The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has recently approved the application for government authority to operate the Doctor of Medicine program in two new state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Visayas and Mindanao. This development marks a significant milestone in making medical education more accessible to students in these regions.
The two SUCs that have been approved are the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran, Bohol, and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) in Cagayan de Oro City. With the addition of these institutions, the number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering medical programs has increased from 8 to 17 over the past year, as stated by CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera.
This expansion of medical education aligns with the implementation of Republic Act No. 11509, also known as the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Law.” The law aims to address the shortage of doctors in underserved areas by establishing a Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program for deserving students. Under this program, students from SUCs or partner private HEIs in regions where no SUCs offer a medical course can receive scholarship support.
The approval to operate the Doctor of Medicine program at BISU and USTP opens up new opportunities for poor but deserving students who aspire to become doctors. These students can now benefit from the scholarship support provided by the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act. The goal is to produce more doctors through top SUCs who will serve in underserved areas and local governments in need of healthcare professionals.
According to the Technical Panel for Medicine Chairperson Joselito Villaruz, both BISU and USTP have met all the minimum requirements to operate the Doctor of Medicine program. This means that these SUCs can start accepting students in the upcoming school year. After two years, they will be evaluated for Government Recognition, which will allow them to offer the full 4-year program.
The approval of CHED on the medical program of BISU has been met with great enthusiasm. 1st District of Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto expressed his gratitude to CHED, especially Chairman De Vera and Commissioner Mark Libre, for their guidance and support throughout BISU’s application process. He also congratulated BISU officials, led by President Anthony Penaso, and the technical team for achieving this significant milestone.
The opening of a medical school in BISU not only provides opportunities for deserving Boholano students to pursue their dream of becoming doctors but also contributes to the overall goal of upgrading Bohol’s healthcare system. This development complements the modernization efforts of Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex, Bohol’s apex referral hospital.
For students who are interested in applying for the MSRS program, admission is open in the following SUCs and private HEIs. These institutions now offer the Doctor of Medicine program, providing a pathway for aspiring doctors to receive quality education and contribute to the healthcare needs of underserved areas.
In conclusion, the approval of the Doctor of Medicine program in BISU and USTP by CHED is a significant step towards making medical education more accessible in Visayas and Mindanao. This expansion not only provides opportunities for deserving students but also addresses the need for doctors in underserved areas. Through the Doktor Para sa Bayan Law and the MSRS program, more doctors will be equipped to serve in communities that require healthcare professionals.
Source: https://ched.gov.ph/
