QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Private hospitals will cover the expenses of nurses who will participate in the board review for the board exams in exchange for a promise that they will first serve the government.

This, according to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa who shared his plan to hire unlicensed nurses in public hospitals, as long as they pass the board exam within the given time.

"Lumapit sa akin ang private sector, sila na raw ang magbibigay ng scholarship sa mga nurse na hindi makapasa kung iha-hire sila doon sa position na ‘yun. (The private sector has approached me, they said they will give scholarships to nurses who do not pass the board if they are hired there for that position.) ," said Herbosa.

Tuition fees at review centers cost P25,000, which many nursing graduates cannot afford.

Upon passing the board, a licensed nurse must sign a four-year service agreement at a public hospital before they are allowed to go abroad.

Currently, there are 4,500 vacant plantilla positions for nurses in 70 DOH hospitals.

Nursing graduates can earn from P35,000 to P40,000 starting salary, and will increase if promoted especially after passing the board exam. (PIA-NCR)