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Why Can’t the Philippines be Like Other Rich Countries?
When I first stepped into a foreign land, Hong Kong to be specific, I was amazed and disappointed at the same time. I admired the order and modernity of the country. I marveled at the fascinating architecture. I relished the well-maintained parks. I was like a kid trying different toys as I ride modern buses, trains, trams, and cable cars for the first time. Then I wondered, why can’t we do it too in my country?
I am envious of their progress. I know they also have problems, but I also know that it is possible for us to have the good things they have; efficient forms of transportation, beautiful and free public parks, and a thriving economy just to name some. So why don’t we have it?
Is it because of manpower? Do we lack the talent or skills? I don’t think so. My dad worked as a foreman, heavy equipment operator, and miner in five different countries. He helped in building dams in China, roads in Malaysia, and underground tunnels in Hong Kong and so do millions of other Filipinos. My mother’s boss claimed that she was the best helper they ever had. Key teachers and department head assistants from my previous school in Thailand are Filipinos. Filipinos are receiving recognition in different fields like health care, research, engineering, arts, music, and sports all over the world. So why don’t we have the facilities we helped create in other countries?
Brain Drain and the Philippine Health Care
Many bright Filipino professionals are leaving, and I don’t blame them. Who doesn’t want greener pastures?
One government official claimed that the brain drain is a myth and that we always had an ample supply of doctors and nurses. Maybe we do, but the government is not hiring them. Or if they hire them, they have to know someone from the inside or someone from the government.
During my years as a nursing student, we had our clinical rotations at different hospitals in CAR, Region I, and Region 3. I had my student nursing duty in at least 10 hospitals. I have seen the health care staff shortage first-hand. It was not unusual to see one nurse catering to 50 patients. There was this hospital with only one doctor hopping from special areas to the wards.
