What is it about?
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the shortage of healthcare workers in the Philippines. Our study surveyed 70 individuals who quit their hospital work as healthcare professionals. The top reasons for quitting were work overload/burnout, stress, and low pay. Fear of COVID-19 only ranked fifth among the top reasons for quitting. The healthcare workers stated that increased salary, non-salary incentives, positive workplace culture, opportunities for career advancement, and workplace safety may encourage them to stay and/or return to working as healthcare workers.
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Why is it important?
By understanding the perspectives of healthcare workers who resigned, stakeholders—including ministries of health, policymakers, hospital administrators, and health worker unions — can better understand the underlying reasons behind their decisions and take into account the interventions they proposed to improve retention in the health workforce.
Perspectives
I hope this article serves as a catalyst for meaningful action in addressing the healthcare workforce crisis. The shortage of healthcare workers is not just a policy issue—it’s a human one. Behind every uniform is a person who deserves rest, respect, and support. It’s time we move beyond calling them heroes and start creating workplaces where they no longer need to be.
Christl Jan Tiu
University of the Philippines Manila
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Leaving the health workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study among Filipino healthcare workers, PLOS Global Public Health, October 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004861.
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