Filipino Nurses Losing Out to Chinese

MANILA - Filipino nurses, much sought after in American and British hospitals, appear to be losing their edge as these markets are now looking towards Chinese nurses.

The Manila Standard reported yesterday that according to the Federated Association of Manpower Exporters (Fame), Chinese nurses are now preferred especially since they have improved their proficiency in English.

The group has learnt of a recent recruitment of nurses from mainland China who have arrived in England to work in private nursing homes. One of their clients in the US has even issued a limitless order for more Chinese workers to fill the shortage of nurses and care assistants for the next five years.

More than 13,000 Filipino nurses moved overseas last year, helped mainly by their English proficiency.

But since China began setting up English schools for its 300,000 nurses, Filipinos have been losing their edge.

The association said the Chinese are set on conquering the market.

Apart from learning the host country's language, Chinese nurses are reportedly willing to pay higher placement fees under a salary deduction scheme.