More schools to offer medical courses
THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has increased the number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering medical programs.
CHED chairman Popoy De Vera said that from eight to 17 were added over the past year after the Commission approved Doctor of Medicine programs in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
The expansion of medical education will “facilitate the implementation” of Republic Act No. 11509 or “An Act Establishing a Medical Scholarship and Return Service program for Deserving Students.”
Under RA 11509 or popularly known as the Doktor Para sa Bayan Law aims to increase the number of doctors who will serve in far-flung areas by establishing a Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program.
The program for deserving students in SUCs or in partner private HEIs in regions where no SUCs offer a medical course.
CHED approved the application for government authority to operate the Doctor of Medicine program of two new compliant SUCs namely the Bohol Island State University (BISU) in Tagbilaran, Bohol, and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), Cagayan de Oro City.
These SUCs which were approved can accept students this coming school year and will be evaluated after two years for their Government Recognition, which will entitle them to offer the full four-year program.
