PAGADIAN CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) – Some 180 registered
nurses and midwives are set to be deployed this month in the different
communities in Zamboanga del Sur under the RN HEALS program of the Department
of Health (DOH).
DOH-9 Regional Director Teogenes F. Baluma said his
office has scheduled a pre-deployment orientation for these nurses and midwives
on January 17-19, 2013 at Hotel Guillermo this city.
RN HEALS, an acronym for Registered Nurses for Health
Enhancement and Local Service, is expected to address the shortage of skilled
and experienced nurses in rural and un-served or underserved communities for a
period of one year.
The project seeks to make essential health services
available to all Filipinos by training and deploying unemployed nurses in
communities identified by the DOH in collaboration with the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
While on deployment, they will be given a monthly allowance
of P8,000 by the DOH while the local government unit (LGU) where they are
assigned shall supervise them, ensure their safety and security, and provide
modest board and lodging. LGUs are also encouraged to provide additional
allowances and benefits worth at least P2,000 for these nurses, Baluma said.
Meanwhile, DOH-CHD Team Leader for Zamboanga del Sur
Engr. Wilfredo Casas said, the 180 accepted nurses represent Batch 4 for the
Rural Health Team Placement Program (RHTPP) cum training for deployment in the
province this month. (FPG/CAL/PIA9)