status shall be eligible.
rd

9t further provides that the $7H% in consultation with the $epartment of .udget and &anagement "$./'% shall study% review% analyze% revise% ad>ust and implement a comprehensive and competitive salary structure for public hospital doctors% independent from the provisions of RA :1;<. "82' rbb