Nurses and the Filipino Nurses United (FNU) expressed their grievances regarding Laguna governor Gov. Sol Aragones’ policy which prohibits “mataray” (discourteous) health workers inside hospitals and health facilities in the province. Aragones’s policy has sparked a heated debate that blamed nurses and their “unprofessional” behavior at work.
The policy reportedly aims to prohibit health workers’ discourteous, disrespectful, or impolite behavior toward patients. It also pushed for nurses to constantly serve patients with smiles, respect, and compassion. Violators will face appropriate penalties.
“As a national labor association of nurses, Filipino Nurses United (FNU) does not condone unprofessional behavior. But we understand where the frustration stems from,” the group stated. According to FNU, it is unrealistic to expect warmth in a hospital or health facility marked by exploitation and chronic neglect of health workers’ grievances.
The group explained that people should understand the context of each nurse in public hospitals who attends to 20 patients during a 12-16 hour shift, juggling multiple roles due to understaffing. “Overtime becomes routine. Days off are often canceled,” FNU said.
The group of nurses also pointed out their very low salaries, which are far below living wage. “When she/he dares to voice her/his concerns, she/he risks being reprimanded—or worse, red-tagged,” FNU added.
The group believes that being “mataray” (discourteous) is not ideal, but neither is the indifference of authorities who perpetuate a toxic workplace through underfunding, poor governance, and neglect. “The real failure lies with those responsible for ensuring decent working conditions, fair pay, and dignity for nurses—and yet do nothing,” FNU stated.
FNU expressed great disappointment when Department of Health (DoH) secretary Sec. Teodoro Herbosa supported and applauded Laguna’s policy. Herbosa even said that the department would study the policy and consider implementing it nationwide.
Sen. Ramon Tulfo also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that health workers who are dissatisfied and struggling with their jobs should just resign. “Truth be told, Tulfo’s resignation call no longer needs to be issued. It’s already happening,” FNU said. Many young and seasoned nurses are leaving en masse for jobs abroad where their skills are respected and properly compensated.
“Beware what you wish for. The exodus is real,” FNU added. Even the secretary of the DoH has issued a statement urging nurses to stay in the country, but this remains hollow amid continued neglect of health workers.
The group of nursing students, Philippine Nursing Students’ Association-National, also expressed concerns about the policy.
According to the group, “it is the government’s duty to ensure that citizens enjoy the right to health and the highest standard of care… the people’s health depends on the good and humane conditions of our health workers, so the government must provide full support to ensure that they, too, are cared for and protected.”
