This study analyzes the decent work situation of healthcare workers in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao hospitals. Data gathered reflects the perspectives of both employers and workers. The analysis of the decent work situation from the establishment-based hospital survey shows that a competitive compensation and benefits scheme remains a significant challenge in the healthcare industry and serves as labor migration's most dominant push factor.
Moreover, the analysis of the online interviews that gathered employees' insights and experiences shows that concerns about compensation and benefits likewise remain a key concern among healthcare workers. Ultimately, the study recommends that for the healthcare sector to sustain its resilience and empower its workforce, it must: (1) strengthen digital health workforce education and training; (2) reinforce a competency framework for domestic health systems and the international health labor market; (3) maximize the role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in decentralization and health service delivery; (4) impose a competitive, equitable, and decent salary structure designed for growth; (5) intensify labor education and encourage active participation in policy and decision-making process; (6) boost the role and functions of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in enforcing compliance with labor standards; (7) institutionalize the Social Protection Floor (SPF) and ensure the adequacy of benefits; and (8) introduce support programs for PWDs, indigenous, and vulnerable/precarious healthcare workers.
KEYWORDS: healthcare, health labor market, human resource for health, decent work, working conditions
RESEARCHERS: Estrella Raymond R., Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr., Miraluna S. Tacadao, Ronell J. Delerio, Malorie Joy O. Mones, Cesar A. Mansal, John Emmanuel B. Villanueva, and Athena Mari E. Son