Lanao Sur nurses' kin fear for their safety

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Parents of some volunteer nurses deployed to Lanao del Sur under the government’s Nurses Assigned in Rural Areas (NARS) project are fearing for their safety and are asking local health authorities to let them serve in safer places.

This, following the recent gang-rape in South Upi, Maguindanao of a volunteer nurse, who suffered paralysis due to severe head injuries she sustained in the attack.

Nurses here and in other parts of Lanao del Sur staged a rally recently to condemn the attack on their fellow nurse.

Because of the incident, Dr. Alinader Minalang, chief of the province’s Integrated Health Office, said parents of some nurses are now seeking new assignments for their children. 

“It pains us that such an unfortunate incident happens to nurses who are here to serve the needs of the public,” said Minalang.

He said local health authorities are coordinating with local governments, the police and military to ensure the safety of volunteer nurses serving in far-flung areas.

NARS is a joint project of the departments of health and labor to bring health care services to remote communities.