Cebu, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government is preparing to partner with nursing schools across the province to strengthen hospital staffing and healthcare delivery. Nursing interns will soon assist in provincial and district hospitals, helping to ease a manpower shortage that has strained services for years.
Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan confirmed that several schools had already expressed interest in joining the program. Interns will gain valuable experience while hospitals receive additional support.
“This initiative will complement the ongoing mass hiring of medical professionals by the Capitol. Our goal is to maximize every opportunity to improve healthcare delivery for Cebuanos,” Catalan said.
A Persistent Workforce Shortage
Government-run hospitals in Cebu have struggled with limited staff for decades. Doctors and nurses often handle overwhelming caseloads, especially in rural areas where recruitment and retention are harder.
The Department of Health (DOH) estimates that the country lacks more than 114,000 nurses. Cebu, home to over five million residents, feels this gap strongly, with smaller hospitals sometimes running on skeletal teams (DOH).
By allowing interns to serve in hospitals, Capitol hopes to provide immediate relief for staff while giving students hands-on training.
Mass Hiring Already in Motion
The Provincial Government is also hiring new healthcare workers.
- Twelve doctors have already been deployed to various hospitals.
- Additional hires include specialists, nurses, radiologic technologists, and medical technologists.
- Recruitment is ongoing to expand coverage in both district and provincial facilities.
Dr. Catalan explained that interns will not take the place of licensed professionals. Instead, they will handle supervised tasks, allowing staff to focus on complex cases.
First Run: Danao City Medical Mission
The program has already been tested. During a recent medical and surgical mission at the Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH) in Danao City, nursing interns from Colegio de San Antonio de Padua assisted doctors and nurses.
Interns helped with patient preparation, documentation, and post-procedure care. Hospital staff said their presence made the mission smoother and allowed them to accommodate more patients.
Officials believe this trial shows how partnerships with schools can work in the long term.
Healthcare as Gov. Baricuatro’s Priority
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro has placed healthcare at the center of her administration’s agenda.
- Infrastructure upgrades are underway in hospitals across Cebu.
- Private-sector partnerships, such as the Chong Hua Hospital Multi-Specialty Charity Clinic, are expanding access to specialized care.
- Mobile programs like Serbisyo Karaban bring essential services to remote barangays.
The governor has repeatedly said that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that no Sugboanon should be left behind. This new initiative with nursing schools reflects that vision.
Benefits for Schools and Students
The partnership is not just about hospitals — it also benefits nursing schools.
- Students get real-world experience in hospitals.
- Training aligns better with actual workplace demands.
- Interns are exposed to rural health challenges, helping shape more adaptable graduates.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) encourages schools to integrate community service into training programs, especially in health-related courses (CHED). Cebu’s approach could serve as a model for other provinces.
Keeping the Program Safe and Fair
Experts stress that the program must be carefully managed. Clear safeguards are needed to protect both students and patients.
- Interns must always work under supervision.
- Tasks should match their training level.
- Agreements between schools and Capitol should define responsibilities and limits.
- Monitoring systems must be in place to track performance and outcomes.
Done right, the initiative could become a best practice for public–academic collaboration in healthcare.
Impact on Communities
For patients, the program could mean shorter waiting times and better care. For hospital staff, it offers relief from heavy workloads. Rural hospitals, often operating with too few hands, stand to benefit the most.
“With nursing interns supporting daily operations, our hospitals will be able to serve more patients, especially in the far-flung areas,” Dr. Catalan explained.
Conclusion
Cebu’s move to integrate nursing interns into provincial and district hospitals shows how creative partnerships can solve persistent problems. By combining mass hiring with educational collaboration, Capitol strengthens healthcare delivery and prepares the next generation of nurses.
For Governor Pamela Baricuatro, the initiative reflects her administration’s belief that healthcare access must reach every Sugboanon. If successful, Cebu may set an example for the rest of the Philippines — proving that with collaboration, even a workforce crisis can be turned into an opportunity.
