Health workers and their unions protested on November 21 in solidarity with the growing protest movement against nationwide corruption. The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) and Filipino Nurses United (FNU) led the protest actions.

In Manila, nurses, doctors, health professionals, and health students gathered to protest in front of the Department of Health (DOH). They condemned the rampant government corruption and the neglect and disregard of the DOH and the Marcos regime toward the country’s healthcare system.

According to the health workers, corruption not only erodes the sector’s confidence and morale but also deprives the people of their right to free, quality, and affordable healthcare.

They also called for an investigation into the DOH regarding the reported unfinished Super Health Centers. They expressed concern about the Commission on Audit’s annual reports on the stockpiles of expired medicine at the DOH that no longer benefit the people. They demanded the temporary removal of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa from office. Herbosa is reportedly involved in several anomalies, including the misuse of funds.

In Quezon City, nurses, health students, and health workers formed a human chain and held a noise barrage in front of Trinity University Asia. Several leaders and seminarians of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines also participated.

Health workers’ unions from the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and Bacolod Doctors’ Hospital in Bacolod City, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center in Baguio City also joined the protest day.

The health workers’ action links with the weekly Black Friday Protest against corruption launched by the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK, or People’s Movement Against Corruption). Health workers groups will rejoin the KBKK-led national protest on November 30. The major demonstration will be held at Luneta Park in the event called Baha sa Luneta 2.0.