Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 19) — The German government said that it is ready to assist the Philippine government in training and even supporting the education of aspiring healthcare professionals as the demand for Filipino nurses in Europe continues.
In a one-on-one interview with CNN Philippines, German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel said it is only right for the Philippines to ask recruiting countries to invest in education of future healthcare workers.
“Germany is open to this, but we are already doing something similar in this regard,” said Reiffenstuel.
The envoy mentioned the Global Skills Partnership launched by Germany in Ilocos Norte wherein they funded the training of Ilocano nurses to boost their chances of landing jobs in Germany.
“The approach is we train the healthcare workers for their jobs and they can decide whether they want to migrate or continue working here. I think it’s a win-win situation and I think it’s understandable that the Philippines requests the countries that are recruiting to also contribute and do invest in the Philippines,” she added.
Germany will not contribute to PH ‘brain drain’ problem
Germany also refuted the claims that the aggressive hiring of Filipino nurses to European countries is contributing to the ‘brain drain’ problem.
Brain drain is a migration phenomenon wherein highly-skilled professionals leave their country for better opportunities elsewhere.
“The German government will only work with other countries and recruit from other countries when we will not contribute to a country’s brain drain. So, the Philippines is a top partner and I think one of the largest countries that we recruit from because the Philippines trains more nurses or healthcare workers than the number that are required in the Philippines,” Reiffenstuel explained.
Germany needs some 2,000 healthcare workers every year due to their aging population.
“Social security, the integration process, the opportunity to bring your family, benefits to schools and healthcare, Germany has been a welcoming place, environment for healthcare workers,” she added.
Envoy says EU decision on Filipino seafarers put more ‘pressure’ to improve industry
Germany is among countries which welcomed the decision of the European Union to continue recognizing certificates issued to Filipino seafarers which averted a crisis where the jobs of 50,000 officers and crew members would have been at risk.
But for Reiffenstuel, the education and training for seafarers should never stop and there should be no room for complacency.
“It’s a win-win situation for both the Philippines and the EU but with that success we have to continue to work and qualify the seafarers. It’ s a process that requires both the Philippines and partners to work together to guarantee that they are qualified,” she said.
