SENATOR Richard Gordon urged the Professional Regulation Commission to explore the possibility of holding online examinations.

“The health and safety of both examinees and examiners are paramount. The PRC should also explore conducting the examinations online to minimize risks and prevent the possible spread of the virus,” Gordon said.

At the same time, he welcomed the decision of the PRC to reschedule the Nurses Licensure Examination from November to July 3 and 4. The exam was supposed to be held in May 2021 but was reset because of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.

Gordon earlier urged PRC Chairman Teofilo Pilando Jr. to allow the conduct of licensure examinations for doctors and nurses during the community quarantine period to boost the number of medical professionals monitoring and treating Covid19 patients.

“We certainly urgently need more physicians and nurses to give immediate medical attention to Covid19 patients. Conducting the licensure exams and having examinees and passers care for patients in medical facilities would significantly contribute to the improvement of our healthcare system,” the senator said.

He again called for policies that would support the welfare of healthcare workers, such as regular testing, provision of protective equipment, and the institutionalization of special risk allowance and compensation for the infected and deceased workers.