Philippine Midwives Demand Higher Pay and Legal Reforms Amid Critical Shortage
The Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Inc. (PLGPMI) has raised urgent concerns over the low salaries of midwives, despite their crucial role as the most visible healthcare workforce in local communities. This issue was highlighted during the 27th PLGPMI National General Assembly held recently, where leaders emphasized the financial struggles faced by these essential health professionals.
Inadequate Salaries Fail to Meet Family Needs
In a statement following the assembly, PLGPMI President Emeritus Cecille Santos revealed that monthly salaries for midwives currently range from Salary Grade 9 to Salary Grade 11, translating to approximately P21,129 to P27,000. Santos stressed that these amounts are insufficient to sustain a family of five, citing research from the IBON Foundation which shows the average daily living cost for such a family is around P1,200, or roughly P36,000 per month.
Santos advocated for a standard entry-level compensation of Salary Grade 13, equivalent to about P31,320, to better align with economic realities. This call for higher wages comes amid growing recognition of midwives' vital contributions to public health, particularly in underserved areas.
Severe Workforce Shortage Exacerbates Healthcare Gaps
Beyond low wages, Santos pointed to a critical shortage of midwives across the Philippines. She noted that there is a lack of individuals mandated to handle pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care, with midwives often overwhelmed by large catchment populations. The ideal ratio is one midwife per 5,000 people, but in the National Capital Region alone, a single midwife may serve up to 11,104 individuals, Santos explained.
Data from the Department of Health's Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) in 2024 underscores this shortage, showing that only 16,058 midwives work for various local government units, with an additional 5,541 employed by the DOH nationwide. This scarcity highlights systemic challenges in maternal healthcare delivery.
Pushing for Legislative Amendments to Modernize Midwifery
In response to these issues, PLGPMI is advocating for amendments to Republic Act 7392, also known as the Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992. The proposed changes aim to update midwifery practice to address current public health challenges, incorporate technological advancements, and align with international competencies.
PLGPMI believes these reforms are essential for closing persistent gaps in maternal healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities where midwives often serve as primary healthcare providers. By enhancing salaries and updating regulations, the organization hopes to attract more professionals to the field and improve health outcomes for families across the country.
