Gordon proposes training non-medical Filipinos as vaccinators

Senator Richard Gordon has proposed to train more Filipinos, including those without medical backgrounds, to become vaccinators as the Philippines prepares to launch its COVID-19 vaccination program.

Gordon plans to file a bill that would institutionalize the training of vaccinators during emergencies and even in normal times, citing dentists, veterinarians, and medical technologists as potential candidates.

He suggested that young individuals with aspirations of becoming doctors could gain practical experience in vaccination under clinical supervision.

The senator raised concerns about the Department of Health's (DOH) capacity to handle the vaccination drive, noting the limited number of available healthcare workers.

According to DOH data presented during the hearing, only 617,239 healthcare workers are available to participate in the immunization campaign.