MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), the country’s largest organization of nursing professionals, has officially expressed its strong support for Senate Bill No. 1764, also known as the “Nurse in Every Barangay Act.”
During a meeting with Senator Camille Villar on Monday, PNA National President Gian Carlo Torres, PhD, RN, emphasized that the measure is a critical step toward strengthening grassroots healthcare. The bill seeks to mandate the assignment of at least one registered nurse to every barangay in the Philippines to deliver essential primary healthcare services.
- Grassroots Healthcare: Providing immediate access to primary care, disease prevention, and health education within local communities.
- Stable Employment: Creating permanent plantilla positions at the local government level, offering stable jobs and professional growth for Filipino nurses.
- Scalable Support: Allowing local government units (LGUs) to deploy additional nurses based on population size and specific community health needs.
Senator Villar highlighted that the bill not only addresses the healthcare needs of Filipinos but also provides meaningful opportunities for local professionals. “This measure aims to provide our nurses with opportunities to serve while ensuring that Filipino communities have access to reliable healthcare,” she stated.
The PNA also discussed further initiatives with the Senator to advance the welfare and career development of nurses, including stronger support systems and professional growth opportunities within the healthcare sector. Villar welcomed the PNA’s backing, noting that investing in the nursing workforce is essential for national development and a more robust healthcare delivery system.