Honor nurses’ work, don’t trade them off for vaccines

It is high time we showed our appreciation for our nurses. It is unfortunate that they are sometimes known only as side characters or “katulong” of doctors and, lately, misconceptualized as commodities for vaccine trade-off.

While the government is earnest in its effort to improve the lot of nurses like increasing their take-home pay, it should do more to get rid of the stigma that renders our nurses undervalued. Just like senior citizens and persons with disabilities, they should be given a 20-percent discount on the sale of specific goods and services to be implemented only during the time of pandemic. Topnotchers in the nursing licensure examinations can be given financial incentives, and scholarship grants for those who want to become medical doctors.

Our nurses continue to risk their lives to save the lives of others. Instead of compounding their grueling work by undervaluing them, let us appreciate their sacrifices, and encourage and support them.

REGINALD B. TAMAYO
[email protected]