THE CEBU Normal University-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center will receive a grant ranging from P25 million to P30 million to jumpstart the operation of the school’s College of Medicine.

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero ‘Popoy’ De Vera said that the amount will be used to acquire equipment for CNU’s  medical program.

“The commission always thought that it was a very good fit between a university that has shown itself to be an excellent teacher training institution because we expect the same level of excellence when it opens a medical program, and of course for Vicente Sotto [VSMMC], because it has anchored healthcare in the region and has treated so many patients,” De Vera added.

Dr. Gerardo M. Aquino Jr., Medical Center Chief ll of VSMMC, stressed the need for more physicians in rural, underserved, and geographically isolated areas.

He said that Central Visayas also lacks doctors as the region only has a 3.1: 10,000 doctor to population ratio.

“CNU has the degree-granting authority while VSMMC has the expertise and facilities in training medical doctors. Where we lack, we complemented each other, making the partnership perfect,” Aquino said.

The partnership is in accordance with Republic Act 1159 or “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act” which allows qualified students to study medicine for free on the condition that they will serve in government hospitals in their hometowns after graduating.