P18-K doctor pay hike urged

MANILA, Philippines — Two House bills upgrading the salaries of government doctors and regulating nurses’ work hours have been filed by Quezon City 5th district Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas.

House Bill 3520 will raise the entry-level pay of state physicians from P73,303 to P91,306, or an increase of P18,003.

The measure targets the chronic brain drain that has left the health care sector understaffed as talents seek opportunities abroad, Vargas said.

HB 3398 or the “Care for Nurses’ Welfare Act” will set a strict work-hour limit, making it illegal for medical facilities to force nurses to work for over eight hours in a row, or more than 40 hours per week.

“A well-rested nurse is an attentive nurse,” Vargas said.