The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) on Thursday rejected Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello's proposal to scrap "expensive" licensure exams, as it stressed the need to ensure the competence of healthcare workers.
Bello earlier told the PNA and the Board of Nursing that it was too time-consuming and expensive for aspiring nurses and lawyers to undergo another round of examinations when students already go through numerous academic tests from schools accredited by the Commission on Education (CHEd).
"Kailangan talaga ang board exam, it should ensure the public that health professional are competent enough to do their duties and responsibilities," PNA President Melbert Reyes told DZBB.
"Bababa po ang quality actually kapag hindi tayo nag-board exam, bababa ang level natin," he said.
On Wednesday, Bello quoted from his conversation with nurses groups: "Sabi ko, alam mo why don't you recommend na we do away with the examination? Bakit kailangan pa ng examination? Why don't we do away with the Bar?... May four years pre-law, four years proper. Dadaan ka sa rigorous scrutiny, graduate ka as a LLB (Bachelor of Laws), 'tas dadaan ka pa sa Bar?"
Bello said he would recommend it as his "pet bill" should he run for Congress.