Filipino medical workers warned vs seeking work in CNMI

MANILA -- The Labor department warned on Tuesday Filipino doctors, nurses and other professional medical workers against applying for jobs in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI).

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said latest reports indicate a dire economic situation in the US trust territory.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, citing a report of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Saipan, said possible opportunities for Filipino doctors and nurses at the lone hospital in the CNMI, the Commonwealth Health Center (CHC), may occur as the medical facility is beset with resignations and demoralized staff.

However, the report added that due to the gloomy economic situation in the CNMI, the CHC may not have the financial capacity to meet the payroll needs of new medical workers.

"Due to the current economic situation, Saipan, the capital of CNMI, may not anymore be a viable destination for medical workers, or any other skills categories for that matter," the report said.

The report further said there is in Saipan today a virtual standstill in the operations of CHC, with no official declaration of any shutdown of operations having been announced, but actual observation and news accounts still point to a de facto standstill at the facility. (SDR/Sunnex)