Capitol regularizes, promotes 85 healthcare workers

CEBU, Philippines — Security of tenure finally came for 85 healthcare workers in Capitol-run hospitals after the Cebu provincial government approved their regularization and promotion under its healthcare reform program.

The appointments covered 66 job-order workers who were elevated to regular plantilla positions and 19 existing permanent employees who received promotions, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally administered the oath-taking of the newly appointed personnel, saying the regularization gives dignity and security to healthcare workers who have long served in government hospitals.

“It’s really sad. I’m so glad nga before it’s too late, we did the right thing. And I think it is the right thing to do,” the governor said.

She revealed that some workers had rendered service for as long as 27 to 35 years without obtaining permanent status.

“I am sorry for what happened in the past, but I want to assure you that in this administration, it will not happen again,” she added.

Among those appointed were 27 doctors, including three newly designated chiefs of hospitals assigned to the district hospitals in Badian, Barili, and Oslob.

The deployment of doctors included eight assigned to Cebu Provincial Hospital in Balamban, seven in Cebu Provincial Hospital-Bogo, two each in Tuburan District Hospital, Daanbantayan District Hospital, and Oslob District Hospital, and one each in Badian District Hospital, Barili District Hospital, and Mariano Jesus Cuenco Memorial Hospital in Malabuyoc.

Aside from doctors, the appointments also covered 15 nurses, one dentist, two midwives, one radiologic technologist, five medical technologists, five pharmacists, three nutritionists, two social welfare officers, and 24 support personnel, including administrative staff and drivers.

PHO chief Dr. Shiela Faciol said several of those regularized had already spent years working as job-order personnel in Capitol hospitals.

She said the regularization and promotion are part of the province’s broader healthcare upgrading program, particularly as several hospitals seek higher-level accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).

“Mag-increase man ta sa tanang hospital, mag-level up man ang mga hospital. Together with that, mag-increase pud tag manpower,” Faciol said.

Faciol explained that manpower requirements are among the key standards being evaluated by the DOH in determining whether hospitals qualify for Level 1 or Level 2 status.

“We go by the standard sa DOH — pila kabuok ang manpower, pila kabuok ang doctor, pila kabuok ang nurses, pila ka admin officers down the line,” she added.

She also stressed that upgrading hospital facilities cannot be limited to infrastructure and equipment alone.

“Mo-go together gyud na. Dili gyud mosaka si hospital kung equipment ra. Kinsa may mo-man sa equipment?” she said.

According to Faciol, several hospitals are currently undergoing preparations for upgrading, including the completion of documentary requirements, procurement of equipment, and hiring of additional personnel.

She identified Argao and Malabuyoc hospitals among those being eyed for Level 1 classification, while Sogod hospital is also undergoing assessment for its service capability requirements.

Faciol said some 10-bed hospitals are likewise being considered for gradual expansion to 25-bed capacities to match the actual volume of patients being served.

“In reality baya dili baya kanang 10 patients ilahang gi-cater. Naa nay 18 kabuok or 20 kabuok ana but ilahang bed capacity gyud is 10 bed,” she explained.

The PHO chief said the Capitol hopes that at least two to three hospitals may achieve Level 1 status within the year, subject to compliance with DOH standards and findings.

She added that the regularization of healthcare workers may also help retain medical professionals in Cebu’s public hospitals amid the continuing migration of nurses and doctors abroad.

“They choose man sila to stay in the hospital natu nga na-regular sila. Nag huna-huna na nga mo-stay nalang jud sila sa Philippines to serve our country kay kana ang kuwang man gyud natu is opportunity,” Faciol said.  —  Ashley Chad Jopia, CTU-Tuburan Intern/MRM CEBU NEWS