MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) said it was looking into a “targeted” lifting of the moratorium on new nursing programs in the country, recognizing the need for more healthcare personnel amid the pandemic.
CHEd chair Prospero de Vera III explained that the commission has been discussing the issue since last month.
He said data from the Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Employment showed the need to act on the issue.
De Vera said they could allow the opening of nursing programs in the geographic areas where COVID-19 was prevalent because ugraded government health facilities would need additional health personnel.
In 2010, the CHEd declared a moratorium on new programs in business administration, nursing, teacher education, hotel and restaurant management, and information technology.