Omega Healthcare grows U.S.-licensed Filipino nurse workforce by 40%
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Omega Healthcare Philippines is expanding its pool of United States-licensed Filipino nurses by 40%, underscoring the rising global demand for outsourced healthcare services as providers grapple with persistent staffing shortages and increasing reliance on remote clinical support.
According to a report from BusinessWorld, the move reflects a broader shift in how healthcare systems, particularly in the United States, are addressing workforce gaps.
“This reflects the increasing demand for experienced clinicians who can support overseas healthcare providers while earning competitively at global rates,” said Henriech Libay, director of clinical services delivery at Omega Healthcare Philippines, in an e-mail interview with BusinessWorld.
Rising global demand drives outsourcing shift
Demand for nurses in the U.S. remains strong, with projections from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing estimating around 250,000 openings annually through 2030. At the same time, the World Health Organization has warned of a potential global shortfall of 11 million health workers by the end of the decade.
Against this backdrop, healthcare providers are increasingly turning to outsourcing partners rather than relying solely on overseas hiring.
“Instead of relying solely on overseas hiring, many providers are now working with partners that can deliver clinical and operational support remotely,” Libay said.
Filipino nurses continue to play a critical role in filling these gaps. They account for about 4% to 4.5% of registered nurses in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. Their reputation for strong clinical training and adaptability has sustained global demand.
“Filipino healthcare workers remain among the most sought-after globally because of their strong clinical training, English proficiency, and ability to adapt to international standards,” Libay said, adding that the model allows professionals to access global opportunities without leaving home.
AI reshapes healthcare roles and risks
The expansion also comes as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms healthcare delivery, creating new, technology-enabled roles. Libay said Filipino clinicians have “adapted well” to these changes, noting that “many roles today require not only medical knowledge but also familiarity with digital platforms.”
“Rather than replacing clinicians, AI is making their roles more specialized and increasingly dependent on experience and critical thinking,” he said.
However, the integration of AI has raised concerns over data security. A 2026 report by Netskope Threat Labs found that healthcare accounts for 89% of data policy violations linked to generative AI use, significantly higher than other industries.
The report also noted growing use of unmonitored personal AI tools among healthcare workers.
In response, organizations are rolling out secure, company-approved AI systems. “While building defenses against external threats is essential… addressing internal risk is equally important,” said Ray Canzanese, director of Netskope Threat Labs.
As outsourcing firms like Omega scale their operations, the convergence of global talent, remote service delivery, and AI-driven workflows signals a deeper transformation in healthcare outsourcing—one where efficiency, accessibility and security must evolve in tandem to meet the sector’s growing demands.
