WHO CARES FOR THE CAREGIVERS?

WHO CARES FOR THE CAREGIVERS?

Let’s talk about heroes. Not the kind who wear capes or swing from buildings, but the ones who wear scrubs and work 12-hour shifts in hospitals that are underfunded, understaffed, and—let’s be blunt—undervalued.

We called them frontliners during the pandemic. We applauded them. We gave them hashtags. We even offered them pizza and a few months’ worth of discounts. But three years after the worst of COVID-19, I have one simple question: how are our health workers doing now?

Sadly, the answer is: not much better than before.

The Applause Has Faded—Now What?

Let’s cut through the rhetoric. If we truly believe our doctors, nurses, medical technologists, midwives, ambulance drivers, janitors, and admin staff are heroes, then where are the tangible rewards? What have we really done to make their lives easier?

I sent a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asking just that. Here’s what I wanted to know:

  • Where’s the job security?
    Many government hospital workers are still on contract of service or job order status. They wear the same uniforms, carry the same risks, and do the same tasks as their regular counterparts—but without tenure or benefits.
  • Why the mismatch in pay and roles?
    Nurses with board licenses are sometimes hired as nursing attendants just to fill vacancies. Is this how we treat professionals who trained for years to save our lives?
  • Where is the protection?
    During the pandemic, many made do with makeshift face masks. I’m not making that up—some literally used cloths and plastic sheets. Do we expect them to fight future outbreaks with the same lack of basic gear?
  • Do they even get rest?
    Staff quarters are a luxury in most public hospitals. After grueling shifts, some health workers either nap on benches or commute home half-asleep. Can we not provide them a dignified place to sleep?
  • What about life insurance?
    If a health worker dies from a hospital-acquired infection, is their family covered? Or do they just get another “hero” certificate?
  • Where’s the gratitude now?
    Remember when they were given free meals, discounts, and ride shares during the pandemic? Most of those were just marketing gimmicks. Can we institutionalize real, consistent support for our medical workers?

A Long List of Questions—Still Waiting for Answers

I raised 13 specific points in my letter to the President, ranging from salary issues to free transportation. My logic is simple: If we want to keep our healthcare system afloat, we need to keep our health workers at home.

Because right now, they’re leaving. Every day. Nurses, especially, are flying out to the UK, Germany, Australia, and the US. Can we blame them? If you're underpaid, overworked, and treated like you’re replaceable, why would you stay?

No Healthcare Without Health Workers

It baffles me how we keep talking about Universal Healthcare when the very people who will implement it are treated so poorly. You can pass all the Universal Healthcare Acts you want, but if there’s no nurse to take your blood pressure or doctor to read your chart, what’s the point?

Are there laws in place already? Yes. Are they being implemented? Rarely. Is Congress doing something about it? Occasionally—but sporadic hearings and symbolic visits aren’t enough. We need sustained, systemic change.

A Call for a National Healthcare Workforce Strategy

What we need is a comprehensive national plan to improve the lives of medical workers across all levels. I’m not just talking about high-profile doctors. I’m talking about the entire team—from the ER nurse to the utility worker disinfecting hospital rooms.

This plan should include:

  • Regularization of qualified health workers in public hospitals.
  • Salary standardization and proper placement for all.
  • Provision of PPE and training in every facility.
  • Dedicated rest areas and affordable food options.
  • Free or discounted transport.
  • Government-provided life and health insurance.

This isn’t just about fairness. It’s about public health survival.

The Question Remains

President Marcos has said he wants a “fierce” and “intense” government. Well, I ask: Can we be fierce in protecting our health workers? Can we be intense in giving them the respect and compensation they deserve?

If we can’t protect those who protect us, what kind of society are we building?

It’s time to move beyond applause. Let’s act.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

07-24-2025

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