Regulatory framework for task shifting in health-care system needed

The Philippines faces a challenge in its pursuit of universal health care, particularly in rural and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, where access to essential services is impeded by the shortage and maldistribution of health-care professionals.

The growing burden of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, warrants the implementation of innovative solutions. It is in this context that the World Health Organization has endorsed task shifting, which involves reallocating tasks from doctors to other health workers, such as nurses.

It promises not only to solve immediate issues in the health-care system but also to catalyze the evolution of nursing practice. By expanding the roles of nurses, we can significantly enhance the accessibility, equity, and quality of health-care services in unserved and underserved settings.

However, the journey toward the integration of task shifting into the health-care system is upset by many issues. Task shifting, while informally implemented, highlights the need for formal policies to ensure safety and accountability. The proven acceptance of task shifting among health-care professionals and patients is a welcome sign. However, concerns about overburdening nurses and potential issues with care quality must be addressed through the creation of regulatory frameworks, comprehensive training, and certification programs. There is also a need to update pre-service education and ensure adequate resources and infrastructure to optimize task shifting. More importantly, stakeholders must be engaged in the design and implementation of this strategy to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.

Task shifting presents a promising strategy for overcoming service delivery challenges in rural areas. While this approach optimizes the existing health workforce, it also paves the way for a more collaborative, efficient, and equitable health service delivery. Thus, policymakers should play their role in embracing and implementing these recommendations to make significant improvements toward achieving universal health care for all Filipinos.

Reiner Lorenzo Tamayo, renztamayo@gmail.com