Tuesday, January 23, 2007 City dad wants vocational nursing practice recognized By Carlo P. Mallo
DAVAO City Councilor Pilar Braga is seeking an amendment to Republic Act 9173, otherwise known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.
Health care professionals, led by Philippine Paramedical and Technical School president Arturo Lacuesta, has clamored for the government to recognize and allow the practice of practical or vocational nurses.
RA 9173 only recognizes registered nurses as capable of entering the health care sector.
"There is a great need for practical nurses in our country alone, and unlike registered nurses, this is more viable it would only require 15 months of schooling," Braga said.
Braga added that it is high time for the government to reconsider and make changes in the health care sector.
In a press conference, Lacuesta said the country should start "integrating practical nursing into the country, as we are already sending batches of practical nurses to first-world countries such as Canada, the US, and New Zealand."
The Philippine Paramedical and Technical School of Davao is the pioneering school to offer practical nursing course in the country.
