THE COMMISSION on Higher Education has allowed two state universities and colleges in Tagbilaran, Bohol and Cagayan de Oro City to offer Doctor of Medicine program.

CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III said Monday that the Commission approved the application of the Bohol Island State University and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines to offer the Doctor of Medicine programs after the two schools complied with the requirements.

The two SUCs can start accepting medical students this coming school year. The schools will be evaluated after two years.

“The approval to operate the Doctor of Medicine program in BISU and USTP expands the opportunities for the poor but deserving students through scholarship support under the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act,” De Vera said in a statement.

“Now we can produce more doctors through our top SUCs, who will go to underserved areas and local governments in need of health personnel,” he added.

De Vera said that in the past year, CHED has increased the number of HEIs offering medical programs from 8 to 17.

“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,” he said.

RA 11509 or 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 program for deserving students in SUCs or in partner private HEIs in regions where no SUCs offer a medical course.

Bohol 1st District of Rep. Edgar Chatto welcomed CHED’s decision to allow BISU to offer a medical program.

“The opening of the medical school in BISU not only opens doors to deserving Boholano students who dream of becoming doctors but also contributes to the goal of upgrading Bohol’s health care system, complementing the modernization of our apex referral hospital – Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Complex,” Chatto said.