ILOILO – Some hospital workers in Iloilo Province have been serving for more than two decades without permanent positions or full benefits — a situation the government is now being urged to address as it marks the 2025 National Hospital Week.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias revealed during the Aug. 6 launch at the provincial capitol lobby that nearly half of the workforce in the province’s 13 government-run hospitals remain on contracts or job orders, despite years — sometimes decades — of service.
“There are employees who have dedicated 25 years of service to the hospital, yet many remain on a contractual basis,” Banias said, calling for an expansion of plantilla positions to stabilize the workforce and improve healthcare delivery.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. expressed support for the call, stressing that hospitals must receive a bigger share of the National Tax Allocation to meet growing demands for medical care.
While his administration sets aside funds annually to upgrade facilities, Defensor said more resources are needed to raise service standards and secure the welfare of both patients and personnel.
The launch, attended by Defensor, Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, and Provincial Board members Nielito Tupas and Rolando Distura, also featured an exhibit of core hospital services — from emergency care to maternal and child health — and the institutions’ milestones in serving Ilonggos.
As part of the celebration, the provincial government offered free health services at the capitol on Aug. 7, including medical check-ups, CBG monitoring, neurological screenings, HIV testing, and the distribution of wellness kits, underscoring its commitment to making healthcare accessible even to those who cannot afford it./PN
