Health Workers Unite Against “Cancerous” Corruption in Philippine Healthcare
Health Workers Unite Against “Cancerous” Corruption in Philippine Healthcare
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MANILA — Over 1,000 health workers staged simultaneous protests across Metro Manila last week, denouncing what they described as “cancerous” corruption in government and its devastating impact on the country’s public healthcare system.
The demonstrations, organized by the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW), took place at the Department of Health (DOH) central office and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals joined forces to mark the Health Sector Day of Action Against Corruption, demanding accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
Protesters highlighted allegations of “ghost” super health centers—facilities supposedly completed by 2024 but never materialized—as emblematic of systemic misuse of resources. They called for the redirection of funds toward essential services such as hospital infrastructure, medicines, and staffing.
AHW leaders emphasized that corruption not only drains billions from the health budget but also directly undermines patient care. “Every peso lost to corruption is a life denied proper treatment,” one speaker declared during the rally.
The protests also underscored the broader Trillion Peso March Movement, a nationwide campaign demanding accountability for large-scale plunder and stronger citizen oversight of government spending.
Why This Matters
Why This Matters
Hospital impact: Corruption erodes funding for equipment, medicines, and staff salaries.
Patient care: Delays in infrastructure projects mean fewer beds and longer waiting times.
Public trust: Transparency is essential to restore confidence in the healthcare system.
The protests signal a growing wave of civic action, with health workers positioning themselves not just as caregivers but as watchdogs for integrity in public health governance.
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