Filipino doctors becoming nurses abroad

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A growing number of doctors in the Philippines are foregoing their credentials and stature in order to seek a new life abroad as nurses.

With more doctors leaving the Philippines to seek more profitable employment abroad, the Asian island nation has been left with a dangerously low number of qualified medical personnel, The Sunday Manila Times reported.

But Thursday, the top Cuban diplomat in the Philippines offered hope to the struggling country in the form of potential new doctors.

According to Cuban Ambassador to Manila Jorge Rey Jimenez, his country has an abundance of qualified doctors and could send them to the Philippines if allowed.

Jimenez told the Manila Times the Filipino government, including President Gloria Arroyo, had not reacted to his country's medical assistance.

"We have offered (them) to the Philippines, but your government has yet to make its move," the ambassador said.