SENATOR Richard Gordon on Thursday congratulated the country’s newly licensed physicians and reminded them to “genuinely serve” the people especially amid the Covid19 pandemic.

“I commend and congratulate our new licensed doctors who just passed the licensure exam,” Gordon said.

“Your role during this public health emergency became more critical and I encourage each and every one of you to remain steadfast in your efforts to become leaders of the new generation of front liners who will genuinely serve to address the needs of the people and our country,” he added.

A total of 1,677 doctors passed the recent Physician’s Licensure Exam held in the National Capital Region from October 30 to November 2.

On September 29, Gordon urged the Professional Regulation Commission to reschedule the postponed PLE in Metro Manila to November this year as the country is in dire need for additional health workers.

“We thank the earnest efforts of the PRC, particularly in ensuring that medical front liners fighting the Covid19 pandemic would have some respite with the entry of new blood into the medical profession,” he said.

Gordon reiterated that healthcare workers — whether hospital or clinic maintenance staff, ‘kumadronas’  in the barrios, nurses or specialist doctors — should be fully supported by the private and public sectors, specifically the government.